tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post2250825187732104398..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: CMS budget cuts, shifts and addsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-74590222506564810432012-03-01T09:32:48.693-05:002012-03-01T09:32:48.693-05:00The economy tanking may have saved a bit. $30,000...The economy tanking may have saved a bit. $30,000,000 seems like too much. Closing schools like Davidson IB would add to the CMS booty. Is there an official accounting of these funds for CMBOE and BOCC to include in their leadership activities and decision making? Is transparency part of the equation on excess bond funds?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-68326290771673286042012-03-01T08:47:14.552-05:002012-03-01T08:47:14.552-05:00"BolynMcClung said...
Recently I was told th..."BolynMcClung said... <br />Recently I was told that the projects funded under the 2007 bonds have been completed at $30M less than planned. That didn’t happen through magic. That is a 10% reduction. That’s two new elementary schools that could be built if needed."<br /><br />I would love to know where this $30M went because to my knowledge CMS never told the County they wouldn't need those funds. Also what schools in particular did they save costs on because to my knowledge they usually come in over budget.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-32292031588967124482012-03-01T01:26:15.760-05:002012-03-01T01:26:15.760-05:00The $7,000,000 slushy could be the year end handou...The $7,000,000 slushy could be the year end handouts CMS shuffles around. Much of which come from salaries for jobs that CMS never hires. Just another creative finance way of supporting the myth CMS is underfunded, while cooking the books. Budget a number of jobs never filled and then spend the public's funds as you wish with no accountability to the Board. Somebody should ask for an accounting of where last year's year end slush puppy funds went. Many millions spent outside of the publicly discussed and voted on budget. Sounds like a great Board of Education report for one of the Broad embeds. Eric, be nice and share the annual responsibilities and their timing with the new chair. Coach Joe was a gentleman about it and you should be too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-12558331703173502092012-02-29T21:28:51.067-05:002012-02-29T21:28:51.067-05:00Christine,
That $800k EC reduction is going into ...Christine,<br /> That $800k EC reduction is going into EC offices in the new unexplainable renovations at the old Smith Language Academy on Tyvola. Got to love CMS with its not good enough for students so renovate for the administrators philosophy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-61820332317157466312012-02-29T15:49:17.633-05:002012-02-29T15:49:17.633-05:00Christine, you are correct in what Bolyn wrote app...Christine, you are correct in what Bolyn wrote applied to construction projects only. My complaint then is if they saved enough for 2 elementary schools, why did everyone have to jump through so many hoops to get Stumpton ES (to relieve Torrence Creek ES) into the building list? And the correct answer is because it is a suburban school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-16879834966939276892012-02-29T14:45:44.012-05:002012-02-29T14:45:44.012-05:00Maybe the $7,000,000. comes from planned PR Dept &...Maybe the $7,000,000. comes from planned PR Dept & asst superintendent reductions?<br />Ha Ha! ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-13707342302665001532012-02-29T14:30:08.776-05:002012-02-29T14:30:08.776-05:00Bolyn, most of what you're referring to is con...Bolyn, most of what you're referring to is considered capital cost, correct? I'm talking about the operating budget.<br /><br />Doesn't it bother you that they miraculously 'found' over $7 million dollars, especially when they've gotten wind from the County that they may not get ANY increase over last year? <br /><br />Doesn't it bother you that average salary numbers have been used to calculate budgeted salaries, instead of actual salary numbers, especially when there's such a large difference between the two figures?<br /><br />These items alone make me wonder what other money is hiding under some rocks... don't you wonder that, too?<br /><br />And I've been doing some research on the charter school pass-thru amounts, and still cannot reconcile back to that 900+ increase in students. Can you? I'll be sending that question to Ms. Shirley.Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-44685221822611841172012-02-29T13:53:56.038-05:002012-02-29T13:53:56.038-05:00Bolyn..
