RHS School Board Meeting 06-24-25

001was also advertised in the Herald print publication on Friday, June 6th in accordance with section 6180 of the South Carolina code of law. At this point, you will if you will join me for uh the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of United States of America to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please be seated. At this point, I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda for the public um hearing. So move um I believe Miss Hutchinson followed by Mr. Burns. Any uh discussion? Hearing not. All those in favor? I. All opposed. Motion carries 70. So good evening everyone. Um, and thank you for being here. Uh, we truly appreciate your interest and your involvement and your willingness to take time to participate in

002this public hearing. Your voice matters and the board looks forward to hearing your input on the matters at hand. As a reminder, this hearing is specifically intended to give members of the community an opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and feedback and ask questions. This is your time to speak following the public presentation, and the board is here to listen. Board members will not be responding, engaging in discussion, asking staff questions, or debating during this hearing. Our opportunity to speak or take action will come during the regular portion of the meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m. We ask that both the board and the audience members respect this format so that all voices can be heard in an orderly and respectful environment. We thank you again for being here and for helping us maintain a

003thoughtful and productive process. And with that, I am going to it over to interim superintendent Dr. I would like to say good afternoon to our board members, to our staff of Rock Hill Schools, and certainly our parents and community members who are here tonight, those who are joining us online as well. Thank you for your interest, your support and input as we move along and look to complete the budget process and preparing for a very successful 2025 school year. The presentation outlines our proposed general fund budget for 2025 2026. It includes both our anticipated revenues and expenditures. The goal tonight is to be transparent, explain where our funding comes from, where it goes, and the adjustments that we are making responsibly to make sure that we're managing taxpayer dollars with responsibility as well as maintaining

004a strong support for our students and our staff. Uh, as interim superintendent, I'm joined also this evening um by Mr. Harry Miley from Miley and Associates. If you uh recall, Mr. Miley has been a part of of of supporting us and assessing our funds and assessing our our business services structure. He's here as a part of the process to support. And then also Mr. Bobby Barnes. Mr. Bobby Barnes is our executive director of finance for Rockville Schools. Makes a lot of things happen in business services involved. and I want to thank them both uh for being here. Uh first and foremost tonight, I want to say that for the public's information and benefit, I would like to state that administration has developed and is proposing a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025 2026. The budget

005is based on anticipated revenues of 232,836,000,528 and proposed expenditures of the same amount. The same amount 232 million $837,528. [Music] Excuse me. Can you Ask them to mute. I I couldn't hear what you said, Dr. Jones. I apologize. Can you ask Can you repeat that? I asked them to mute their phones. Pete, Melissa, can you please mute your phones? My phone is muted. Okay. Pardon the interruption. Sorry about that, Doc. No problem. Please. Want to make sure and let me go back and restate. to make sure everyone hears that we are proposing administration is proposing a balanced budget for fiscal year 2526. The budget is based on anticipated revenues of 232,836,528 as well as proposed expenditures of the same amount 232,837,528. Y'all hearing me? Okay, everybody. You hear me? Okay, good. The slide that is

006presented shows where our operating money comes from. It includes funding from state sources, local property taxes, and some federal and other miscellaneous sources. You see a comparison on this slide to last year so that we can highlight our increases or decreases. The total revenue is shown alongside the previous year's figures to indicate any changes. This shows a decrease of 6.4 million from the previous year. The one-time use of funds refers to nonrecurring revenue sources that were used to balance the budget in a given year. For last year, the district relied on 15,819,573 in onetime funds, which included from capital funds 8.3 million and 7.4 million from our fund balance. In the proposed 202526 fuzz, this drops sharply to just 1 million64,33 representing the only use of a portion of fund balance with no transfer from

007capital funds. Here we break down the revenue a bit more. For example, state revenue includes base student funding and categorical aid, while local revenue comes mostly from taxes. Other sources might include small grants or transfers. This slide helps paint a full picture of our income before we look at sting. This slide shows in detail the changes in state and other revenue sources. One major change this year is nearly $9 million decrease compared to last year prim primarily because some of the one-time COVID related funds have ended. We also see increases in required insurance cost and reductions in state aid adjustments. These changes do require us to be very strategic with our spending. And you see those sources that are listed. This slide provides an overview of how we plan to spend our general fund money.

008The bulk of our budget continues to go towards salaries and benefits which reflects our commitment to maintaining competitive compensation and strong student services. This is about 91% of our budget. We also fund transportation, safety and academic materials as well as support services. This folks is about ensuring students that they have what they need to succeed. This supply, this slide supports understanding of where the majority of the district funds are being allocated. This slide provides us an overview of the projected expenses for 2025 2026 fiscal year. It breaks down spending across major operational categories, personnel, program services, and capital needs. This slide supports understanding of where a majority of the district funds are being allocated. This slide provides a budget expenditures or list of budget expenditures due to state mandates and anticipated increases in other items

009listed. This slide lists new or increased costs compared to the prior year. Here are the added costs that we Rockill Schools must cover this year. This includes salary increases for eligible teachers, a 2% increase for bus drivers, and rising employer health insurance premiums. We're also increasing funding for school safety, student programs like high school bands and filling in the gap where federal funding has been reduced. These additions reflect our priorities and staff support, student enrichment and safety. So, in order to make our budget work, we also had to make some very tough decisions this year in preparing for to reduce spending in the upcoming year. These include streamlining programs such as discontinuing the school virtual option at the middle level. However, sustaining that at the high school level, providing day treatment. However, look at outsourcing

010that program. We are also adjusting staffing and reducing certain discretionary budgets across departments. These reductions help us absorb cost increases while staying fiscally responsible. And these next slides just go back and give visual representation to what has been shared uh regarding our budgeting. This slide of course shows the local revenue sources that are provided. 88% of those coming from property taxes. We go back and revisit proposed revenues with state aid revenue 67% with also a state property tax of 24%. Those are our major sources of funding. We also show here that proposed revenues, local sources make up 39% of our revenues while state and other finance sources make up 60.2. Again, this is a recap slide showing expenditures to ensure we are clear on where our money is going. This reinforces transparency in how we

011are prioritizing spending based on available funds. It helps the public connect the revenue picture to our operational priorities. And as we said earlier, your salaries and benefits lead in this area. And then you see your 40% your your proposed expenditures that you have instructional with 53% or support services with 46% and then uh you also see what we required by law for payment to other entities and charter schools. All of that's driven by legislation. This slide summarizes the key outcomes from recent South Carolina legislation sessions that directly impact public education funding and staffing. Now, the state has allocated an additional 112 million in aid to classrooms with the average amount spent per student rising to $5,884. Beginning teacher salaries across the state will now start at 48 5 48,500 reflecting an investment and attracting and

012retaining new educators. I remind everyone that Rock Hill is ahead of the game on this when we set forward in our board approved 52,000 dollar starting salary. The state has also removed the bachelor's degree plus 18 hours category from the minimum teacher salary still simplifying the structure. School bus drivers will see a 2% increase in their base pay providing modest support to this essential workforce. Additionally, the employer's share of health insurance premiums will increase by 4.6% 6% which affects district budgeting for employee benefits. And just for your information, we wanted to show the slide that compares district's millage rates with other York County districts. It shows how tax rates vary locally and highlights where the district stands in terms of local taxpayer contributions. Such comparisons help justify potential millage changes so as to defend current

013funding levels. This provides a local context for budget decisions and it's important for our community to see how we measure up. This helps explain how we fund our schools locally and ensure that our rates are fair and competitive. And that will be the conclusion of the slides and the information on the budget. We are open to questions at this time. At this point, if there are people in the audience who have questions, uh, feel free to ask those of administration as well as the gentleman off. May I just ask for clarification? The people who are watching online, are they submitting questions that can be asked or is there evidence? There is not. Um the only way to submit questions is to do them in person during the meeting during the public hearing. Not online. Yes,

014ma'am. Um I just had a quick question. The divisions that are having a budget reduction, can you define that for me? Thank you very much. question is the divisions that are experienced at budget reduction. Can I identify those? So what we've done for reduction of our is we've looked at our key department areas. You have instruction, you have operations, you have school accountability as well as school operations which you you have which is different from the the operations department. So this would be student services um in that area as well as looking at technology and our budgets. We touched each of those and at this time it's a 15% cut in budgets there and then they have a decision making to be able to decide the impacts. Yes. One more because I'm unfamiliar with some

015of these terms. Um, what exactly are instructional expenditures? Because that was a really big area. It is a big area. Can you define that? Instructional expenditures could be digital curriculum. It could be curriculum and materials in the classroom. It could be resources that are used your students uh that are using Canvas. Canvas is a learning management system that will be used to support uh that um resources and technology as well for students. So those are instructional resource materials just to name. Uh some of those are covered I would say by federal funds. Some of our title funds cover those areas. Um but we do have those that are that are touched and affected by our uh by our funds. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. J. So, I have a question. So, the fund balance that

016money is transferred from, what money is that? So, like is the 1,64,000 that's going to be a onetime use. Where is that coming from? That would come from our fund balance. So, I'm sorry. What is the fund balance? Savings account. Is that leftover money? I'm going to let that specifically be answered because some people look at it as that. I used to think that that fund is used and and it it fluctuates during the year based upon what the district needs to do for operations. But anything you want to add about more specific on fund balance? That's about about right how I would describe it. I'm Harry Milo. I I was CFO of Richmond for 10 years. The it's not a savings account. It's not like you and I think of as putting it in

