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CHAPEL HILL/CARRBORO SCHOOL SYSTEM Sue Baker stated that on behalf of the Board she was glad that they did have a continuation budget in 1989 -- 80% of the population agreed that they would have their taxes raised for education. She feels they must continue to look at the district tax as a way to support their need to go forward. She stated they would like to receive adequate funding to maintain the school buildings. Superintendent Gerry House talked about the rationale for putting the budget together. It is based on increased enrollment. The budget addresses the ongoing goal of the Board to better educate students. They are short $300,000 for the expansion budget. She talked about the change in the student population. They expect more non English speaking students and more kids who are not well prepared to enter the school system. The proposed budget does address the goal of better educating students. The expansion budget is an important part of the function of the school. They also have a need for additional equipment. They have gained 600 students over the last two years. Doug Breeden does not understand how there can be a community who wants to pay for education and not be able to tax themselves for doing that. He supports an increase in county taxes or an increase in the school tax. They have let the athletic facilities go to put the money in the classroom and now the athletic facilities need to be repaired. Chairman Moses Carey talked about the $750,000 and how that was determined. He feels that this needs to be reviewed. Commissioner Marshall noted that what was said was that if the County could increase the amount for capital to $750,000 for five years, that then this amount could be reduced. A big effort was made to bring the funding up to $750,000. This and some of the other long range funding issues need to be worked out over time. Sue Baker indicated this was the first year they asked for more than $750,000. Commissioner Willhoit stated the Capital Needs Task Force did recommend $750,000 for Capital. He feels that instead of agreeing to a certain amount or a formula that the whole process should be reviewed this coming year. There needs to be some set amount so that long range planning can be done. Commissioner Halkiotis asked members of both Boards if they talked with any of the representatives in Raleigh. If the prediction is true for the BEP it is going to put more pressure on everyone. Kay Singer stated her concern about the proposed eighty-six million dollar cut in the Basic Education Plan and also that they may have to cut from 14% to 7% in the Career Ladder program in one year instead of three. In most cases, the senators and representatives are supportive of this program.