Orange County NC Website
distributed a blue sheet which indicated specifically the Manager's <br />recommendation for both school systems and how the schools could <br />utilize those funds. <br />AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS <br />Information was distributed on the middle school after-school <br />programs in both school districts. Sharon Siler, Management Analyst, <br />briefly explained the information. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by <br />Commissioner Willhoit to fully fund the after-school program in both <br />school systems in the amount of $57,998. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT <br />William Harrison, Superintendent, said that the budget is <br />realistic and contains no fluff. The funds will provide the <br />educational opportunities that the population deserves and is fiscally <br />responsible. The average annual increase in the budget over the last <br />ten years has been 9.50. <br />They need teacher supplements in order to be competitive. The <br />startup costs will be used for one time capital needs for the new A. <br />L. Stanback Middle School. The $17,500 for staff development is very <br />important as well as teacher assistants and two assistant principals <br />for two of their elementary schools. They also need more technology <br />specialists and a graphic arts teacher. He asked that the Board of <br />County Commissioners seriously reconsider funding their entire budget. <br />In answer to a question from Chair Carey on plans for the old <br />Stanback facility, Dr. Harrison said that they are exploring the <br />possibility of using this facility for a year-round program. He is <br />not sure how this will affect their plans for a new elementary school <br />planned for 1998-99. <br />Commissioner Willhoit said that the County is subsidizing Orange <br />County Schools in disposal of their solid waste. He will recommend <br />that this cost be paid by the schools. He wants to provide an <br />incentive for the schools to reduce the amount of solid waste they <br />have. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that both school systems need help <br />with promoting reducing at the source and recycling. <br />Ken Touw, Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board, said <br />that he will provide to the County Commissioners a copy of their <br />annual report which outlines what Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools have <br />accomplished in the area of solid waste. He asked the Board to <br />reconsider the use of the district tax. He feels that what they are <br />asking for will maintain the equity between their old and new schools <br />and not add to the inequity of the two school systems. He noted that <br />the difference in start-up costs could be that McDougle was a new <br />school and Stanback is a replacement school. <br />Neil Pedersen, Superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City <br />Schools, thanked the County Manager for the cooperative spirit during <br />the budget meetings. He thanked the Board of County Commissioners for <br />their action on the impact fee. Dr. Pedersen noted that while the <br />recommended budget is only $166,000 short of what was requested, the <br />budget is an austere budget and they need the $166,000. He <br />distributed some materials which described the startup costs for the <br />