017the savings account and we've got it right there all the time. It's an accounting issue. At the end of the year, it's calculated based by on an accounting basis. It fluctuates. It's it's basically money that you did not spend that year, but you don't know that until the accounting is done at the end of your school year, of your fiscal year. And so it's you it's very positive. It's very important for bond rate hearings because the the credit agencies want to know make sure that you're a sound fiscal entity and that you are not operating monthto month. Um but we always recognize the importance of it because you might have expenditures are usually pretty regular. You pay people on the monthly basis. So you have expenditures over the month monthly basis pretty regular but your

018revenues are not and so you might not get any local tax money until the end of you know until February. So you don't you need that fund balance there the extra funds there to get you through and make payroll there a lot of school districts and small school districts they actually have to borrow money to make payroll taxes they call tax anticipation notes. So the fund balance is there. It's not like a savings account, but it is an accounting acral. I mean, it's accounting issue at the end of your fiscal year. You do want to have a fund balance for those reasons and more reasons than that that I've just mentioned, but it's not something that you can take money out and like you would your your savings account. Does that help? Well, it helps

019a little bit, but so we spent 15 million of the fund balance the year prior to this past year, right? Yes. So one year we spent 15 million of that. We're proposing to spend a million. Like what is our fund balance right now? Is so is this money rolling over from last year's budget? So let me let me clarify this. It was a total last year of 15.8 million but remember 8.3 came from capital funds. So really from that it was 7.4 million that we pulled from fund balance. Normally for for instance if you had a budget of the end of the year you ended up the re this we frequently had a fund balance contribution at the end of the fiscal year state would allocate more money than we had planned in our budget

020and we'd end up with extra funds. we would have severe excess uh vacancies in our staff staffing and those funds. We had expenditures for those people and those positions, but they never were hired. And so we spend it spent less and we got more revenue for the from the state. And at the end of the year, we would have a excess fund balance and we excess revenues and we make that contribution to the fund balance is how it builds itself. But that's how you build it and then if you need it, you can take take that fund balance available. Does that help? That does help. Thank you. So the million dollar the 64,000 that we're budgeting from the fund balance is that the entire fund balance that exists right now that's the I don't know

021I don't have that document in front of me but from your audit there is a fund balance for for last year's June 30 because I would imagine your audit has not been finished last year June 30 we had I think a 53.5 million general fund balance and so what I I did is I just tried to calculate what our our general fund balance will be at the end of this year. It looks like it's going to end up around 46.3 million. And our policy states, your board policy does state that um any unassigned general fund balance for the year that we can we must maintain a minimum of 17% and a maximum of 25%. So that budget the balance is right in in that area. It's that 17 and 25 is is the percent of

022your budget. Correct. The idea is that you it is it is smart financial business to have a fund balance because if something happened in fact it's recommended that you have two and a half months of operating expenses in your fund balance at a at a minimum and most districts if possible they have a little bit more cushion than that. So with 40 with 46 million 46.3 million that we estim estimate right now and based upon uh based upon that 232 million that with expenditures with looking at 17% we would need to keep right now projected 39.6 million. That would be our floor that we would have below that by policy. We would need to keep that and have that available on hand. Thank you all for explaining that. That's really kind of reassuring because when

023you say our budget is $232,837,528 and you're spending every dollar of that, it kind of becomes worrisome if you need to spend more. But then you do have balance to draw fund and if you don't spend all that that money goes into the fund balance correct am I understanding correct correct okay thank you in general if I may um so the slides and everything they show very big numbers in very big categories is there a more detailed breakdown of the spending for salaries instructional anything that the public has access to the it's not at the moment but you know I I can come up with something later on but I don't have that at the moment. You would have that for LA for once you have your audit done. You would have that for last

024year very detailed um available every year but you wouldn't have that for the upcoming year yet right after it's audited that's then as the final. So when our audit is presented that'll have and that's not a that's not a very defined definitive answer but you don't know what the we but you've budgeted 42 positions and you don't fill four of them. Well, you so it's saying that we're going to spend this much for that those positions at this point is a projection and an estimate, but you really may not end up spending them. So, the audit will be detailed and and this is what you did spend. You did spend funds for supporting 38. You did not spend the funds for the other four although you had projected them and included them in the budget.

025things are we we seem to we always get criticized for missing estimates or something but at this point next year's budget is pretty much of an estimate. The state has historically changed our revenue estimates during the course of the year. Uh we have vac you have vacancies you have changes. So it's the best estimate right now. So if that helps, but if you want to find out what was done last year, the audit is detailed as you can want. Okay, thank you. Well, that that does help. But so what information you would have is not necessarily the dollar amount, but say the number of positions. So is that they have an estimate for the dollar? Yeah, they have an estimate, right? But if you had the information of here's how many teachers or here's how

026many teachers at the elementary level or here's how many English teachers has that information already been established for the upcoming year. We have we have allocations that are based on the upcoming year. Now I'll recall that uh in the budget cuts we eliminated 38 positions. So we've been working particularly our human resources with schools on what allocations are needed and what was sustained this year. Uh because this time of year you certainly may have an increase in enrollment at school. So you may have to look at a FTE position which is a teaching position you're looking to add. So you're you're you're kind of working with some balancing of of your numbers. But we have estimated numbers yes of how we're going to open school. were any of those positions that were removed in classrooms

027uh if there were vacancies. So for example, we know that the enrollment in Rockill schools has decreased. So what we did is we brought that into leverage with uh what the teacher student ratio is and we looked at classes and saw if we had some low ones as well as any classes that were overloaded that we had. So yes, that work was done. So it could have the vac the 38 could have touched but the reason it would have touched was because we had a change in student enrollment because the state funds us based on our student enrollment. Do you happen to know how many teaching positions that have been? I can get you that information. I don't have it with me now. Thank you. Does that conclude the questions from the audience? Um so

028going back off of what um was asked a minute ago with instruction and cuts, what does that look like in the classroom and at the school level? Like how will we feel it? So schools have instructional funds that they're allocated based on their student enrollment. Uh and that allocation fund students and and teachers work. When we looked at the uh the budget this past year, we did not make any cuts at the school level and instructional funds, but at the district level that's looking and so, you know, instruction they would have to see, okay, if we've got to make a reduction, is there a a technology program that is not being used to its max that maybe we could look at or looking at certain resources that have been uh provided from the district level

029that we have to make some decisions on that that budgeting could also include positional work uh or some work with uh funding depending on the uh the sources that you know would impact. But schools also have their instructional funds that they have that they're able to spend. For example, if a principal has books that he or she wants to buy for their school, they may have that in their in their allocation or maybe they have some federal funding that's allocated. If um certain programs were cut that we use, would we have already found out about that or we will find out about that? So we did let you know that for example virtual academy we made a decision that we would trim middle school and we have a high school experience. Those parents know they

030are preparing for the upcoming year. Uh we talked about mental health therapists. We are continuing our mental health therapists but we've gone to a billing model for the upcoming year that came out of the general fund uh for that. um our day treatment program has been modified and we are using or working with MUSC for reduction in that area. So yes, you you okay? Um so just going back to the expenditure reduction slide um I just don't understand some of the language C implementation. Do you know what the day treatment program is going to look like for those students that need it? Um, and just some of those other reductions like back to school rally and see what's that going to look like this school year without those resources. Couple of those that I can

031for you for example let's go to reduction of J1 visas budgeted amount is 600,000 for that. uh we have seen a reduction in our need for international teachers due to increase in hiring of of teachers. So we cut that by a third. So that's an example of how we we took a portion of that away but still we offer our day treatment program MUSC is working. Dr. Nancy Turner and her team have met with them and are are looking to make sure that we can still structure and offer as a matter of fact thatou is on my desk right now. I'm communicating uh with to make sure that we we cover those resources uh that that are needed. Uh C implementation understanding is students are going to be offered all of our students will be

032offered uh lunch and breakfast in the upcoming year. That budget was set thinking that it was going to leave uh the budget that it was going to leave. So that that that elimination there that we we um we are going to be uh As a part of that, um the back to school rally, we had a larger budget for that. We want to make sure that time at the beginning of the year is important. We look at that week because a lot happens to get school open. Um but we were spending a lot of money, including going to Winthre. That was an area that we could reduce. So, we took a reduction of that and that has a budget of approximately $8,000 for uh the upcoming year. um mental health billing for our mental health

033therapists. Uh we have folks in place now that will work with billing and supporting uh our our um students and making sure that we continue to offer those services. Is there any that I missed? Does that conclude the questions from the audience? If so, I would like to on behalf of the board say thank you for the community who was here today. Uh in addition, uh of course say thank you to our in superintendent uh as well as Mr. Barnes and Dr. Miley uh for their ability to be here today. Um and with that, I will entertain a motion to adjourn the public hearing portion and we will reconvene our regular board meeting at 6 p.m. Thank you, Mr. President. Do I have a second? Thank you, Miss Daniel. Any discussion? All those in favor

034Good evening and welcome to the June uh 24th business meeting of the Rock Hill School District. We have been meeting between 5 and 5:45 for the purpose of a public fund uh hearing uh for our upcoming budget process. Um so this is the call to order for the regular call business meeting. Local news media outlets were notified in writing of the agenda for this meeting on Saturday, June 21st. Uh if you will all please join me with the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please be seated. First off is approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda?

