Few address CC school board on reconfiguration of schools, FY15-16 budget

With a modest attendance of 30 people, only a handful took the opportunity to speak during Charles City School Board’s public hearings Tuesday night.

School board members prepared to address questions and concerns of citizens relating to a reconfiguration of schools and a proposed $10.1 million FY2015-16 budget outlined by superintendent of schools David Gaston that was presented last December.

Gaston opened the meeting with the first public hearing focused on a proposed reconfiguration of schools for Charles City. A recommendation would have the current elementary school host grades Pre-K to sixth, while the current middle/high school complex would become a high school and be the home of grades 7-12.

The superintendent said the reconfiguration will help balance the number of pupils in each school, with a projected 375 for the elementary school (including Pre-K) and 335 for the high school. The move also allots for each school to have one principal and assistant principal, thus eliminating one administrative position.

Gaston emphasized to the public the relocation also has many educational benefits as recommended by the state’s board of education.

“Sixth graders in the elementary school will still have exploratory classes such as foreign language and chorus,” the superintendent commented. “Today’s data and focus on a student’s success begins in the seventh grade and this reconfiguration demonstrates that.

“State standards require all seventh graders to have a six-year graduation plan,” Gaston continued. “I believe this move will allow a guidance counselor to sit down with each student and individually develop a plan.

“We’re not losing any programs with the changes, and we are looking to build coursework,” he concluded.

After the superintendent’s presentation, two people addressed school board members about the proposal. While neither objected, both questioned feasibility of the move.

“How are we going to support teachers if the sixth graders move?” asked K. Lara Templin, concerned about how courses such as band and foreign languages would be taught at the elementary school. “Our band teacher has done a great job building that program.”

“Will the elementary school have space to hold the sixth graders?” questioned regular meeting attendee Almeda Tyler.

After the public comment period closed, Gaston answered both ladies’ questions, reassuring that the process has been thorough when addressing those matters.

“With the staggered start times of schools, it will allow for travel time for those teachers,” the superintendent replied. “Block scheduling in the high school will allow some of that extra time and flexibility for teachers who may have a class in the elementary school.

“We have adequate space in the elementary for the sixth graders,” Gaston said, addressing Tyler’s concerns. “We intend to use every inch of that space that is available.”

A second public hearing opened to address Gaston’s $10.1 million proposed budget. Highlights of the budget include increasing the school year to 180 days, the addition of a pre-K class, a two-percent salary raise for employees, restoration of a full-time nursing position, and restructuring and reconfiguration of county schools and school board offices.

After receiving comments that included maintaining spots for two governors’ schools and the extension of the number of days, school board members spoke about the recommendations.

“I support the reconfiguration of schools,” said District 3 member Martha Harris. “I agree that career readiness starts at earlier ages and a plan should be in place.

“I am elated to see the pre-K and nurse position restored as well,” she concluded.

“Our employees definitely need a raise,” chimed in at-large member Preston Adkins. “I am hopeful these proposals pass, and I am also glad positions won’t be at stake.”

At-large member Steve Fuhrmann indicated his pleasure with the results and process for the FY2015-16 budget.

“This is the least controversial public hearing I have been in,” Fuhrmann said. “I am very supportive and pleased about the reconfiguration and restructuring.”

School board chairwoman Helen Payne-Jones ended board members’ comments, addressing the desire to get back items cut in last year’s budget.

“I know Dr. Gaston and [interim finance director] Sheila Minor worked hard to get back some of the things we lost last year,” the chairwoman said. “This is a budget of need and it reflects that.”

School board members could vote at their Feb. 17 meeting to approve the budget and reconfiguration of schools. An additional public hearing on the school’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will also be heard at 7 p.m., prior to the board’s regular meeting.