Orange County NC Website
school is needed to replace A. L. Stanback. She believes that buildings <br /> ' <br /> ildings <br /> should be built to last, be functional and adequate. She stated d that <br /> the 66 million dollars represents cuts from the original figures for the <br /> elementary and high school buildings. She cannot support <br /> referendum for any less pp a bond <br /> y than 66 million. She said if these schools are <br /> not built, the educational benefits will be lost. Good schools are the <br /> basis of good education. She urged the Board of County Commissioners <br /> loners <br /> to go forward with this bond referendum for at least 66 million and to <br /> place it on the May ballot. She pledged to work as hard as she can to <br /> assure its passage. <br /> MADELINE MITCHELL, parent and teacher in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro <br /> School System, stated that when she thinks of school capital needs for <br /> the two school systems she p <br /> y feels there is a big problem that can be a <br /> big opportunity. She supports the 66 million dollar ro osal. The <br /> p he <br /> school system has more needs than this will cover and difficult <br /> decisions have to be made. They opted for buildings over some of the <br /> other identified needs. She feels more students will be here than <br /> planned. The state projections are conservative. The trends 7 <br /> ro 'ected <br /> p <br /> by the state are supported by written documentation. She stated that <br /> Chapel Hill should receive more because they need the buildings. If and <br /> when merger occurs, it will not be in the interest of the students to <br /> have 2,000 students in trailers. She feels the citizens will support <br /> this bond issue. The people realize the importance of education. She <br /> is strongly in favor of this package and feels the citizens will support <br /> this bond. She favors taking this to the voters in May. <br /> NANCY SALMON from Chapel Hill emphasized the importance of building <br /> a new high school. If the school gets too large, the students don't <br /> know the other students. Two schools would provide additional <br /> opportunities for many students. In smaller schools many of the <br /> students can participate. In the long run she feels that all high <br /> schools in Orange County should be similar in size. She endorses <br /> building a second high school. <br /> NICK DIDOW, a resident in the Chapel Hill School District and a <br /> member of Citizens Advocating and Supporting Education (CASE) , spoke in <br /> support of a May ballot. He feels that the funds should be allocated <br /> based on anticipated need. He noted that the real school capital needs <br /> total far more than the 66 million dollar bond package. A bond for too <br /> little money will mean that another bond will be needed. This bond <br /> would provide a moderately priced school package. <br /> RICHARD GURLITZ, member of CASE, questioned the bond amount the <br /> community would support stating that this County is growing. The <br /> community has always placed a high demand on the educational system. <br /> If money is there for a 66 million dollar bond, there will be money for <br /> an 80 million dollar bond. The needs should be identified and the money <br /> should be found to take care of these needs. He wants schools with lots <br /> of programs. He stated that if the voters see a need, they will vote <br /> for it; if the voters do not see a need, they will not vote for it. He <br /> offered services of his volunteer group to educate the citizens about <br /> the needs and the bond. <br />