035So moved. Thank you, Mr. Nos. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Miss Daniel. Any discussion? Var. All those in favor? I post motion cars. 70. First up is uh recognitions. We do not have any recognitions tonight. Um, do y'all hear something? I feel like there's something going on out in the hallway. It's awfully noisy out there. Miss Gamas, can you take a peek and see what's going on in the hallway? I think we have something happening out there. Welcome in, Miss and friends. That is correct, Dr. Jones. It is not on the agenda. Greetings to each of you. Um, madame chair, madame vice chair. Um, I'm Dr. Kimberly Odin, principal of Independence Elementary School. The number seven represents completion and for the past seven years, Dr. Jones has faithfully served Black Rockill schools

036with integrity, passion, and unwavering dedication. Through leadership changes, the challenges of CO 19, and shifting times, he has remained a steady, rock solid presence for school leaders across the district. There's a story of a group of cousins who gathered to reflect on the life of a late grandparent. One cousin confidently said, "I was a favorite." The others laughed and chimed in, insisting that they were actually the favorite. In the end, they realized the beauty of their grandparents love. Each felt uniquely valued, seen, and special. In much the same way, last year, a group of principles were sharing appreciation for Dr. Jones. I began by thanking him for his kindness, adding with a smile that I was clearly his favorite. And just like those cousins, the other principles quickly jumped in to say, "No, I'm the

037favorite." Um, it became an inside joke among us. But the truth is, we all felt like his favorite because that's exactly how he made us feel. Dr. Jones, you not only um have shown your leadership, but we appreciate your mentorship to principles and your genuine investment in students. Um I'm honored to have with me today a very special guest, a student you've supported since his 4K experience. Um you've attended his three kids ceremony, um his kindergarten promotion, and even his turkey sock trot. And that kind of personal commitment is rare. Um, it's that uncommon. It is uncommon. And that is the reason why I believe that you'll continue to experience what Coach Don Staley calls uncommon favor. So, as you enter this next chapter, know that we celebrate you, honor you, and deeply appreciate you.

038Unlike the cousins who shared their love after their grandparent was gone, we want to give you your flowers. Now, while you're here to see them, feel them, and know how deeply you are loved. [Applause] So many of you know um Dr. Jones's reach has gone beyond Rockill schools um but has gone throughout the Rockill community. And so on behalf of the city of Rockill, um we have a proclamation to share with you. Okay. Um and it reads, "Whereas Dr. John Jones earned his bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Wingate University in 1987, obtained his master's degree from the University of South Carolina and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. And whereas he began his career teaching third grade at Wesley Chapel Elementary School in Monroe, North Carolina, working his way up to

039assistant principal. And whereas he was the first principal at Whedington Elementary School when it opened in 1996. And whereas Dr. Jones was named principal at various elementary and middle schools in South Carolina and North Carolina between 1996 through 2008. And whereas he was promoted to serve in several district-reated administrative positions in Union County public school system serving from 2009 until 2017. And whereas in 2018 he was named Rockill School District 3 Chief Academic Accountability Officer. And whereas since arriving at the Rockill School District, John Jones has established himself as an educator's educator, someone whose first response to any policy question has been, "How will this make a student's future brighter? and how would this result in a teacher success? And whereas Dr. Jones has held several positions in Rockville schools and has answered the call

040on two occasions serving as interim superintendent. And whereas it's a rare privilege to observe a professional and public servant in his element, a person who provides the necessary leadership and the moral authority required to carry on the purposes of a school system in difficult times. To volunteer to take on this responsibility on two occasions says more about Dr. Jones, his character, and his integrity than a proclamation could put into words. Whereas, it is my sincere hope that John will remain encouraged and empowered even in a well-deserved retirement to continue to invest in the lives of the people of Rockill, South Carolina. Now, therefore, I, John Pettis Jr., mayor of the city of Rockill, South Carolina. So, hereby congratulates Dr. John Jones on his retirement. On behalf of the city of Rock Hill, I thank him

041for his unwavering service and contributions to furthering the education and guidance of the youth of Rock Hill. [Applause] Do you guys want to come over here real quick? We'll just take a group photo. Everybody inbody. [Music] Thank you. [Applause] You're the best, Dr. Jones. [Applause] So, Dr. Jones, some people work hard. Some people work with the heart. You did both. And you changed everything. Leadership is not about the title. It's about impact, integrity, and heart. And you led with all three. There are people who do their jobs well. And then there are people like John Jones who go above and beyond in every way, not for the recognition, but because it's who they are. You've made such a difference in your work, in your impact, in the way you show up every single day for

042our kids with compassion, wisdom, and pure joy. You stepped into this role not to fill a space twice, but to leave with strength, grace, and unwavering commitment to our city and first and foremost to our students. You brought stability when we needed it the most. Compassion where there was uncertainty and clarity during the times of change. You've been a light in every room that you enter and a steady hand through every storm. more than a remarkable leader. You're just generally a wonderful human being. Probably one of the best ones I've ever known. I'm sorry, my husband, but it is true. You're steady, you're kind, you're wise, and you're very deeply caring. We want you to enjoy your incredibly well-earned retirement. Um, but never forget how profoundly you've touched the lives along the way here in

043Rockill. You will always be a friend of Rockhill schools and you will always be welcome. And we hope and we know that you will come back and in whatever capacity volunteer just come by and say hi to the people that you I know you call friends now here in the district. This board community staff and students are eternally grateful to you. So we say thank you. I have a little small token of appreciation from the board. Um, I wrapped it, which I probably shouldn't have done, but I did, so you don't have to open it now. But it is a Swedish large crystal votive. It is called The Rock by Crystal. And the reason why is because it is beautiful. It bring brings light and it brings strength. Um, and it just brings joy just

044like you have to Rock School. So thank you so much. How about the whole board? One short. And while Dr. Jones is making it back, I would also like to recognize uh a piece of his real family that happens to be in here tonight. We have the other Dr. Jins and her husband, the brother of uh Dr. Jones, who's in here. So, give them a round of applause. I just I love it. That beautiful [Applause] won't get be returned. There's corn for the as well that goes with it. Um, so that was part of our secret today. Uh, this is not the first time we have done this to Dr. Jones. Uh, however, you will not have an opportunity to pay us back this talk because it has kind of been a back and forth.

045So, um, I also would like for the community and everyone in the room uh to recognize uh, Mr. Dre who's here tonight. Uh, it is his uh, last day working the board meeting. Uh, Mr. John, uh, thank you for your service to Rockill Schools, uh, as our technology person during the board meetings. Uh, it has been a pleasure to work with you and we say thank you to you and wish you the best of uh, happiness in the future, but he has been the one who keeps us uh, live streaming and uh, on task uh, for for many many years. So, let's give him a round of applause. [Applause] Thank you. Okay. Um so, uh I promise no more surprises. Um citizen participation. Uh do we have any? I do not. Thank you. Consent action

046agenda. Uh currently under the consent action agenda, we have uh some personnel recommendations. Do I have a motion to approve the consent action agenda? Thank you, Mr. Barnes. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Nosal. Any discussion? Var. All those in favor? All opposed. Motion carries 6. And then we have the action agenda which contains the U fiscal year 2526 general fund budget. And I'm going to turn it over to me. That's you, sir. So caught up in a moment. Thank you so much. I have a few things I'll say a little bit later on, but um to work with the principles, name of the group that came and um our principles and schools are champions for children. They lead, they work hard, they're dedicated, they're devoted. We've had very little turnover in

047our principal uh pool because they believe in Rockill Schools. They believe in our students and it's been an honor to work with some of the best principles I have in my career. So I thank I I I thank them for coming and making that presentation. Let me go back and review one thing. I just want to make sure that during the budget presentation that I clearly stated two items. Uh there was a question about the um the the C the continuing education provisions. Uh about that and why that was eliminated. uh that of course is from the federal government that has supported our students receiving breakfast and lunch without any charges. We thought that that was going to fade this year and that we were going to have to pick up that expense of 309,000.

