Christine Moore

2011 Projected Budget Numbers for Orange County

admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:00:24 +0000

After a long and arduous session, school budget numbers are in. You will be hearing news story after story about proposed cuts in Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties. These districts will be closing schools, going to four day weeks, reducing elective offerings and reducing staff and busing services. However, in Orange you will only hear about efficiency and small staff reductions. This might be perplexing if you did not remember a Special Referendum was overwhelmingly passed by the voters on November 2^nd.

The chart below reflects the actual budget figures coming out of this session in the Legislature. Unfortunately, our fall forecast was wrong in predicting level state funding. They decreased funding to Orange County by about $210 per student. There is a mitigating factor, however, for the district. Employees will now be required to contribute 3% of their incomes which reduces our expenditures by about $200 per student.

I must thank our staff for their sacrifices in making a contribution to preserve student funding in Orange County. While I know it was imposed by the Legislature, I hope we can all consider pay cuts to be a contribution to our children’s future. And finally, I must thank the citizens for keeping their property tax bills level. Again, while many did not want to keep paying the same amount of tax on homes and properties with lesser market values; I want to express my thanks. It really is a gift and blessing for the students to know their community values education enough to maintain and preserve the current level of services.

Finally in summary, since 2007 the state has reduced its overall funding for Orange County students by 16%. With the generosity of the voters and staff this reduction is now mitigated to about 8%. For all my conservative friends, these budget times have made everyone, including educational workers, a conservative. Let’s hope the economy recovers and the Legislature will not allow any more reductions. Again I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all during these challenging times.

A Note of Thanks to Senator David Simmons and Rep. Bryan Nelson

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 12:00:53 +0000

Many of you are aware from reading my facebook posts last week about the challenges we faced with the construction project at Rock Springs Elementary. I have told many that it was like delivering a child – but when the baby is delivered, the joy removes all remembrance of pain and struggle.

You will hear me discuss the need for reduced state regulation and more local control of schools. This is certainly a case that poignantly illustrates the point. The District had applied for a construction waiver saving several million dollars and vastly improving the renovation of four Apopka schools. We had been waiting eleven months only to be denied by the Department of Education in the final week of budget negotiations in Tallahassee. Our beloved Rock Springs renovation project would be delayed, made more costly and design simply impossible.

There was no time to waste. I got on the phone with Rep. Bryan Nelson. I knew he loved the school as much as I do and thus he willingly brought corrective language to another local state senator. In God’s providence, our friend and local senator, David Simmons was the chair of the Senate Education Committee. Senator Simmons was able to get an exemption inserted into the final budget bill. The House, under the leadership of Rep. Bryan Nelson “accepted” the changes and on Friday night at 8:23 PM we had a victory.

I had lots of help with this victory. Please join me in thanking the following leaders: Rep. Bryan Nelson, Senator David Simmons, Speaker Dean Cannon and Commissioner Fred Brummer. Remember, if you keep greasing a wheel, it may actually turn and turn for the better. Let’s enjoy this legislative victory and continue to pray the Governor signs the budget bill and our Apopka schools will be built in a way we can all be proud.

Over $20,000 raised for fine arts in Apopka area schools

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:00:55 +0000

How exciting it was to see the look on the faces of the young children as they walked onto the amphitheater stage! I also loved observing our winning poster artist as he told his friends that attendees were not just purchasing copies but requesting his signature on each poster sold. Viewing all the student art projects was special. Between ticket sales, VIP parking, poster sales, food concessions and community sponsorships, the 2011 Apopka Arts and Jazz Festival raised over $20,000 for fine arts programs in our local Apopka schools. Attendance was also exceptional as it exceeded three thousand people for the day.

Thanks are in order for our fine arts teachers, parents and volunteers!! They worked selflessly selling tickets, creating and transporting artwork to the facility, and teaching students performance numbers. Parents purchased costumes, instruments and tickets. In addition, they filled several truckloads with tables, chairs, and sound equipment to make the day possible. Friends and family members volunteered all day long working festival activities.

