Orange County NC Website
376 <br /> please give them the funds they need to be successful. The kids are the <br /> losers. <br /> Susan Stone, parent representative on the Carrboro Elementary Scho(` <br /> Governance Committee, made reference to the $750, 000 allocation for capita <br /> and noted that they have many things that need to be corrected and there is <br /> no money. They need the carpet replaced because it is hazardous to the <br /> students. Also, the bus circle needs curb and gutters. Doorways need to <br /> be installed to enhance the quality of the education for their students. <br /> She asked that the Board of Commissioners support the school board's <br /> proposal. <br /> Leigh Peek asked that the Board compare the amount requested by the <br /> school boards with what has been recommended. They are not asking for <br /> things that are not needed. She asked that the Board look at the individual <br /> requests. <br /> Mark Royster served as Chair of the Blue Ribbon Task Force. This group <br /> requested $134, 000 which will begin to bring a positive change for the <br /> African-American students so they can become contributing members to <br /> society. This is their future. A positive vote for this increase should <br /> not be questioned by anyone. <br /> Alton Cheek spoke in support of the expansion budget. The expansion <br /> budget would support a program to address violence in the schools. It is <br /> a serious problem but not a preventable one. <br /> Sarah Stewart, Co-President of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Federation of <br /> Teachers, made reference to the $750,000 for capital and questioned why this <br /> has not been increased. She stated that this does not keep pace with their <br /> needs. She talked about the three new initiatives they would like to begin,. <br /> this year. The Chapel Hill/Carrboro Federation of Teachers support bo' <br /> school budgets. She asked that the Board of County Commissioners make <br /> commitment to education. <br /> Anne Barber, teacher, parent and member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force, <br /> finds it embarrassing to have to beg and plead every year for funding. She <br /> would like to talk about how not to underfund education. <br /> Mary Ann Collect, teacher in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School system, <br /> asked the Board to relook and rethink what they are doing. Her first <br /> priority is the kids. <br /> Robin McCoy - asked that they - reconsider the current budget as <br /> recommended by the County Manager. She feels the expansion items are <br /> important and should be funded. She told about the preschool program that <br /> is funded by Reynolds and how it works for children and families. She <br /> would not like for this program to end because of a lack of funding. <br /> Howard Maniloff understands that the County Commissioners appropriate <br /> a lump sum of money but feels it must be larger. He made reference to the <br /> Blue Ribbon Task Force and noted they have identified and developed <br /> solutions which offer hope. They don't want to lose that hope. He talked <br /> about the School-within-a--School program and how it is clearly needed. <br /> Teachers are willing to try something new and he does not want to send them <br /> a message that no money. is available. <br /> .Sandy Williamson, parent and teacher, asked that the Board of <br /> Commissioners listen to the people. She does not feel that a program in <br /> place should have to be eliminated before new programs can begin. She asked <br /> the Board of Commissioners to care about education. <br /> Ellen Russell spoke in support of the exceptional programs in Chap <br /> Hill/Carrboro. She asked that the Board support the expansion budget. The <br /> positions requested are to serve children who exist in the system at this <br />