048Uh that has been so successful the federal government is providing that again for the upcoming year and that's not going to be a $300,000 charge to Rockill schools. Second thing I did get clarification on is we are required to have a detailed budget to be posted. There was a question about the elements on that. We did have that last year. Once we have a budget that is passed, then there is a huge spreadsheet and information that business services provides the state and it will be available on this year's budget. We do have that available last year. If you cannot find it, ja rhmail.org org by Monday. Okay. So, if you if you want to put that in or someone can get it for you, someone can get it for you and all that. So, I

049want to make sure we had those clarifications because those were very good questions and I thank you all for participating. Um, good evening again board. As you heard our presentation earlier in the budget hearing, I'm not going to repeat all of the narrative, but if you do have any questions, we can go there and answer. I again want to stress that administration has developed and is proposing a balanced budget uh for fiscal year 2526. It is based again on the revenues of 232,836,528 and proposed expenditures of the same uh amount. Couple of slides I just want to make sure we go again. Uh this is where we stand folks. This is where we stand in the column for proposed budget for 2526. Um the question was asked about fund balance and we do have an

050overage that we are projecting in fund balance and I provided you a sheet that gives you the information of how that is broken down. Um and uh that it is a viable option. Um we have improved this year drastically uh um drastically reducing what may be needed from fund balance and you see that that last year the total amount 15 million of course 7 million was from fund balance and this year it's one uh1 million64,000300 $33 uh and again no transfer from capital fund. So that is a part of uh of what we present uh with the budget. Were there any questions on fund balance that we needed to answer? Okay. And of course we had our expenditure additions uh that was reviewed to you in the the first uh presentation as well as the

051update. Uh most of these are state mandates uh that we follow and what we need to work uh within uh the budget. There are a few that are local. For example, the high school band allocations. Our bands are so active and and doing a fantastic job. But some of the big ticket items for entrance for um for instruments, we wouldn't expect a student to buy a sousafhone or to buy a tuba or to buy a mima and some of those are in tough shape and our band directors came and presented this. So that that would be of course an increase. Are there any questions on the expenditure additions? Yes. Um I know I know in the last uh meeting we discussed and a potential expenditure increase of certain salaries. I don't see that that is

052is currently not in the budget. It's not that it cannot be approached through an amendment and I'll speak about that uh in a few minutes, but we we do have some rough figures that we're looking at on how much that would cost. So, we we can speak about that toward the in because certainly in process the board does have the opportunity um with budget particularly with amendments if we can have our budget passed tonight. Expenditure reductions we've explained uh that to you. The 15% reduction in div budget allocations is 1.6. Um Dr. Belton asked that I go back and speak with senior administration. They're right now determining and with some of our reorganizations, we have some expenditures that are moving between accounts. What may have been in the instructional division may now be in our

053administration work. And so our team is working on that, but you know, their input certainly is that our 15% cut is is is is tight. Uh they are going to work to make it happen. Um but if you ask what would be you know if we were able to to make any changes moving forward that would support you know that 15% if that were ever able to be reduced that would be of benefit because they're taking their budgets that's the district level not the school level the district level and they are making adjustments there and looking at but for example if you went from 15% to 10% let's say you went to 10% then that would be about $549,000 we would have to cover, but you know it would only be instead of uh 10%

054it it would it would be a million a million right in a million dollars cut there. So that was the input that I received from from our administrators. Dr. Jones, may I jump in and ask three questions and then I'll say my other ones? Um number one, I jokingly say this, but there is some truth to it. Um I have a law degree because I can't count. I couldn't get through the math and science classes. So, I can't work in percentages. When you say like instruction, we're we're cutting 15% from instruction. Can you put that in a dollar amount for me? How much did instruction get out of last year's budget? And with a 15% reduction, how much will instruction get next year? I'm afraid I don't know exactly by department number. When we looked

055at the numbers, the cut with all of our departments is 1.6 million. Okay. If you were looking at reducing that by a third, you wanted to go to 10% instead of 50% that amount would be 1 million $66,000 999. I understand. The reason I asked for that is because at least since November, there's been so much conversation about what our priorities are in this district. And one thing I think has become completely clear is that we want to increase in test scores. And if we want to increase in academ academic performance, it seems counterintuitive to me that it just seems like we said a 15% across the board cut instead of making our cuts aligned with the vision of the district and the vision of the board, which means one department may have to take

056a 25% cut, but instruction takes a 10% cut. That still gets us to the cut, but not across the board. Everybody takes the same thing. So that's that's my first question. My second question is in the public presentation we indicated that last year $8.3 million was moved from capital um over to to balance out the budget last year. 7.4 million from fund balance 8.3 from capital. So that's 8.3 less 8.3 million less dollars that went into capital. We all who ride around the city see that we have agent facilities. Is there any plan? And now we're doing a 15% cut to capital budget or to facilities budget operations. That just raises a lot of concerns to me is what do Mr. Bond and his team and sorry he's just in my line of sight again

057tonight. But what does what do he and his team do to make up these differences? Are we talking about the age and roofs and Hbacks and all of those? again if we're just doing across the board 15%. So my question on that is how much did we give to capital improvements and all the things that operations have to do versus a 15% cut. What would that number look like? And I'm talking specifically about our buildings and those things. I mean I could give you a 15% cut what that would look like in each area. I could I could I can Okay, but they don't have a specific I believe Bobby is standing up in in the Mr. Bobby standing up in the in the background of Mr. Barnes. Then I have one more question before

058you go to the next. Mr. Barnes comes up and maybe he he can and I'm and I'm sorry I don't will you please repeat just repeat your I don't know who you are. So if you'll just reintroduce yourself that would be great. All right. I'll just I'm just going to address the capital transfer. So the the percentage that we gave you earlier that does not include the capital transfer yet. So we still have not uh transferred $8.4 million to to the general fund. So we still have an option to not Okay. So what so can you are you in a position that you can answer the first two questions I asked them. How much did we budget for instruction last year and with a 15% cut how much would they get this year? So, I

059can't answer the actual numbers. The 15% cut is the 15% cut of last year. Okay. All right. So, I got one more question. Um, and Dr. Jones, you probably Thank you. This is more for Dr. Jones and that's um Mr. Bobby Barnes with uh business services. Bobby Barnes. Thank you. Nice to meet you, Mr. Barnes. Um, and thank you for coming tonight and thank you for your presentation earlier today tonight. Um, Dr. Jones. As of yesterday, I looked at the district's website. Now, I recognize that it's not accurate because I recognize it's fluid. Um, and that we've approved some positions that have not been pulled down, but as of yesterday, there were 127 vacancies on Rockill School District's website. Now, not all of them were certified positions, but the vast majority were certified positions. 127.

060Um, we're now still recommending a reduction in J1 visas. I heard your explanation earlier. Um I did verify with Winthram in May they had 78 candidates um eligible for teaching license. That's it. 78. Some of them probably won't go into education. Some of them are moving out of the area. Some of them who choose to stay here in the area competing with four districts in this county and the surrounding county. If that number 127 and it may be 130, it could be 90. Whatever that number is in vacancy, I'm still concerned with really three working weeks left. How are we going to fill the teaching positions in Rockill Schools if we're taking this option away from human resources? So, I hear the proposal, but I got the actual number from Win and I see what's

061posted on the district's website. And if I'm can can speak from human resources and know that you see what is online that may not represent the actual uh number because when a hire is made the position should fall off the system. I know the concern was was made a couple of weeks ago the same thing looking at those positions and looking at what we had there but some of those as they are hired should be brought off of the off of the system. Right. I I do recognize I recognize it's fluid, right? But I also recognize for 10 years I served as a school administrator and how difficult this is. We made a decision as a board prior to my getting on here, but I owned it as a board member that we would start

062school in August. I'm just trying to figure out and I think the community needs to know how many actual vacancies do we have and what is our plan to have a certified qualified teacher if you're asking us to support a budget that takes away one additional tool that people have. And even tonight we have here that we're being asked 14 teachers plus 19 more either resignations or retirements of certified positions. So tomorrow there going to be 19 additional positions that we have as vacancy. And some of those may already have been in the in the hopper to be hired. Um uh so I had a conversation with Miss McLaclin the other day, our director of ESC services, and we were talking about the status of where we were with our specialized settings. And she said,

063"Dr. John, we're within five. We're within five. We are pushing to make hires." Um and and my understanding although I I don't have the specifics that we're down regarding the need for J1 visas that that is a reduction right now. I think we're seeing what is is called as as the great rehire. We're beginning to see more applicants come in that it's not requiring. So again, that's taking a third off of that. There's still $400,000 that's allocated for that. And what I instructed is if we get to the point that we have to to look at more then what are we going to do to rearrange the dishes to be able to assist but that's what human resources said they felt they could comfortably do. I got you. So maybe to help me sleep a

064little better at night. Will you please ask your staff and human resources then to clean up the website? Cuz when you when you look at it, when the community looks at it and the public looks at it, it says 127 vac. 133. Oh, I guess it has changed from yesterday. So I'm hearing now 134. It just looks extremely scary when you look at it. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And I I have one question, but I'll wait to the next slide. And I can also provide an update on actual vacancies that that would help tremendously if if that can get cleaned up and we can have some real numbers. Three weeks ago, we were looking stronger and and actually knock on knock on wood. We we um we saw fewer vacancies in math. We saw fewer

065vacancies in science area. There's hard and again as MV has said, our numbers are down on ESC vac. That's encouraging what I'm hearing from you and thank you. We can get specificity for you. Thank you so much. All right. These are the expenditure reductions. I'm not going to go through the pie charts provided. Of course, the information um certainly um getting that passed by June 30 is is critical. We want to have that, but a budget particularly with your new superintendent can be amended. It can be amended um as and moving forward as there are projects and ideas. So, Dr. Jones, I just want to make sure that the the public um sees this and understand this that what we have up here now is the difference in millillage in York, Clover, Rock Hill, and