What do you show as the 2007/08 budget nu...Bolyn..<br /><br />What do you show as the 2007/08 budget number versus 2011/12?<br /><br />Is it operating budget or the operating budget plus capital replacement, school lunch and after school programs? <br /><br />According to numbers I've looked at, the 2007/2008 operating budget was $1,041,554,000, while the current budget is $1,170,000,000.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-49503788838851308302012-02-29T13:14:30.595-05:002012-02-29T13:14:30.595-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.BolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-43198350033235490372012-02-29T13:14:22.553-05:002012-02-29T13:14:22.553-05:00RESPONSE TO CHRISTINE’S QUESTION:
“….when, if at a...RESPONSE TO CHRISTINE’S QUESTION:<br />“….when, if at all, does CMS ever look internally for places to become more efficient and competitive and find ways to do things cheaper?”<br /><br />I certainly wouldn’t want to insult you by asking where have you been; but, where have you been?<br /><br />Six years ago I heard a CMS construction manager say, “Every project begins with thinking how it can be done for less.” This same manager said that everyday the question of lowering cost is almost as highly ranked as safety.”<br /><br />Recently I was told that the projects funded under the 2007 bonds have been completed at $30M less than planned. That didn’t happen through magic. That is a 10% reduction. That’s two new elementary schools that could be built if needed.<br /><br />Three years ago and then for every year since cost have been driven out of the system. Tuesday night Hugh Hattabaugh said it was $220M over three years and it was beginning to affect student growth and achievement. That figure included redirections. The CMS budget is now on par with the 2007-2008 budget but with 6000+ more students.<br /><br />I still have up on my website, CMSdollars.com that ominous chart calling for $100M in reductions. You know, some of those cuts happened.<br /><br />Tuesday night the CFO noted the budget can’t be in the red and at the same time gave evidence from the NC Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly that the state ain’t out of the woods yet. Somebody at CMS will be reducing something!<br /><br />So, in answer to your question: everyday!<br /><br />Bolyn McClung<br />PinevilleBolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-42591783903141077782012-02-29T13:07:35.011-05:002012-02-29T13:07:35.011-05:0012:37, I think the $6 million-plus in savings from...12:37, I think the $6 million-plus in savings from the later schedule happened in the current year and is not itemized as a new savings for 2012-13. The $600,000 will come from changing hours at 10 additional schools next year: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/CMSannounces2012-2013bellschedulesforschools.aspxAnn Doss Helmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03511764376105157616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-13739480545045254752012-02-29T13:03:53.501-05:002012-02-29T13:03:53.501-05:00I would like to know if the previous chair shared ...I would like to know if the previous chair shared such information as he knew it - on how the various staffs and groups met to plan things as in past years - with the new chair. NOT if the new chair asked him about the process but about if he volunteered the information as a part of a cohesive team that is (supposed to be) the BOE. <br /><br />It would seem his question was a snarky, backhanded and not very honorable attempt to show up the new chair. <br /><br />Little E, please get over the fact you were replaced and work together with the new majority for the good of all. If not, please expect to be voted out next election.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-46147826720072911172012-02-29T12:37:30.762-05:002012-02-29T12:37:30.762-05:002 multimedia specialist for $215,000! Waste of mo...2 multimedia specialist for $215,000! Waste of money. <br /><br />The bus numbers are funny too. Save $600,000? I thought CMS told us earlier that the extra 45 mins a day (which all ES teachers hate) and the bell schedule changes would save $6.3 million (maybe some of that money can go to those teachers working the extra 45 mins?). Which is it CMS?<br /><br />If CMS decreased the size of the bus fleet (why so many buses only half full on a good day, especially at high school?), just think how many millions could be saved??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-85650982273726065932012-02-29T12:07:35.172-05:002012-02-29T12:07:35.172-05:005 area superintendents still employed.
Humongous P...5 area superintendents still employed.<br />Humongous PR Dept budget increase from several years ago still in place.<br /><br />Why can't these be cut?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-19672512599757066572012-02-29T12:06:09.322-05:002012-02-29T12:06:09.322-05:00Christine...