Most importantly, thank you to the Apopka community for providing financial support to underwrite festival expenses. CenturyLINK, The City of Apopka, Shren Yeager State Farm Insurance, McDonald’s, BankFIRST, Best Cleaners, Region’s Bank, St. Germain Chiropractic Clinic, Florida Virtual School, Trinity Baptist Church, and All My Kid’s Pediatrics provided the major and general sponsorship funding. Tools for Teaching donated chalk for the chalk art activity. The following provided school underwriting sponsorships: Comm. Fred Brummer, Comm. Bill Arrowsmith, Sabbath Grace Fellowship, School Board Member Nancy Robbinson, Heather Baker Insurance, CPA Stephen Deviese, The UPS Store – Dr. Phyllis Olmstead, City Driving School, Marvin Barrett, Ed Conlan, The Wireless Zone, Serenity Spa and Rosina McVicker.

Finally, thanks to Dr. John Edwards and principals for supporting the arts in these tough economic times. Most schools have pinched every penny trying to keep these vital programs part of our school curriculums. Between dwindling state resources and increased requirements due to the Class Size Amendment, fine arts programs have often been at the bottom of available funding. Thank you to everyone for helping elevate the importance of the arts in our children’s education. It was truly an inspiring day.

Improved District Bond Rating Outlook

admin — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:23 +0000

Why do bond ratings matter to a municipality or governmental entity? They matter in the ability to borrow money and the bottom line in funds required to repay a loan. Orange County Schools currently has a billion dollar construction program. Lower bond ratings will mean a lower bottom line in the amount of tax money required to repay loans for new and renovated school facilities.

Just this month, OCPS learned Fitch Ratings out of New York revised our bond rating outlook from stable to POSITIVE. This improved outlook means that the district is well-positioned for a potential future rating upgrade.

One reason Fitch stated for the improved rating outlook is sufficient financial flexibility. Thanks are in order to the citizens of Orange County. This past November, they made education a priority by approving an increase in local property rates. The purpose of the increase was to help preserve the arts, athletics and academic programs. The bond agency linked the peoples’ affirmative vote as an indication of the District’s financial flexibility.

The second accolade of strong fiscal management is owed to the work of our Finance Department under the leadership of Chief Financial Officer Rick Collins. This department has been active in providing leadership in the budget and fiscal management processes. The Board has also engaged several outside audits to insure greater efficiencies, accountability and transparency. Strong fiscal management was the second reason Fitch indicated for improving the Orange County Public Schools’ bond rating outlook.

Importance of Arts Education

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:32 +0000

The highest expression of every culture is demonstrated in its arts. Fine arts teach the importance of music, drama and the visual arts in literature, history and every subject in the curriculum. It is recognized that to be truly well educated one must not only learn to appreciate the arts, but must have rich opportunities to actively participate in creative work. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores.

The current economic crisis had been straining school budgets. Our schools were experiencing the alarming loss of programs and I thought had to do something to help. Thus, with the vision and leadership of former Area Superintendent Dr. Cathy Pope, we brought together 19 schools to celebrate the arts. The Inaugural Apopka Arts and Jazz Festival was begun in February 2010 whereby children attending schools without programs could experience hands-on art exhibits, see and hear music performed, and watch drama presentations. Not only could children participate but the entire Apopka community could celebrate the artistry of their children.

There was also hopeful news for arts programs on November 2^nd. The Orange County citizens overwhelmingly expressed their interest in preserving arts education. The District will have additional funding for four years. It is my hope and intent to be able to restore arts positions lost to the budget and class size underfunding problem.

Support for Fine Arts – Apopka Chief – January 21, 2011

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:00:53 +0000

Many of you know how much I love going to Darter and Mustang football games. I was even at the game assisting during the recent lightening storm. We have no problem in this town supporting two sports programs. I believe support for our fine arts programs should be no different.

I grew up in Upstate New York, the daughter of a professional musician and high school band director. I have fond memories of getting on a city bus to take flute lessons from a wonderful teacher, John Thomas at the Eastman School of Music. My life has been enriched by the opportunities to perform with professional and volunteer orchestras. My daughter currently plays oboe in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and I was blessed to play a duet with her at Trinity Baptist Church this past December.

My love of music, election to the Orange County School Board and the City of Apopka’s construction of the Amphitheater has brought together the opportunity to teach our children the love of sharing their musical talents with the community

I want to thank the following music teachers for their time and commitment in preparing students to perform at the 2nd Annual Apopka Arts and Jazz Festival on Saturday, February 19th.Apopka High

– Chris Cannon and Linda Boot; Wekiva High – Leo Lamos and Jami-Leigh Bartschi; Apopka Middle – Jennifer Young; Lockhart Middle – Naomi Peterson; Piedmont Lake Middle – Jason Ford; Wolf Lake Middle – Lindsay Cannon; Wolf Lake Elementary – Annette Allport; Riverside Elementary – Maryna Tomashevska; Lockhart Elementary – Margareta Garrett; Dream Lake – Juli Thrush; Apopka Elementary – Adelia Chambers; Clay Springs – Lynn Gibson; Lovell – Elizabeth Collins; Lindsay MacIntosh; and Clarcona – Sarah Perez.