066Fort Mill, the respective school districts. And Rock Hill by far another 21 uh meals this time. So, next year it's going to be pretty significant. Certainly, I'm not encouraging any of this. I'm just want the the the the community to recognize that we are taxing our citizens for education far less than anyone else in our in in this county. Yes, sir. And that that's important. Um that's important to me. Thank you. And even that 32 not even years goes to three years, right? We haven't increased. We It's been the same. It was also the same in 22 23 as well. Yes. Can I just clarify a point that you just made with the budget? A budget needs to pass by the end of June to stay in compliance with the state. Correct. But Dr. Eller

067could come in and look at those numbers and we can still make adjustments afterward, but something needs to be in place. Can you just expand on that a little bit for the public to make sure they understand what that looks like? So to be able to uh pass a budget this evening that that allows us to go into the new fiscal year operating on the budget that we have. We're able to make the adjustments that are needed with the salaries. Payroll is able to make the adjustments and able uh to go ahead and work with with planning on that. So we would have that effective uh July 1st moving forward. if it were not voted on and you decided you wanted a continuing resolution that what would happen is another meeting would have to take

068place between now and you go into the year operating on the existing budgets. Now there have been school systems and Dr. Belman and I dealt with this when we were principles in North Carolina that they passed a continuing resolution for three years but that's when the state did not have their budget set. We're fortunate we have our numbers from South Carolina. the state of South Carolina moving forward. So what you would be able to do then Dr. Elder of course and the board will be able to work uh toward making any amendments and I did verify that with Mr. Miley. Have I said everything correctly there sir? Yes Bobby and to expand a little further on that um more for the community's uh knowledge because obviously the board is aware of this um Dr. Elder

069together with the board is planning a uh board uh superintendent workshop uh for us to set goals and strategies for the coming year. Uh and that will take place sometime middle late August. Um we're currently in the middle of scheduling this. So based on conversations taking place then and goals and and so forth coming from Dr. We could very well see a recommendation for amended budget coming sometime August, September, October based on whatever we collectively come up with. So I just I'm used to a household budget, right? So I just want to bring this down to a level of the money would not change, right? Obviously it's where the money goes and how the money moves and the envelopes it goes in and things like that. Correct. I just Okay. Thank you. Any further questions?

070Dr. Jones, one more question. Um, and this may be more for I'm sorry I forgot that quickly. I'm g write it down. Tell me again, Mr. Bobby Barnes. Barnes. Mr. Barnes, tell me again the value of our our meal. Is it $360,000? Yeah. I think Terry Smith said 365,000 last 365,000. Um, and Dr. Jones, with your permission, um, if we did a pay raise, which I mean, I campaigned on it and I've been very clear that what I understand to be support group support groups one through five. And I understand this to be and please correct me if this actually is more of a question because I want to make sure that I understand it. Support groups one through five would be the administrative assistants, secretaries, bookkeepers, classroom assistants, BAS, CAMAS, those people in my

071understanding that internal staff would understand what support group one through five is. They know what what level they are. Yes, sir. All right. And my understanding that right now those two total salaries roughly is about 14,300 $300,000. That's a rough number. I understand that a 10% if we did a 10% raise for all of um people who fall in support group one that'll be about $1.4 million. Um are those similar numbers that you've seen? Yes sir. Okay. Yes sir. Those would be similar numbers. So, you know, the salaries on those appear roughly to be for the total salaries of support one through five would be $143 million. $143 million. If you looked at a 5% increase on that, that would be about $750,000. If you decided you wanted to look at a 10% increase, that

072would be about 1.5 million. Uh your safe side for both of those would be about 2.5 million. And so that would be an example of what you could look at into the the new budget year making an amendment. So Dr. Jones, I'm I'm pulling out my phone, but I promise I'm not texting. I'm using the calculator. All right? So let me be clear. So to get to the number that you've talked about will be about four meals and that would generate enough money that would generate four meals times 360. Some of you math people help me out here. Four times 300. just on that with the 5% of the 10% the figure we have would be roughly around 2.5 mills that's what but 2.5 mills so 2.5 mills which would then get us I mean

073we're talking about 195 mills which is still significantly lower for custodians a couple of years ago from my understanding our estimates right now we can provide the specific but we feel that we have so three meals would be would be safe and we could get to where we want to get to with our and and I guess I'm asking three meals would be safe and we could get to a 10% for support groups one through five. Yes, that's correct. Okay. All right. Thank you. Any other questions? I I do have one just kind of as a personal privilege. Um, I I can tell you what I would hope that this board would support would be three meals to get to a a support there. I mean, the rest of the budget, if that's what you're

074presenting, I'm going to ask for an amendment. I'm prepared to make an amendment for three for support groups one through five. Um, I do want to say this, and I know this is probably going to be unpopular because I do know that there are some hardworking people at the district office. I do not support cutting any more staff from the district office. I think you have done an amazing job of getting us to where we need to be. Um but there is a tremendous discrepancy between district office staff and school level administrators. A tremendous discrepancy. For instance, and I just believe this, this is my personal opinion, but I'm going to say I believe the most difficult job in the district probably with the exception of the superintendent as a high school principal. Period. Um

075their hours don't really start until 4:00 and they're working to 9 10:00 most nights with athletics and all the other things and there just should not be a $40,000 difference between a district office staff and a high school principal. So I do hope that Dr. Elder will seriously take a look at at salaries particularly as it relates to our schoolbased leaders um and really tell us how we can address that. Uh we can't tax our way out of it. So that's not the answer to it, but that that has got to change. We cannot incentivize people to leave the school level. And right now with our salary structure, at least in Rock Hill, we're incentivizing school-based um leaders. If I'm a principal and I got a kid going off to college, I want to get

076to the district office because that's $41,000. And we just cannot we cannot incentivize that. So um just saying that for the district, we Dr. Jones did send us all the salaries this week. So, I'm talking actual facts. We all saw it. Um, these are actual facts. There's a tremendous discrepancy. Tremendous discrepancy. And so, I'm just saying that publicly that um, if Dr. Elder is listening, which I hope she is, that we really have got to address that. But I hope this year, colleagues, that we will take care of these people. I do not think this overt tax in Rock Hill. I do think our taxes are significantly lower than others as it relates to millillage and that we will support um this. So I'm prepared to make that motion and let it fail or not

077make it move on. I'm support I'm prepared to support the um budget with the with with an amendment. So I would like to make the motion. Yeah, Dr. Jones, can we correct me if I'm wrong? Can we use fund balance money to get this 10% increase as non-certifies? Say that again. Could we use the fund balance money to use that to get the 10% increase to the non-certified employees. I think the answer is yes because a military increase, yes, we are much lower than our counterparts in the county. But I'll just ask yourself, what does it cost to rent something in Fort M? It's it's through the roof. You can't afford it. A threebedroom, two bed house is probably $2,500 a month. It's unaffordable. So yeah, we can increase the mill rate, but it's going

078to translate into increases in rent and we can't keep going down this road increasing people's rent. Rock Hill is one of the last affordable places to live in York County. So just to to clarify because I see some folks in the audience going, what does rent have to do with millage rates? Right. So to explain that the taxes that we are referring to um because of act 388, uh it is businesses that pay those taxes. So Rock Hill, one of our biggest business communities are our landlords. So if the school district raises the mill rate, they will pl pay pay a higher tax rate and I would mention to say that a 100% of the cases that cost will be passed along to the renters. So it does. So I think overall my position is

079I agree with with both these gentlemen 100% that a pay increase in in the nature of tempically needed for our uh staff levels one through five. But what I'm hearing from our interim superintendent for business services and I see the nods coming from Mr. Miley in the back or Dr. in the back as well is that we really do have two options or even a combination of both on how to fund that. So I would potentially say that what we could do is pass the budget with the pay increase and then have Dr. elder propose if that is going to be all fund balance, all millage increase or a combination thereof to propose it to the board at a later date. And I appreciate that. Um and I do see you, Miss Lacy. Let me

080just let me just let me just say this. I do appreciate that and I do appreciate your perspective from 3% to about $45 a year. So we're not talking about a significant. Now granted, any money is more money, but we're not talking about perund. So we're not talking about a significant amount of money. That's number one. Number two, this is a recurring cost because if we give a pay increase, this is a recurring cost. And what we have heard time and time again, what got us in this situation was using um um non-recurring revenue from fund balance to fund a recurring cost. So, I understand that it's not politically popular, but again, we Rockill Schools is not known for for for for pet for doing tax increases. We tax a lot lower than our other

081people. So, we can do what you've suggested, Chair Chairwoman Miller. But then what we're doing is we're asking Dr. Elder to come in here and cut something because that million dollars that we are talking about doing, that million dollar has to come from somewhere. And I think that you've done a yman's work cutting $14 million out of our budget. I'm not going to ask the new superintendent to come in now and cut another $1.5 million because that's exact exactly what she would have to do or we'll have to pass military rates then. So why not? Yeah, I was not I was not asking her to come in and make additional cuts. What I was saying is come up with the recommendation of which one of the proposals we would go with which would either be

082fund of balance or village rate or a combination thereof. It doesn't have to be all one or or the other. So, I'm I'm going to make my motion. If it doesn't pass, then we can make another. I think Lacy wants I'm going to explode. I was in a better place. Yes, there are a lot of cuts, things we don't want to see, but we cannot continue. We potentially caught up even this year. We do need to give a raise to our support staff, but we cannot use onetime funds to do that. We're going to end up in the same place going down the road. One thing, two things I'd like to say. Number one, um I appreciate the board making comments that anytime we can invest at the school level in in my career and

