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268 <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he thinks it would be appropriate for all funding for the Schools to be <br />rolled into the School budget, appropriating a finite amount of money, and letting the School <br />Board decide how to use the funds. <br /> <br /> Dr. Symons said one issue is whether to expand the pre-school program to full da3, or <br />use the funds otherwise. <br /> <br /> Regarding consolidation of Families Learning Together and Parents in Education, Ms. <br />Linda Peacock, Assistant City Manager, said that following review by the Charlottesville- <br />Albemarle Children and Youth (CACY) Commission, it was determined that collaboration <br />between the two programs does exist, but they are different orientations and need not be <br />consolidated. <br /> <br /> On motion by Ms. Richards, seconded by Ms. Daugherty, Council unanimously agreed <br />to include the funding for the special programs listed above in the School budget. <br /> <br /> Dr. Symons explained that the Schools have been self-insured in the past, and now have <br />an obligation to pay up to $700,000 in insurance claims, which could be reduced to <br />approximately $300,000 to $400,000 after funds are received from a settlement with Trigon <br />and if reserve funds are used. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Cox about how this deficit could be paid, Dr. <br />Symons said that staff reductions may need to be made over the next year in non-school <br />based positions. <br /> <br />Ms. Richards noted that custodial staffing seems high in the schools. <br /> <br />Increasing teacher salaries was discussed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter asked if it is possible for the Schools to find funds in the proposed <br />budget to fund the teacher salary increase. <br /> <br /> Dr. Symons explained that $113,000 will be needed to meet the 4% salary increase <br />required by the state. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cole Hendrix, School Board member, said that if the City does not revert to town <br />status, the City Schools will need the very best teachers they can find in order to survive, and <br />the salary increase is necessary to keep the Schools from being at a competitive disadvantage. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Daugherty, Dr. Symons explained the reserve funds <br />that the School Board has set aside. The total is $525,000, and could go toward the salary <br />increase, staff development, staff time for other research, in other areas yet to be identified, <br />or could be saved to reduce the per pupil cost. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix said he has heard concern expressed by middle class white families about <br />City Schools, particularly the class size, and also feels that there is additional need for <br />four-year old classes and to improve low achievement scores in early grades. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he feels that concern about the schools is not limited to middle class white <br />families, and expressed concern about Mr. Hendrix's statement. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that if City schools are only two-thirds fully there may be a need to <br />consider closing a school. <br /> <br /> Dr. Symons said he feels that closing a school would send a negative message to the <br />community, and he would prefer to put efforts into expanding the enrollment. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said his preference would be to find money for teacher salaries within the <br />school budget. <br /> <br /> <br />