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decline. He said that these cuts affect their classroom teachers and their resources. He said that these are people whose morale is at an all-time low because of reduced pay from the State. He said that when the economy improves the teachers will take jobs in the private sector. He asked the Board of County Commissioners to re-consider the budget and the contribution to the schools. Mark Peters spoke on behalf of the CHCCS PTA Council. He is also now representing himself. He said that usually they come to the Board of County Commissioners asking for more resources. He said that he worries a lot about the next generation. He said that today one of his child's teachers got laid off and the State is looking at a $3-4billion loss and this will mean more lay-offs, etc. He would like to see the 48.4% funding for the schools this year. Anna Mercer-McLean said that she is speaking on behalf of the Community School for People Under Six. She said that a decision was made a year ago to place the Northside facility on a list of available property in Orange County. The CHCCS took the County up on this property to use for Elementary School #11. The Home and Community School has realized many goals and dreams over the past 38 years. It has graduated over 600 children to the public and private schools, received national accreditation for the last 15 years, and helped over 15 teachers receive associates and bachelor's degrees. She said that this school would be dislocated as a result of this decision. She said that this is not an Orange County agency, but it has served the County, the community, with pride and honor. It has partnered with Orange County for the More at Four program. It serves 80% subsidized families and 20% non- subsidized families under DSS and Smart Start. She respectfully requested the Board's support in extending the lease to June 2010 and providing funding in the amount of$150,000 to support the transition of 166 individuals who would be affected by this—57 children ages two months to five years old, 55 mothers, 36 dads, 15 teachers, and 3 administrative support staff. Christian Persico asked all that were here in support of the arts wing at Carrboro High School to stand. He said that he is personally here because of theater and there is not one in this school. He said that he has learned a lot of leadership skills doing theater and he has also learned how to work in a team in the theater realm. The arts wing is about all of the arts. The high school does not have an auditorium to practice anything in nor to perform in. He said that the high school needs this arts wing soon, which will create more opportunities for the students. Darien Lombardi spoke in support of the construction of the arts wing at Carrboro High School and the auditorium. He works in technical theater and there are issues such as no storage space, shows colliding with other high school performances since Carrboro High School has to use other venues, and denied opportunities with no arts wing. He said that this is a shovel-ready project. Elizabeth Welsby represented the Estes Hills PTA and SIT. She asked the County Commissioners to fund the CHCCS and Orange County schools at 48.4%. Nancy Jeannchild spoke in support of the CSFPU6. She works there. She said that Community School is a great childcare facility, but is also different and valuable. She said that this facility provides an opportunity for children to be exposed to other children from all socio- economic levels and backgrounds. Also, this is a program that evolves and it has partnered with Head Start, More at Four, and others. She asked the Board to consider these things as it makes choices for the budget. Gary Wallach has a sixth grader that will be going to Carrboro High. He said that they are pleading for more money for the CHCCS (like they have done in the past). He said that schools draw new people to their towns, which is good for economic development. As the educational structure is being slowly disassembled, a disservice to the students and to their families is being done. One of the primary reasons that the area has been named as one of the best places in America to live is the schools. He urged the Board to keep school funding at 48.4%.