083in 37 years, anytime that investment that you look at the principles, you look at the teachers, you look at the support staff and all that. That is so key. uh when we adjusted the starting teacher salary, the beginning teacher salary uh last year, which hey, the state is they haven't even touched that yet. We're we're excited and we feel that's helping with us to be able to retain. When we made that jump, we had principal salaries, but it also, if you look at the range, there are assistant principles right now that I'm going to talk with Dr. elder about looking at that as well because there are some assistant principles that were not adjusted and then they're working more days but yet there so that's one thing that um that I will ask to look

084at. One other thing I would like to ask the board uh is just to to consider. I would like to talk to Dr. Elder about using any alternative funds we can seek grants or looking at other opportunities to be able to sustain the OEC. OEC is going to be under new direction this year. I see a new process and new purpose. I've met with their new uh director. Um and just to say if we could look at maybe some al alternative funding sources uh and this of course will be pending Dr. elers's approval certainly in moving forward but um again I think our particularly our singleton teachers if you're a guidance counselor this is the one association of professional development you have as well as our superintendent roundt our um our instructional leaders our personnel

085and they all have roundts that they come and and and look at an example today we we have to reapply for e-learning or make sure that our files and and everything are okay with the state. Dr. Dicki worked with several of those districts to say, "Hey, what does yours look like? Are you doing this?" And she discovered Rock Hill had done what it was supposed to do, but because of that networking that that paid off. So again, not necessarily general fund, but I would like to see if we can seek some alternative funds to be able to do motion. Question, but you said for the OBC, we could potentially take it out of the fund balance to pay for it if we had to. If if Dr. Elder made that recommendation, we could use that

08630 what? $32,500. Right now, it's an elimination from the general. That's an elimination from the general fund. But we could find even these are we could find some grant funds or some other things could be a possibility. I'll be talking with her about. Okay, thank you Dr. Jones. Thank you sir. I'm very proud of the fact that last year we finally started to we started to prioritize our schools when we gave teachers raise. Very thankful for that. I understand that for us to give them a raise, we had to to make cuts and I I think we cut um I thank you for for finding those cuts and continuing to allow to to pay our teachers. I I agree with Dr. Belton. We have to we have to prioritize our schools and the people that

087work in our schools and take care of our kids, educating our kids. So in the future, that's where I think our budget needs to start. We have to start in our schools and then if we have money left over for for people outside of the schools, then then we do we we can pay them. So I do want to give them the 10% raise. I do not want to raise taxes to do it because I I'm a property owner in Fort Mill and whenever the taxes go to Fort Mill, I just pass it on to my tenant. I don't pay for it. They do. I think if we have I'm gonna ask Dr. Elder to reallocate the funds to make sure that we're paying the people that take care of our kids, I will support

088that. Um the other thing that that I I do want to reallocate is is our fine arts. I understand the importance of giving additional money to our bands um because of the instruments. No student should have to buy a sousafhone. Um, but the success of our district is directly tied to the quality of our extracurricular and co-curricular activities. And we have to fully fund our fine arts, our chorus, our theater, our orchestra, and our band along with our athletics. So, I'm going to ask her to make sure that we do that going forward. and that may result in a cut somewhere else, but we have to fund our schools. Spoke with a parent today who is accepted in a charter school. She called and said, "How can we ensure that my student can stay within

089the arts program that is available at the high school and um was able to learn and she canled that reservation in the charter school and is with us and that's a great example because it does attract and sustain. It does. Yes, sir. Thank you. So, may I just ask my colleague something and and and Mr. No, all due respect and certainly I I understand that and you know, it's no secret. I too am home um a property owner at Fort Mill. I too will have to bear the brunt of the entire 21 mills that they just had and I get no credit for act 388. I too own five properties, three four properties here in Rock Hill, all commercial properties with the exception number one that I have to pay and I have tenants in

090my property. So, I'm I'm not speaking esoterically and this is going to impact somebody else. I'm not insulated from anything here that I'm proposing or insulated from anything that anyone else has proposed. Um, but I guess what my question is is there doesn't need to be a delay in in seeking Dr. Elder because if the position about taxes is this position today, then this position about taxes is going to be the same three weeks from now without Dr. Elder. So, you know, at this point here, I'm prepared to make a motion. It passes up or down and we just move on from the debate. Um and and so, Madam Chair, with that being said, I make a motion um to pass the budget as outlined as recommended by our superintendent with two amendments. One amendment

091is for a three mil increase for that money to be used um exclusively for payraises for level for support groups one through five. It may be as close to 10% as you can get them without exceeding the money that we would generate from the three point at OEC back into the general fund. So pass the most to pass the budget as you presented with two amendments. one a three mill increase to be used exclusively for support staff one through five to get them as close to a 10% increase as possible without exceeding what we generate from that millage increase and to add the OBC back into the general fund which is about $30ome,000. Thank you, sir. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Miss Hutchinson. Uh any discussion hearing? All those in favor of

092that motion. All opposed. Motion passes for [Applause] congratulations uh Dr. Uh we say thank you to you uh Bobby Barnes and the entire team that has been working very very hard representing this budget. And I think that one thing that needs to be stated is that the contents of this budget and the pay races and everything that it contains is something that this board have unilaterally said that we are in support of. Where the differentiation is is how we get there. So you you know with that said um we move on and we are uh excited about the new budget as we go into uh the new madam chair. Thank you for saying that because this is how democracy works. This doesn't make anybody a bad person. This none of that this is how democracy

093works. We have a public discussion. We take a vote and we move on. That's it. All right. [Applause] [Music] Miss Harris, can I add something? Yes, ma'am. Miss Harris. Yes. Thank you. And I hope Dr. Elder is listening. As we're discussing, prioritizing our teachers, our staff, and the ones who take care of our children. I am asking if she would consider a bi a bi-weekly pay for our district employees. Um once she's on board to consider that, please. Absolutely. and and and I think that that is a request that a whole board stands uh unilaterally behind because be having payroll twice a month is something that will uh be a benefit for all of our employees. So we will be asking that off um Dr. Albert as she comes in. I wanted to thank Dr.

094Jones, thank you again for all the work you've done in the past three months and Miss Smith, I know you're out there probably listening. Thank you as well. Um, we couldn't have got here without y'all. Thank you. Okay. Madam Chair, thank you. Oh, sorry. Yes. Um, Madam Chair, I I also I I did not get a chance to to make an amended a motion to amend the budget, but I do hope that we reconsider reallocating some of those funds to make sure that our fine arts is fully funded going forward. I know we support that. Agree. Absolutely. Absolutely. to the statement that was said earlier, you know, regarding our planning session at the end of August. You, you know, when we set a budget, that is always subject to potential amendments uh if there is

095new needs that arise in the district based on the recommendation of superintendent. So, as we collectively, as a board set goals for our superintendent and for Rocket Schools at the end of the summer going into the fall, there is an opportunity for her to come back with recommendations for us to consider and we're looking forward to that process and we'll let you know more about when when we get started on those pieces. So, next up is communications. Um, communications is Thank you, sir. is the segment where community members can sign up to address the board. Um we normally allocate about 20 to 30 minutes for this segment and we have two speakers. I ask that both of you stick with 10 to 15 minutes no more than that. Um and I'll start off with uh

096welcoming up Melissa Stole to talk about the general budget. Thank you so much. Um, good evening. Thank you, board members, interim superintendent, Dr. Jones, and community. Um, a lot of what I've written tonight, y'all already like addressed it off. So, I just want to speak on it real quick. So, um, I'd like to first thank Terry Smith, Mr. Barnes, and the whole finance department for work working diligently on the budget. We appreciate and recognize the many hours spent working on it. I am speaking speaking tonight to ask you to consider all the emails, messages, phone calls, and correspondence you received. But I am asking you each to listen to the voices of Rockville. Our concerns are real, and our perspective matters. I urge you to ensure that the people who understand our district's daily needs

097are considered in your decision tonight. These would include teachers, school administrators, district off staff, office staff, and community members, especially those of us who know firsthand what resources are needed in our classrooms and schools on a daily basis. Our classrooms not only serve our students, but also are used to train and introduce future teachers. Our classroom, our teachers, our classroom teachers show up daily to be present in our classes and in our schools. We work together with our school, our PLC's, and our departments to support each student that walks in our classrooms. One of the budget line items that has been questioned were J1 visas. There are many different perceptions of international teachers. However, let me share about Mr. Mand from Castle Heights Middle School. He works with ESSE students in grades 6 through 8

098during his academic seminar class. One of the tools that he created to support his students was shared at an adept new training institute meeting. Um and at that meeting he shared it other ESSE teachers and also new teachers were able to incorporate his many schedule in their classrooms. International teachers have been able to support their students, schools, and fellow teachers in in many ways. While our district continues to work to recruit local teachers and graduates, our international teachers are showing up and stepping up to work with our students and teachers. Last month, I spoke on our support staff, especially relating to our assistance. I would like to remind you that daily these professionals support our classroom teachers and students that they are hired to assist along with can be assigned by school administrators administrators on

