• Weekly Information: I plan to post redistricting updates each Wednesday on the Hot Topics Blog. I realize updated, frequent information is important in helping people to understand the significance of the pending budget shortfall.
• Community Meetings: The Board of Education has directed me to conduct public hearings/information sessions in all communities that could be affected by any possible changes. After the February 14th Board of Education meeting, when I have concluded budget calculations and the impact of these reductions on the K-8 and small schools, we will hold community meetings to share the information.
• Rumor About Closing Schools: We are not considering closing any of our traditional schools. (SAGE Academy currently receives a great deal of federal and grant funding that will not be available for future budgets. These financial concerns may cause the district to have to change its alternative program services, though we are required by state law to have an alternative program.)
• When a Final Decision Will Be Made: The Board of Education is only gathering information at this point and has not made a final decision regarding redistricting. Budget and logistical deadlines would necessitate a decision being made by the end of March, 2011.
• Some Public Opinion that a Redistricting/Reconfiguration Plan for Some Schools Was Done in Private Without Public Knowledge or Input: The discussion about redistricting started last winter and was in relationship to better balancing the schools in the Northwood attendance district after opening Margaret Pollard Middle School. The Board of Education delayed any action until Pollard actually opened. Consideration for expanding redistricting countywide became a consideration more recently as we began learning details about anticipated budget cuts for the 2011-2012 school year.
• 2011-2012 Budget Shortfall: Chatham County Schools is facing an estimated $4.5 million budget deficit facing the school system next school year. This loss of funding is due to the estimated $3.5 to $4 billion state budget shortfall. School systems around the country and state will be hardest hit by the recession next year. For the past two years the federal government has bailed out education. Chatham County Schools presently has 101 employees paid from federal stimulus money. This funding will sunset this year, and there is no discussion by Congress to continue or allocate additional money. While studying redistricting possibilities, it was determined that between $675,000 and $1 million could be saved by reconfiguring our schools from the present seven different grade configurations to only three (PreK-5, 6-8 and 9-12). The first time the Board of Education received any information about this was Friday, January 14, during our midyear retreat. Information shared during the retreat included an updated Operations Research and Education Laboratory (OREd) report, possible redistricting information for the Northwood attendance district, and a proposal to reconfigure our schools to PreK-5, 6-8, 9-12. This information was posted on the school district's webpage during the week prior to the board retreat. You can still review the proposal on our webpage. (Link to that agenda and meeting files: http://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/board/meetings/2010-2011/Mid-Year_Retreat_01_14_11/agenda.htm) The Board directed me to further study the probable impact of the pending state education budget reductions on the school system.
• Concern Over Loss of Programs, Services & Staff: The pending $4.5 million budget reduction will result in the loss of staff, loss of services, and loss of programs in all of our schools. Since small schools cost more to staff and operate there is the real possibility that our small schools or our K-8 schools may not be able to offer the same programs and services as the larger schools. It is a matter of economy of scale. Our schools receive a strong level of parental and community support. The small schools provide a level of comfort and familiarity for children and parents. However, budget reductions will surely result in a loss of all or a portion of services and programs such as instrumental and vocal music (band and chorus), art, foreign language (Spanish), Academically Intellectually Gifted services, Career and Technical Education, and others. I have not concluded my calculations on all the positions and services, but I am confident other areas will be affected.
Please continue to read our Hot Topics Blog posts on the topic of redistricting.
