NHC

The Superintendent of New Hanover County schools is using coffee as a way to entice and encourage parents to ask questions about the upcoming school year.

It's part of a new series called "Coffee Talks." Dr. Tim Markley hopes the coffee and the informal setting will improve communication between parents and educators.

Tuesday was the official kick off of the series. Anyone is invited to join school officials for three designated mornings where they can ask whatever they want in regards to education.

A lot of buzz centered around the recent cuts in the school budget.

Dr. Markley addressed that question right off the bat.

"Fewer teacher assistants, reduced number of supply and textbooks, fewer field trips, and some of the competitions the students have done in the past won't be happening this year," said Markley.

But despite the shortfalls in the budget, expectations for the upcoming school year remain high.

"We are going to be a whole lot lighter in terms of the budget, but I'm really impressed with the folks that work in the county, the teachers, they are dedicated,I think we will have a good year."

If you missed the first Coffee Talk, there are still two other opportunities to get your questions answered.

Ashley High School Cafeteria

555 Halyburton Memorial Parkway

Wilmington, NC 28412

Coffee Talk III: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 7:30 a.m.

Holly Shelter Middle School Cafeteria

3921 Roger Haynes Drive

Castle Hayne, NC 28429

The following is a list of the New Hanover County Schools budget for the 2011-2012 school year.

Summary of Budget Reductions:

-Operating Reduction of 4.8%

-Net Reduction of 177 positions

-$8 million in non-salary reductions

School Supply Reductions:

-30% Reduction in Instruction Supplies

-5% Reduction in Arts and Athletic Supply Allocations

-No textbook Adoptions

- New Driver's Education Fee

School Position Changes:

-Teachers

1. Increased number of K-3 Teachers due to reduction in class size by 1

2. Reduced number of Special Education and Career and Technical Education Positions

-Instructional Support

1. Reduced number of K-3 Teacher Assistants

2. Reduced number of Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, and Media Assistants

-Non-Instructional Support:

1.Reduced number of Custodians and Clerical Support Positions

-School Administration

1.Smaller, non priority elementary schools to share Assistant Principals