099a daily basis. Most of them work second jobs to provide for their families while also still buying and providing resources in the classroom for their students tonight and to meet that um need for equitable and fair rates for the support staff across our district. When making future decisions in the community, we would also like to see more transparent and simple ways to provide feedback. Some of the community has suggested using the amazing social media media videos that have been highlighting Second Harvest Food Bank and the new open enrollment program provided a new and exciting way for the community to see Rockill Schools and to be a part of Rockill Schools. The post and videos will continue to increase positive engagement and grow our district by recruiting teachers and staff that want to be a part

100of the amazing thing happen things happening here. Can these social media posts be created to share opportunities for feedback with links and instructions to help the community provide a clear voice to help you and our future administrators to make decisions. Once again, the community is urging this board to take a step back and review the budget with input from the people who live and work it every day. Whatever decisions are made, we must never lose sight of who will be impacted the most, the students. The way that this budget is handled will directly shape either their success or their struggle. Personally, I can speak on my own three children. They've had three very different experiences. My oldest daughter was in high school when co occurred. She was supported by her ESSE professionals at Rock Hill

101High School under Miss Archie and Miss Robbies. They helped her to complete her work and graduate in 2022. However, she is still working to figure out what next steps are there. What next steps there are for her. three years after graduating. She has a strong foundation and she can do anything she puts her mind to, but she still is growing daily in her independence. My middle son made a very poor decision in middle school and learned from the disciplinary process. He now knows that every decision he makes has a bigger impact. After CO, he started at Rock Hill High School. Thanks to his best friend, he played football under coach Bubba Pitman, coach Tyler Clippa, and principal all. The program promotes academics as an expectation for success on the field and off the field. He

102graduated in 2024 with a 3.5 GPA, attends Western Carolina, majoring in sports management. He has become independent and needs very little support. In fact, when we begged him during Hurricane Helen to come home, he would not. He stayed at Western Carolina. My youngest will start at Castle Heights in the Unique Pathways program this fall. He will have all new support staff, teachers, and bus drivers. He has benefited from all his support at York Road, and I am grateful for what Rockill Schools has provided my children. They are each successful in their own way. There are so many families with similar stories. Our students are what matter at the end of the day. [Applause] [Music] And I can I address any Is this the point? All right. Thank you. Thank you for coming and continuing to

103speak out. I appreciate it. We've gone back a long time since Rosewood, so I appreciate seeing you here. Um, I have there's any way we could update that to make it easier to leave feedback or links to it. You know, just things to consider with that in addition to social media, but as we know, not everyone's on social media. So, that could possibly reach at least active stakeholders within the Rockville system and not, you know, with addition the general public with um social media. But I do appreciate every created as a way to engage. Um, but that doesn't can evolve or improve or change to meet the needs of the community. Um, and I think that any feedback on how we do that is fantastic and that is an easy thing that we can work

104on maybe over the summer uh to come up with some more user friendly pieces of this. In addition, I do know that Miss Monday and her team are in the process of a complete rebuild of our website. So there's going to be you know over the coming year u you know in in ch in in stages uh a very different look with much more user friendly and updated information going out to the community. So again thank you for the feedback. Yeah absolutely and miss money you're doing a phenomenal job but even as a board member yesterday trying to find information on the budget and vacancies and all that is five six clicks now and if you can just you I'm sure you've seen it as well. So, thank both of you, Mr. Miller and Miss

105D. I I just want to thank Mr. Balber. Thank you for coming up and advocating again like you did last meeting. Those real world stories means a lot and and it's greatly appreciated. Um I'm excited what we just did and increasing salaries for our support staff. It's critical. It's important. Um, I didn't get to make this commentary, but to that, I mean, they are ingrained with, as you as you advise, they're ingrained in our children's lives and they are critical to what our children do and how they will go throughout Rock Hill Schools and be a part of our community as a whole. So excited about hearing about your son, me at Western Carolina. That's really cool. So again, thank you for coming and advocating and and being a voice. Thank you. Thank you. So

106with that, I'm going to welcome up our next speaker, which is Representative [Applause] Let me start by saying congratulations Dr. Jones on your retirement and your public service to this community. Chairwoman Miller, members of the board of trustees um and to the community. Um I stand on behalf of my constituents. Um, I come before you today not only as a concerned citizen and a committed public servant, but as the only black representative elected to serve York County in the South Carolina House of Representatives. That distinction is not just symbolic. It's a mandate. A mandate to speak the truth to power, especially when the people I represent have been repeatedly ignored, sidelined, and disrespected. Tonight, I rise with deep concerns from how this school board has governed, particularly under the present leadership. The decisions made here

107has consistently failed our black families and our black children, and those decisions have been administrative. They have been systematic, deliberate, and harmful. Let's start with the devastating school closures. Three elementary schools, including Sylvia Circle, have been closed under your leadership. Closures that have disproportionately impacted black neighborhoods. Children as young as five and six have been uprooted from their classrooms, shuffered from school to school, sometimes twice within two school years. These are not statistics. These are real families, real children dealing with real instability. Now you are moving forward historical black institutions. It carries the legacy of excellence, pride and preservation. Pride and preservation within the black community of inclusion. It is it is an intentional erosion of black economy opportunities in a project tied directly to a black community and black history. You do not get

108to preserve the name of history or historically black school while locking out black professionals from helping to build and f build its future. That is not um equity. That is exploitation. And it is it is a direct slap in the face of the families who have supported that school for generations. To my school board member, Trusty Burns, let me speak to you directly. You are my trustee representing one of the largest contingency of black constituents in this school district. Yes. And you have yet and you have you have yet chosen to stand by in complicit in these decisions. You cannot represent black voters and ignore the very real consequences they endure under your watch. You remain silent as the board as the board deh as the board has two highly performing African-Americ principles where they

109demoted them without transparency, justification or even basic uh dignity. And they they they probably were dropped several levels levels below their original positions, not because of misconduct, but because of what appears to be politics and power, not performance. And while we're here tonight talking about education and equality and equity, let's also talk about what happened during redistricting. Me myself, while I oppose moving the Rock Hill School District to all single member districts, a move that would have generated fair proportional representation for black voters, this board fought me tooth and nail instead of embracing equity. you resisted every turn and and and let the record show these are present members that led this charge against it. They did not want a system that would ensure black voices be heard at the sea and at the table.

110Let me ask you this. Why are you so afraid or what are you so afraid of? Is it that you're afraid of losing control? Is it that you fear of finally having to share power with the very people you to make decisions that impact them? Because if this board truly believes in representation, fairness, and community trust, you would have welcomed single member districts, you would have said, "Let's ensure every community has a voice." But instead, you said, "Let's protect the status quo." Yes. When the South Carolina legislature moved When the South Carolina legislature moved to remove black history, and this is one that really bothers me, remove black history from the advanced place of curriculum. What did this board do? Nothing. Nothing. Silence. Not one public statement to defend 52% of your student body that

111is made up of children of color. Instead, your silence echo loud loudest echo the loudest. And it echoed in an alignment with extremist groups like Moms of Liberty. Groups that actively worked to whitewash history, to ban books, to resee our schools and underclo a part a parental rights. Let me say this loud and clear. Your silence was not neutral. It was an endorsement. We have now seen the removal of black principles. Yes. the exclusion of black contractors, the rejection of single member districts, and the erosion of black history from our curriculum. These aren't isolated incidents. They are part of a pattern pattern of exclusion, displacement, and erosion. This board cannot claim to value equity while destroying the foundation of while destroying the foundation of trust with black families. You cannot claim to serve students when

112you constantly harm half of the population. We are watching. We are documenting and we are organizing. We still have time to change course. But let this be your warning. We will no longer accept polite discrimination, backdoor decisions, or halfhearted apologies. The black community of Rock Hill is wide awake. And we are doing what? We we are not done waiting for you to catch up. We want real representation. We want real equity. We want real justice. So, let me close by recapping a few things. Three elementary schools closed. Students moved twice in two years. Young children forced to endure longer bus rides and disrupted school days. Two black history from our children's classroom. And yet, all around the city, we are seeing signs posted that says no room for racism. Let me say this clearly. If

113we're not going to do better, if this school board continues to make decisions that harm black children, silence black leaders, then we need to take those signs down. Because right now, those signs represents a lie. You don't get to brand our city with feel good slogans while the policies and practices tell a completely different story. Don't tell us there's no room for racism by closing schools and black neighborhoods. Don't tell us no room for racism by excluding black businesses from contracts on on historically black campuses. Don't tell us there's no room for racism when you fight against single member districts that will give black residents a fair voice at this table. You can't you can't have it both ways. Let me say this. These are words that I hear from my constituents. This is what

114I hear from my constituents and that's why I am here. Yes. and I have an obligation to represent the people who have elected me in district 49 which covers York County and Brock Hill School District is in my district. Let me also say this. I am the only one that's in the delegation that has supported public education 100% of the time. Let me tell you something many people may not know. When I first ran, Montro ran against me and he knew this. Two of our people gave me money to run. My my when they came and sat down with me, my response was that is that my door would be open to anyone to come and talk to me. You can't find a vote because I can't be bought where I've ever voted for school

115vouchers. I voted them down every time and public education has been who I have supported. I don't get calls from you all. I don't know what's going on in this school district. I have to hear from people who don't support public education. It's in my delegation and I have always supported public education and have always been left in the dark when it comes to Rock Hill School District. My other school district over in York, which I represent, we have meetings. I met with the superintendent. I know who the superintendent is. They tell me their needs and they don't discount who I am as their representative. And so I come to you saying, "I would like to work with you all." They these issues that I have are the from the same people that you represent.

