Title
Receive Presentation on proposed updated local supplement model for Chatham County Schools
Abstract
Action Requested: Receive Presentation on proposed updated local supplement model for Chatham County Schools
Introduction & Background: During the FY 2021 budget preparation process, County and Schools staff agreed that the existing supplement funding model was not sustainable over the long-term and agreed to collaboratively work on a new model that would be financially sustainable. The proposed model represents the results of that collaborative working group and, if acceptable to both the Board of Education and Board of Commissioners, will be utilized when creating the FY 2023 operating budget.
Discussion & Analysis: During the FY 2021 budget preparation process, Schools staff brought the issue of continued sustainability to the attention of County staff. Both groups agreed that the current supplement funding model would not be sustainable due to many factors that impact the model being outside of the control of either CCS or Chatham County - specifically the rate at which the school system’s retirement rates were increasing and the rate/frequency of teacher salary increases (both determined at the state level). Both parties agreed to place a “hold” on further supplement increases until a new, sustainable, model could be developed.
County and Schools staff began working on a new/updated model in February of 2020, but with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic (and the associated financial uncertainty) the County and Schools mutually agreed to continue with the previously implemented “hold”. A confluence of events - including the continued pandemic, the school system pivoting to virtual learning for much of the 2020-2021 school year, and the County’s cyber incident - stifled the ability of the staff working group to meet and develop proposals during FY 2021. As a result, both parties agreed to another “hold” in FY 2022 with the understanding that it would be the final year that the hold would be in place and that a new model would be prepared for implementation in the FY 2023 operating budget.
The proposed model was developed by a working group consisting of County and Schools budget and finance staff and was presented to the County Manager and the Superintendent for their feedback. The working group feels that this model will be a more financially sustainable option, while also meeting all the stated goals of what both the Schools and County would like to see.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: A competitive local supplement is a key tool in recruiting and retaining quality staff for Chatham County Schools, which are needed to continue to provide access to high quality public education.
Budgetary Impact: There is no budgetary impact in the current fiscal year (FY 2022). The additional impact in next fiscal year (FY 2023) is estimated at an additional $800,000 over the current budget amount.
Recommendation: Receive presentation on proposed supplement model and provide feedback to staff.