I don't do facebook.Christine...<br /><br />I don't do facebook.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-74017737061229463942012-02-29T11:58:57.166-05:002012-02-29T11:58:57.166-05:00Wiley,
Did you see all the postings on Facebook l...Wiley,<br /><br />Did you see all the postings on Facebook last night from CMS about the TEP presentation? My entire news feed was covered with "one-liners" from the meeting. Too bad when I read my news feed from most current on down, everything ends up being backwards... ie I read a response from someone before the question gets asked...Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-24666855917876840022012-02-29T11:46:07.331-05:002012-02-29T11:46:07.331-05:00Ah, Bolyn, it will be a sad day when there will no...Ah, Bolyn, it will be a sad day when there will no longer be a printed version to wrap those fish in, which is on the horizon.<br /><br />I just looked at the headline of the WSJ that was slid under my hotel room door about an hour ago and the headline is "Romney Gains Momentum".<br /><br />The problem with that is I knew it about 8 hours earlier because of TV and the internet.<br /><br />I'll take that paper and stick it on top of the one from yesterday and leave it for housekeeping.<br /><br /><b>Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools would like $215,000 from the county to hire two multimedia specialists and get the technology to "be an advocate for our message."</b><br /><br />Maybe the BOE chair will get her news faster if this happens.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-28090821996942898672012-02-29T11:08:40.659-05:002012-02-29T11:08:40.659-05:00REPLY TO CHRISTINE MAST.
“Well presented.” So yo...REPLY TO CHRISTINE MAST.<br /><br />“Well presented.” So you wish a clarification of that phrase.<br /><br />Seldom is comment required on the presentation of the books. Numbers are numbers. But the order of the presentations, the brevity of words and the speakers understanding of the level of knowledge of her board contributed to a clear and concise presentation. “Well presented.”<br /><br />The CMS board chair has many strong points. Probably tops on her list is the ability to grasp complex issues. I was alarmed at her weak off-the-cuff response to Eric’s question and re-questioning. That comment was heard by the public too!<br /><br />Had I been a teacher hearing that part about the media being the source of communications, I would have been concerned that the raise I’d waited on for three years had just vanished in a pile of week old fish wrappers.<br /><br /><br /><br />Bolyn McClung<br />PinevilleBolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-46827765011913032562012-02-29T11:04:52.077-05:002012-02-29T11:04:52.077-05:00Ann,
No coffee... McD's sweet tea :-)Ann,<br /><br />No coffee... McD's sweet tea :-)Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-73382428432594369352012-02-29T10:42:55.324-05:002012-02-29T10:42:55.324-05:00....and there are also meetings between Hugh Hatta...<b>....and there are also meetings between Hugh Hattabaugh and Harry Jones.</b><br /><br />I learned a long time ago to never mix ammonia and bleach.<br /><br />In other headlines from the Observer....<br /><br /><b>Mecklenburg County commissioners aren't likely to approve $25 million to $30 million for across-the-board raises at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, commissioners' Chairman Harold Cogdell said in a letter to the CMS board.</b>Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-6786447800145559612012-02-29T08:51:26.323-05:002012-02-29T08:51:26.323-05:00Bolyn's account of that exchange is accurate, ...Bolyn's account of that exchange is accurate, but I don't think that's all Ellis-Stewart is doing to communicate about the budget. She's just created an intergovernmental relations committee of the board that's designed to deal with such issues, and there are also meetings between Hugh Hattabaugh and Harry Jones. Not saying there are no problems, but she is doing more than just reading the O (not that that isn't enough!).<br /><br />Christine, I want the kind of coffee you're drinking to get revved up in the morning!Ann Doss Helmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03511764376105157616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-14893488291925716212012-02-29T08:37:14.599-05:002012-02-29T08:37:14.599-05:00Ann, If what Bolyn says is true, shouldn't the...Ann, If what Bolyn says is true, shouldn't the public be informed that the chair is not doing much to engage with the county commission--should at least be made aware of her response to Eric's questions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-31069732663843726272012-02-29T08:33:13.233-05:002012-02-29T08:33:13.233-05:00$800,000 reduction in EC funding? I thought we we...$800,000 reduction in EC funding? I thought we were trying to keep money in the classrooms with the children... that program is already underfunded...Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-79855373934612672222012-02-29T08:28:44.764-05:002012-02-29T08:28:44.764-05:00Where are the 995 more charter students coming fro...Where are the 995 more charter students coming from? To my knowledge, the only other Mecklenburg County area charter school that might be new for next year is Corvian Community School, and they're projecting 88 students in their first year (assuming they get the charter). Every other charter in the County (CSD, Lake Norman Charter, etc.) isn't growing that big... so where are these kids coming from? Anyone know?Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-29273232183738987022012-02-29T08:21:45.676-05:002012-02-29T08:21:45.676-05:00Communities in Schools - Cost Model Pricing Adjus...Communities in Schools - Cost Model Pricing Adjustment of $100,000? Why is CMS giving them ANY more money?Christine Mastnoreply@blogger.com