Minutes - 19850401 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

~~~ Commissioner Walker views the study as one step towards merger and stated that the people in Northern Orange County see it as a takeover of their schools by the Chapel Hill School Board. Ee voiced opposition to a merger. Commissioner Marshall noted the importance of the study, stating the information will enable the Board of Commissioners to make better funding decisions. Merger would move the two systems toward parity although it may cost more to have a better school system for all the children of Orange County. The information from the study may show that money can be spent in other ways to get other results. Cscar Compton, former School Board member, indicated his interest in the children of Orange County. He opposed the study stating he sees no reason for having a study since the school systems are not interested in having this study. He feels there are differences in the school systems and sees no advantages in getting additional capital funds far Orange County Schools through merger. He noted he has heard nothing from the legislators about merging school systems for several years. Norman Haithcock, Orange County School Eoard Chair, voiced opposition to the study stating the people in Northern Orange County want their own school and the study is a threat of their security. Chair Willhoit emphasized the importance of knowing the implications of merger in case it is forced upon the two systems in the future. Libba Wells, Orange County School District, spoke in support of the merger study stating she wants the best education for her children. She feels the study is working ahead systematically. Brenda Alexander, Orange County School Aistrict, opposed the feasibility study. 'I'he study at this time would be outdated 10 years from now. She questioned the cost of the study and Chant TfTil].hoit indicated a cost would be incurred only if a consultant was hired to do the study. She feels Orange County does not fit the mold and cited Dr. Spencer's comment that "we do not fit the mold". She read comments that were made at the Board of k7ducation Meeting. She expressed concern that the task force wild create an extra workload on the school administrative staff. Commissioner Carey rued that part of fitting the mold for merger has to do with whether or not the Commissioners feel aortifortable in making capital funding expenditures and the Commissioners are faced with various capital requests from both systems. Commissioner Marshall emphasized the effort made by the Board to find funding for the capital improvements needed by both systems. As growth increases the information received from this study will fit in with the kind of land use planning, utility planning and transportation planning needed for the next 20 years. The issue of how merger might or might not fit in with these plans is important. All alternatives need to be reviewed so the schools can get the best for the children out of the money that is available. Commissioner Lloyd noted that if a merger study is done it should be done by the state. Since the County Board voted not to support the feasibility study he questioned the value of doing the study since a study done at this time would be obsolete fn three or four years. Myra Curton, Orange County schools, noted a wncern about the District Tax in Chapel Hill and expressed a concern that an increase in property taxes would be needed in order to equalize salary supplements. She expressed concern about the differences in attitudes with relation to the new school district and new school board.