Transportation Audit Outlined Real Cost Savings for the OCPS Transportation Department

admin — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:00:44 +0000

Many of you will remember the controversy regarding “flipping” middle and high school schedules at the start of the economic downturn. After an outcry from parents and families the Board reversed the schedule and made a commitment to find transportation cost savings elsewhere. In order to find these savings we conducted an outside efficiency audit by a national transportation expert. This report outlined potential financial savings through efficiencies and reduction of service levels. Subsequently, at the direction of the Board, the Chief Operational Officer implemented every efficiency method possible from the report.

The first reduction dealt with “deadhead” miles. This improvement and savings directly impacts bus routes servicing Apopka area schools. The District will be constructing a fueling station at the current middle school bus compound. I heard this suggestion as well from numerous drivers while campaigning. The drivers discussed the long and expensive treks to Pine Hills to fuel up for Apopka routes. The savings from this satellite fueling area will be substantial. It is projected to save over 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 106,000 deadhead miles annually.

Additional costs saving items are projected by the end of this fiscal year to save an additional $6 million. Some of the suggestions already implemented include: selling surplus busses, reorganizing the transportation department, and changing computer programs to increase bus loading efficiencies. All of this critical as the State of Florida currently funds transportation needs at 40 cents on the dollar. We have been forced to take money out of the classroom for underfunded transportation needs. When you see one of our big yellow busses imagine you have just seen one teacher. The cost for each is comparable.

I will continue to work at finding cost savings and efficiencies for operational areas of the district. I believe this is one of my main responsibilities. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you on the Orange County School Board.

What’s So Great about Apopka

admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:10 +0000

One of the best things about being an elected official from the northwest part of Orange County is experiencing how its residents work to serve one another. I am so appreciative of the efforts of Robin McEwen and the Apopka Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors: Heather Baker, Janet Crossfield, Steve Deviese, Nikki Francis, Janet Green, Chris Hammett, Kathy Hopper, Mary Francis Mancuso, Frank Mannina, Bernie Moro, Theresa Mott, Phyliss Olmstead, Carmen Ruiz, and Marv Suriff. These Chamber Ambassadors are coordinating a book drive to collect donations of gently used children’s books to fill the library at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School.

The school recently was honored to have moved their FCAT rating from a “D” to a “B”. The entire community has been supportive of the leadership of Principal Jackie Massey and the academic accomplishments of the students at Wheatley. The Ambassador Book Drive is being held from now until Tuesday, January 4th. Community members may bring books to the Apopka Chamber Office on Park Ave. For more information call 407 886-1441.

My children and I loved reading books together especially when they were young. Are you my Mother? and The Runaway Bunny were this mom’s favorites. I can think of nothing better than those of us who have books to help all Apopka parents create lasting memories of reading to their children. If you are able to donate to Phyllis Wheatley Elementary, please let me know. If you are unable to bring them to the Apopka Chamber Office I will assist in picking up the books.

Speech – Desegregation

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:28 +0000

On this momentous occasion, I wanted to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for our Superintendent, Dr. Ronald Blocker and his staff; my fellow Board Members – Mrs. Cadle, Mrs. Flynn, Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Bell, Mr. Roach and Mrs. Robinson, the Plaintiffs and their legal counsel, and most importantly to our legal counsel, Frank Kruppenbacher and his team.

To everyone who has insisted and persisted in fighting for the right and privilege for all our children to receive a quality and superior education. The dream for many of us is becoming a reality. This celebration tonight, while long overdue, I hope as been worth the fight, trial and hard work. I think we all believe it is simply “the right thing” to do for all of our children. This day is an historic step away from court-supervised desegregation. And for that I am sincerely grateful.

I would be remiss, however, if I did not ask our entire community – moms, dads, grandmas and granddads and even our children to continue in this effort. Yes, we will surely be called upon to engage in future discussions and about the details involved in successfully implementing the provisions of the agreement. It is my hope that together, all citizens in Orange County, Florida will make available superior and fair educational opportunities for all our Orange County children.