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170 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL. MEETING OF THE COLrNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, March 13, 1998 AT 12:00 noon IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Luncheon meeting with School Board: Budget Work Session BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox (signed) BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - March 13, 1998 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano. Absent: Ms. Richards. Dr. William Symons, Superintendent of Charlottesville Public Schools, explained that the salary changes proposed will bring the City Schools as close as possible to Albemarle County's salaries. Mr. Cox asked if the Schools are looking at a plan or strategy for cutting the cost of education from year to year. Dr. Symons said that there is not a plan, but the topic has been discussed. Dr. Symons said that such a topic needs to be approached honestly and cautiously, and has staffing and space implications. Mr. Glenn Stratton, School Board Member, said that in the long-term it is important to emphasize learning initiatives in order to break the cycle of low achievement, which might allow other special programs to be eliminated. Mr. Cox said he hopes that mechanisms are being set up to monitor effectiveness of programs. Mr. Cox asked if the Schools have given any thought to expanding the open enrollment policy and possibly increasing the cost of enrollment in order to increase revenues. Dr. Symons noted that open enrollment brings in an increase of $2,000 per child in state funds, and he cautioned that increasing the enrollment cost may decrease the interest. Ms. Slaughter suggested that other areas be looked at in the future for possible cost savings by combining services, such as Human Resources. Ms. Slaughter also SUggested discussing possible cooperative efforts with the County that might result in not only cost savings, but increased options. Dr. Symons said that technology services may be a good area to explore. Dr. Symons said that discussions with the County are being held concerning adult education and alternative education. Ms. Slaughter asked if it was possible for the Schools to adopt a University model that allows teachers to go into administration and then back into teaching with higher salaries. Mr. Toscano noted that technology companies have indicated that they are not able to attract skilled workers, and asked about technology initiatives proposed by the Schools. Mr. Stratton said he thinks CATEC has tried to meet the increasing need for technologically skilled workers. Dr. Symons said that the Schools' school to work initiative should address this issue, but accreditation requirements need to be worked through and programs redesigned.