116And so don't take it as if I'm meeting up on you all. These are the phone calls that I've gotten. I haven't been able to meet with you all because I've been in session. I am bringing those concerns to you all that were brought to me by my constituency. Thank you so very much. Um I I would like an opportunity and I I apologize that I've not had an opportunity to sit down and talk with you. Um this has been a tough seven months for me just honestly speaking, but I think you have a pulse on things and thank you for supporting public education that that's what we all are here to do. who were supposed to be supporting public education. So, um I definitely hope that you and I can sit down and have

117some conversations because I would like to know what's coming down from the state house so that we could be better prepared uh for what is coming to us so that we can make better decisions or good decisions for our school district. So, please look, let me say this. I know who I represent. I represent every citizen um in my district. Yes. But let me be very clear that I have a heavier burden than most people who represent York County is because I'm the only African-American that represents in this whole county on a state level. So you have to imagine I get phone calls from people who are not even in my district with concerns. And I'm pretty sure you and Dr. Belton, Attorney Belton, get those same phone calls from people who trust you. And

118so I've gotten those phone calls and and I want to work with this board. Um but I want you all to work with me. I want you to understand the value in me. Um being that I do support public education, being that I am one of the longest serving members in this delegation, um other than Harvey Peer and Dennis Moss, but a resident, the one who lives in York County, I'm the longest serving member. Well, don't don't ignore my phone call. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is presentations. Uh it is posted as July board meeting date um with my name behind it. Um so just to kind of inform the community about our July board meeting schedule uh in accordance with policy u Dr. calendar and in which case we will have a um

119special call meeting and that will be announced in accordance with the policy for special call meetings. So that's that and uh but just wanted everyone to be aware uh and then I am going to turn it over to the one and only Dr. John for his final report of the interim superintendent. Thank you so much Madam Chair and board members. Um, congratulations from Rock Hill School's adult education as we held their commencement last evening at Castle Heights Middle School. We are so proud of these students who were truly committed themselves completing the requirements to receive their diploma while they were simply adulting, having jobs, paying jobs, raising children, helping their children with homework and get themselves making sure they completed to inform that we are preparing for the upcoming year. uh with our administrative teams

120in our schools already. We're working for that start of course which is going to be August 4th for our students. I do want to make note that we do have three interim principles that are part of school staffs who have history at school that will serve as principles for uh their their schools. In the upcoming year, Mr. Buddy King will serve at Rock Hills. In the upcoming year, Mr. Buddy King will serve at Rock Hill High School, Miss Amber Maze at Dutchman Creek Middle, and Miss Kendall Futrell at Cherry Park Elementary School of Language Immersion, and they're hiring teachers and getting prepared. Uh remember, our 4K enrollment is open and kindergarten registration is underway. The state has approved our kindergarten staggered enrollment so that we can have kinder camp at the beginning of the year.

121You can register online for both programs and find out more information at Rock Hill Schools. Also, new student registration and returning student verification remains open online for the fall. Uh, make sure you register. We need to get everyone accounted for as soon as possible so we can prepare for the year. Also, a reminder that we do have summer feeding program sites open for breakfast and lunch at Old Point Elementary Monday through Friday. Northwestern High School Monday through Thursday and Richmond Drive Elementary Monday through Thursday. Times are posted online at Rockville Schools. And make sure you stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages. Folks, there's a lot of positive videos about things happening, including uh several of our summer camps. We've had a steam summer camp. Our students who are learning uh in their um

122in in reading camp um running throughout the district. our incredible programs that our communications department is continuing to to boost. So, make sure you take a look. A lot of wonderful things happening in Rock Hill Schools. Um, then I thank you for the opportunity not only to speak from my head, but from my heart. Uh, somebody told me long time ago, if you're going to be a principal, you can't tear up and you can't cry. And I've always tried to keep that stiff upper lift. But folks, to work in Rock Hill, it's the work of the heart. And the tears are the outward invisible sign of the investment not only that we make in our students but the investment that this school system has made in me. Rockill, I was not looking for you seven

123years ago. I wasn't looking for you. But here's what happens when you answer your phone call from Bill Cook while driving to work one morning in April 2017. And that unexpected call led me to one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. My time here in Rock Hill Schools. I mean, what can you say about seven years? E-learning, masks, the time that I led a group off the playground because the cicas were after us. policies to court students, thrills in athletics, plays from Mamma Mia to My Fair Lady on football sidelines, watching students run cross country baseball. I mean, these are the memories I can tell you that I will wrap myself with when life gets a little colder like that of a quilt that is well sewn. Those memories of Rock Hill

124are in there and I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I had. To our board members, thank you for your vision, your dedication to students, and your tireless work behind the scenes. You all have a vision for excellence in Rockill Schools. Please continue to champion our total system. to our district office team and leadership. Thank you for your partnership, your wisdom, and your relentless pursuit of doing what is best for kids. You made this work feel like a shared mission, and your support made all the difference, and I loved coming to work every day. To the principles and school leaders I've worked with, you are the backbone of our schools. Your courage, resilience, and commitment to our communities, it has inspired me. I've said many times, I wish I would have found Rockill earlier in

125my career. You've led with both strength and heart. Thank you for being the brave leaders that you are. To our teachers, you're the heroes every day in our classroom. You carry the torch of learning with grace, even when the load is heavy. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for the four teachers that allowed me to substitute in your classroom over the seven years and for reminding all of us of why we do what we do. To our students and families, thank you for trusting me, for teaching me, and for allowing me to be a part of your lives. You make this journey rich with purpose and with meaning. and to everyone, colleagues, community members, friends, you all make the job what it is. Public education is still the best value in town, and it

126remains one of our greatest hopes. So, please stay the course of excellence. Keep investing in each other as so many of you have invested in me. If I ever disappointed you, if I ever made you angry, I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. I above all hope that you know I care deeply about the work and the people doing it. So just across the state line, I'll be cheering you on. I'll be back in Rock Hill. I'll always carry Rock Hill with me. And thank you for allowing me to come to be a part of this wonderful place called Rockill. And I am unanimous in that statement. Long live Rock Hill Schools. And thank you for allowing me to be a part of the journey. [Applause] Madam Chair, yes, I don't really want to follow that,

127but I do have a comment that goes along with what you mentioned now. Um, Tonight I attended the adult ed. Oh god, I'm going to cry. The adult ed graduation and I will tell you I've been in education for 21 years and high school graduations were the first graduations that I attended and I saw some of my own kindergarters cross the stage. But I will tell the most inspiring thing that I have seen and I want them to know I appreciate them and the sacrifices that they and their families made so that they can be successful and that they could show their children what it means to be a lifelong learner and what they need to do to advance themselves and better themselves. And they made this choice and they chose to put themselves and

128their education first. and I appreciate the effort and the time that they put in. I also um was reminded by Dr. Williams, Norris Williams was the keynote speaker last night and he read the Inviticus poem. Um every year as teacher I choose a quote to put on my wall or a word to put on my wall for my students to see. I hope I don't butcher the quote at this point, but you are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul. And I'll tell you, that's going on my wall for my fifth graders to see this year because they need to be inspired just like those adults were last night. And it left me rejuvenated and rested and ready for this next school year. So I do want all those graduates. I

129believe they said it was a 20 or 30% increase last night in the graduates that they put out. And so adult ed, I see you and I appreciate you. I'm here for everyone in Rock Hill School District, but adult ed, please reach out. have truly inspired me and I'd like to support you. Thank you. Thank you. So tonight we do have one executive session uh and the purpose for that executive session is legal matters pending personnel matters receive a legal advice regarding the Senate. So at this point I will entertain a motion to adjourn the open session and enter the executive session for that matter. Motion to adjourn. Uhhuh. Yes. Motion to adjourn. Correct. Yes. Got it. Okay. Do I have a second? Uh, thank you, Mr. Thank you. Uh, and I'll move the second.

130All those in favor? I post motion carry. Good evening. We have been meeting in executive session um for the purpose of legal matter pending personnel matters receive a legal advice regarding the same. So at this point I will entertain a motion to adjourn the executive session and reconvene the open session. So moved. Thank you Mr. Nosal. Do I have a second? Second. I believe Miss Daniel was first. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor. All opposed. Motion carries. 7. Do I have any motions coming out of the executive session? Madam Chair, I move that the board approve the employee resignation agreements which were reviewed by the board in executive session. Thank you. Do I have a second? Second. Um, Mr. Burns, I believe. Any discussion? Very none. All those in favor? I. All oppose.

131Motion carry 70. Um, I believe that concludes the motions coming out of executive session. With that, I will entertain a motion to thank you, Mr. Burns. And do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Dr. Belza. Any discussion? Var. All those in favor? I. All oppose. carry stand off the record. Thank you all.