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Y 349 because the district tax is held the same when she authorized more. Jo Hunt, Orange County parent and volunteer coordinator,- noted that the schools are understaffed. She reminded the Commissioners that children are an investment in the future. Funding is needed to encourage the kids to be competitive. She asked that the Board of Commissioners fund the children., teachers and the future. Charles Stewart noted he will be the principal of the new middle school when it opens in the fall of 1994. He spoke about those items that will be needed at the new school that are not included in the bond issue. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners consider the special needs for a new facility. Richard Sharpe, parent of four daughters, emphasized that the Board of County Commissioners have the power to reverse the trend in education. He asked that the Board think about the fine teachers in the system that may leave. Steve Kegg reinforced.what has previously been stated by others. He has seen a strong commitment to move the schools toward technology. He supports the recommendation for increased supplements for the teachers. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners support the system so they can get the job done. Linda Lloyd, Orange County Association of Educators, asked for the Board's financial support. She talked about the loss in salary because of the career ladder. She stated that more responsibilities have been placed on teachers. All surrounding counties have higher supplements than Orange County. It is hard to keep top quality teachers without any additional money. In order to have a quality system, the people must pay for it. She asked that the Board approve Dr. Overstreet's budget as presented. Jim Neill stated that his son needed additional help and got it and because of this he is now an honor student. He feels that children should be given the opportunity to do better. Susan Smith, teacher at New Hope, . asked if the Board of County Commissioners values. what she does. She helps children to be happy and feel good about themselves. They have the technology but need additional money .. for training and they need the County Commissioners to lead the way. - Teachers continue to spend money out. of their pockets ...to. .provide .supplies and better programs. They work long hours because they-- care about the children. She supports the superintendent's budget. Linda Carver, teacher at New Hope, asked for a 10% increase in their supplement so they can continue to buy the things they need in the classroom. , Mary Bushnell, Chair of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School system, noted that her board cannot fund their total continuation budget with what has been recommended. They will be short $400, 000. They have. expansion programs that have been proven to work but no funds are being allocated. They need to do something about preventing violence. The school system is willing to work with the community and businesses to form partnerships to utilize all the resources in the county. People are willing to pay more for their schools. Ruth Murphy, principal of New Hope Elementary School, stated that they have had 3 , 000 visitors since opening in the fall of 1991. The most critical element in the learning process is the teacher and more specifically the quality of the teacher. She feels that teachers give of themselves to the children at school and spend a lot of time training and j planning and are grossly under compensated. She feels it is not right for I i i'