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350 teachers to lose money to teach in Orange County. She endorsed the super- intendent's budget noting that the system cannot afford to cut salaries c:------ programs. Bill Ervin expressed his concern about crime, drunk drivers, medical delivery systems, jails, etc. He believes that an ounce of prevention is . worth a pound of cure. The school is very mediocre. He is willing to pay additional taxes for a better school system. Leah Rade talked about a class her son was in which was a disaster because there were too many students. They moved here because of the schools and now the money for the schools is not being provided. She feels that the teachers should be paid so they will stay in the system. One teacher is working part-time at WalMart because she needs the money. She asked that the Board approved Dr. Overstreet's budget. Ken Touw, member of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School Board, talked about the fear of spreading the equity issue. He stated that he understands why Orange County did not want the bond issue. They didn't want it because they felt that it would take funds that they need to upgrade their schools. This fear is proven in the recommended budget. Bonnie scarlett spoke in support of the Orange County school system. She feels that more money needs to be allocated to fund educational programs. She asked for full funding of their budget. Ralph Warren, Chair of the orange County School Board, expressed support for the teachers and support for both school budgets. THERE WERE NO FURTHER COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Commissioner Halkiotis encouraged the orange County system to look r; a district tax. He feels the people should be allowed to vote for district tax. If this doesn't happen, then he would vote to merge the two systems. He emphasized that good teachers are leaving. There is not another generation of students to sacrifice. Commissioner Willhoit noted that he is not sure that the district tax is the answer. He feels that a more countywide approach is necessary to bring the systems together. He would like to address the teacher supplement equity issue.- H.e .feels .they need to set goals and move toward equity. The-_ two school systems - and-teacher associations need to get together --on. .an . equity plan. The Orange County system did not support the recent bond vote so it is doubtful that a district tax would be approved. ADJOURNMENT With no further comments, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting. The- next public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Homestead Community Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr. , Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk