Supporting Our Students Presentation to the Wake County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education April 16, 2008

“Good is the enemy of best, and best is the enemy of better.” Milliken Research Center

America is losing ground year olds with bachelor’s degree 1998 – U.S. ranked first 2005 – U.S. ranked seventh 2000 – 2005, U.S. only country with no increase in postsecondary graduation rate High school graduation rate U.S. once was the best U.S. now 20th (out of 26)

“A country’s ability to compete in an ever more integrated world economy depends on a highly educated workforce.” Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Economic Survey of the United States, 2007

Principles 1. Strengthen commitment to measurably improve student achievement 2. Focus on student performance for all students 3. Commit to close the achievement gaps 4. Align responsibility and accountability for issues of growth

BOC-BOE Interlocal Agreement Establish multi-year funding formula for annual county appropriation, which: Provides for appropriate per pupil funding Implements 2007 curriculum audit strategies for measurable improvements to close all achievement gaps between current and potential performance

Board of Education Will retain authority and responsibility for: School programming (including school calendar) Geographic designation of school sites (“the circles”) Student assignment * All employees impacted by any agreement will be held harmless.

Board of Commissioners Under contract to BOE, BOC will take responsibility for: Facilities planning Land acquisition and construction Maintenance of schools Custodial/housekeeping Public utilities

Benefits Measurable improvement in student achievement through increased investment of time and money Predictability and better planning with multi- year funding agreement by formula Clear line of accountability for the taxpayer for planning, construction and maintenance Increased confidence in both boards

Wake County Public School System Student achievement among best in state Inter-board conflicts erode public confidence Board conflicts divert attention from issues of learning and teaching

Principles 1. Strengthen community commitment to significantly improve student achievement 2. Focus on student performance for all students 3. Commit to close the achievement gaps 4. Align responsibility and accountability for issues of growth

Board of Education Will be able to focus its time and energy on academic achievement of school system’s students

Board of Commissioners Will be able to turn its attention to aligning Wake County’s assets in planning for future school construction and funding

Both BOE and BOC Community Will demonstrate expanded and strengthened commitment to creating best public school system in America Will provide greater support for continued excellence in public schools

Comparison with Peer Districts Fairfax County, Va. Chapel Hill- Carrboro WCPSS Student enrollment 166,59611,382138,507 Per pupil spending $13,407$10,614$8,116 SAT avg. score Graduation rate 83.0%87.9%79.3%

More must be done N.C. at low end of money spent on education Money makes a difference N.C. test scores rank around national average WCPSS is a nationally recognized leader, with high scores and other academic achievements with below-average funding

More must be done To bring N.C. up to national average for monies spent, additional $2 billion needed To bring WCPSS up to national average, additional $222 million needed Source: Carlson, Kelsey. “Are North Carolina Schools on a Shoestring Budget?” WRAL. 01 Apr

Being a good school system isn’t good enough anymore. We must strive to become a GREAT school system.

Biggest winners will be the students who attend our public schools.

NO TAX INCREASE

TAX INCREASE - to keep Per Pupil flat

TAX INCREASE - to maintain and grow

TAX INCREASE - to grow and increase achievement

Formula Needs Length of agreement: 5-7 years Beginning point: 2008/09 appropriation Commitment to per pupil funding Future funding tied to county revenue growth Variables to be negotiated BOE to develop appropriate accountability metrics for improving student achievement

Comparison School District Per Pupil Funding in

Process Boards meet independently to consider implications of presentation BOE decides whether or not there is a funding scenario that works for them If a scenario can be developed, BOE presents its proposal to the BOC BOC considers BOE proposal and responds Boards negotiate details of Interlocal Agreement