2006-02-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, February 17, 2006 AT 12:00 noon IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Luncheon meeting with School Board BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – February 17, 2006 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Mr. Lynch. Absent: Ms. Hamilton and Mr. Schilling. Ms. Julie Gronlund, School Board Chair, introduced Ms. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2006. Ms. Gertrude Ivory and other School staff provided a Curriculum and Instruction update. They said the focus is on redefinition of the role of central office staff. A data analysis inquiry cycle is being created to help give more effective feedback to teachers, and there is a focus on factors that influence teacher achievement. Mr. Lynch asked if we are also looking at the remediation piece as we look at evaluations to see if programs have the desired impact. Ms. Ivory said data will be available at the end of the month. Mr. Caravati asked what happens when there is a less than effective teacher that remains that way. Ms. Ivory said that after offering help hopefully their contract is not renewed. Dr. Michael Heard, Director of Human Resources for the Schools, said that a couple of teacher contracts were not renewed last year. He said they are working on a new tool for professional development. Mr. Bobby Thompson, Acting Superintendent, reviewed recommended changes to the budget. He said the staffing formula was altered and tuition fees were increased by $200. He said the teacher pay table was modified emphasizing the 5 to 15 years of service range. Ms. Gronlund said that no final decision has been made regarding unfunded items. She said the School Board will vote on the budget on March 2. Mr. Lynch asked what the percentage increase is in health care and retirement as a percentage of the payroll. Mr. Ed Gillaspie, Budget Director for the Schools, said health costs increased 10%, but he does not know the percentage of the payroll. He said health costs increased by $266,000 and VRS by $1 million. Mr. Lynch said that if we stay with the current trend for the City and Schools, we will be doubling payroll every seven years. He said at some point we will have to level off salaries. He said we are relying on property taxes to fund these increases. He said cost of living only increases 2% to 2 ½% a year. He said he supports the idea of paying teachers more but at some point we have to say what is the target. Ms. Peggy Van Yahres, School Board member, said a study is being done which will influence next year’s budget.