October 25
October 25, 2010 1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OCTOBER 25, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Johnny Myrl Lunsford Heidi York, County Manager Jimmy B. Clayton
Kyle W. Puryear Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
B. Ray Jeffers - ABSENT Samuel R. Kennington
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in recessed session on Monday, October 25, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at the County Office
Building for the purpose of meeting in joint session with the Board of Education. In attendance representing the county was:
Chairman Lunsford, Commissioners Clayton, Kennington, and Puryear (arrived at 6:17 pm). Commissioner Jeffers was absent. County Manager, Heidi York, Assistant County Manager, Gene Hodges and Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves was present.
In attendance representing the Board of Education was:
School Board Chairman, Gordon Powell, Vice-Chairman Jimmy Wilkins, and members,
Margaret Bradsher, Ronnie King, Pecolia Beatty, Superintendent, Dr. Larry Cartner, Executive Assistant, Teresa Shotwell, Executive Director for Human Resources & Operations, Dan
Holloman, and Executive Director for Program Services PK-14, Marionette Jeffers.
Chairman Lunsford called the meeting to order and asked Commissioner Clayton to lead
in prayer.
PERSON FUTURES STRATEGIC PLAN: Commissioner Kennington led the group’s discussion related to the Person Future’s Strategic Plan highlighting 30 goals within the plan that need the schools’ support for
implementation. Commissioner Kennington stated his support of the school’s future funding requests being aligned with the goals and objectives noted as priorities of the Board in the Strategic Plan. Commissioner Kennington thanked school board member, Ms. Bradsher and
Board of Education Chairman Powell for their participation in the development of the Person Futures Strategic Plan.
Board of Education Chairman Powell highlighted the handout titled Education Opportunities in Person Futures Plan as prepared by Dr. Cartner noting the Board of Education is
up to the challenge stating they would need the Board of County Commissioner’s support though
funding such goals.
Ms. Bradsher stated many of the goals or objectives exist currently in the county requiring an increased awareness and funding to improve upon.
Chairman Lunsford stated the Board of County Commissioners are committed and supportive of allocating additional funds for the Board of Education to execute programs to make progress in Person County with the many initiatives, specifically commenting on improving the
high school graduation rate. Chairman Lunsford stated the Board of County Commissioners would like to receive a prioritized list from the Board of Education.
October 25, 2010 2
Commissioner Kennington noted the four-year high school graduation rate of 70% in
Person County comparing to the 74-75% statewide average. Commissioner Kennington stated 43% of high school drop outs are black males. Commissioner Kennington commented on an
article he read recently where school systems are considering decreasing the diploma
requirements from 28 units to 21 units. School Board members stated opposition to decreasing the diploma requirements in Person County.
School Board member, Pecolia Beatty inquired about monitoring progress of the Strategic Plan. Chairman Lunsford, Commissioner Kennington and County Manager, Heidi York
all explained measures in place to mark accomplishments by communicating to the community with a newsletter, web site updates, and media coverage.
Commissioner Puryear suggested forming a subcommittee of two school board members and two county commissioners to increase awareness of objectives and long term goals. School Board Vice Chairman Wilkins preferred the Board of Education to prioritize budget requests well
ahead of the budget process as an entire board. School Board Chairman Powell stated the School Board has their own strategic plan and is the basis on which the current budget requests are made.
School Board Member, Ronnie King advocated for the idea to have open dialogue and communication between both boards on a more regular basis.
PROPOSED QUARTER-CENT SALES TAX REFERENDUM: Chairman Lunsford requested individual support of the School Board members for the proposed quarter-cent sales tax referendum that will appear on the November 2 ballot. Chairman Lunsford stated the proposed quarter-center sales tax is a fairer, equal way of taxation that could
assist the county’s revenues in areas to sustain the anticipated shortfall from the State that would affect the county and school budgets.
Commissioner Kennington inquired about ARRA funds allocated to Person County. Dr. Cartner stated the State supplanted $3.1 million state funds with ARRA funds (not any additional funding is included) and noted the Race to the Top $500,000 funds is for implementation of new
programs. Dr. Cartner explained the $918,000 Job Funds are a reserve for the reversion of funds for the current fiscal year and next fiscal year.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Commissioner Kennington, seconded by Commissioner Clayton,
and carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________ Brenda B. Reaves Johnny Myrl Lunsford
Clerk to the Board Chairman