Minutes 03/20/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 20. 2007 · In 2005-06, the teacher pay raises (average of 9 percent raise) provided above average raises for teachers with 1 - 5 years experience, helping Portsmouth to attract new teachers. · In 2006-07, the average raise was 8 percent with above average raises provided for teachers with 6 - 13 years experience, helping Portsmouth to retain experienced teachers. · And for 2007-08 (the third year of catch-up for teacher pay raises), average teacher raises will be just under 6 percent---or 5.9 percent. The School Superintendent has recommended numerous instructional improvements that range from the highly creative First College alliance with Tidewater Community College (TCC) to a new proposed program entitled Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Pathways (STEM). School Capital Improvements The Portsmouth Public School facilities are another area of excellence that has been achieved through cooperation between City Council and the School Board. · Over the last seven years, two new schools (John Tyler and Brighton) have opened, and four schools (Douglass Park, Westhaven, Hodges Manor, and Wilson) have received major renovations. · A third new school (Park View) and a major renovation/addition at Victory are underway. · The number of mobile classrooms used by Portsmouth Public Schools has been reduced from 76 to 39. There are now no mobiles at our elementary schools. NeiQhborhood and Community Investments . Of $2.1 million of new funding in the FY08 budgets, $1.7 million IS In the operating budget for the following: . More than $1 million is earmarked to beautify the major gateway corridors. . $500,000 A New Neighborhood Initiative Matching Program is proposed match funds to civic groups and organizations for a broad array of neighborhood-initiated improvements. . An addition $410,000 is included in the Capital Improvement Budget to address blighted and abandoned properties in the Cradock neighborhood to supplement CDBG funding. There are also a series of other neiQhborhood efforts: . 63,000 New Truxtun Community Strategic Plan . 60,000 New contribution to Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve - A new funding agreement with the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation is proposed for $60,000 that will provide for additional operational hours for the city-owned Wildlife Preserve. . 48,302 Enhanced Recreational Programs - The Summer Galaxy Program provides an array of activities for youth. Based on its continued success, the FY08 Budget proposes to expand program for two additional weeks in the summer. The Before and After School Program at elementary schools will be expanded to four additional elementary schools beginning in September at a cost of $48,000.