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377 time. Additional teachers are needed in the area of exceptional programs. She supports the budgets for both school systems. Joe Hunt asked when they are going to vote on a district tax and when they are going to merge the two systems. He noted that the priority is the children and they are willing to do what is necessary. His children are worth the sacrifice. He is willing to pay for adequate staffing and •for whatever is necessary to meet the needs of the children. Allen Spalt emphasized that both systems need large funding -- more than what is proposed. He acknowledged that good education is expensive and that adequate local funding can make a difference. He feels it is a disgrace that the budget does not fund the entire continuation budget or any of the expansion items. He asked that the Board fund the entire budget. Jay/Gretchen/Anne/Hannah Shope talked about the School-with in-a-School program. This program is important and they hope it will spread. This program will help those students who need it the most. Hannah Shope spoke in support of the School--within-a--School program. She strongly supports the addition of a counselor for the junior class at the High School.' Jasmine Beach Ferrara spoke in support of the School-within-a-School . program. It is the first program that can make a difference in the lives of students at the High School. She encourages the Board of Commissioners to fund this program. Susan Smith stated that the teachers do spend money for the students in the classrooms. They buy things as the need arises. Most teachers have to create their motivational incentives for children who have no incentive. They are building tomorrow today. Teachers value their work. She is concerned about increasing crime and the need for four deputies in the budget. She asked that education be given more of the budgetary pie. Maguerite Peebles stated that there are 1,850 students at Chapel Hill High School. She is an administrator and noted that Chapel Hill has all the problems that other schools have. They are trying to restructure and have made an attempt to develop strategies to address these problems. The proposed budget will not allow these new initiatives to be developed. The need is to provide the best and most appropriate options possible which is a restructured education but they need the financial resources in order to provide programs that are needed in the expansion budget. She asked that . the County Commissioners support the schools and in particular the expansion budget. Ken Touw, member of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School Board, stated that what is being said is that the two school systems have very real needs and that both need additional funding beyond the Manager's recommendation. He hopes they can talk about merger and funding equity. Pam Bailey spoke in support of increased funding for the- two school systems. Their expansion program can make a difference in the quality of education if they are given a chance to recruit and train volunteers. The lack of money limits the implementation of programs to help their students. Lavonda Burnette is a concerned parent and a member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force. She asked that the Board allocate money to at least fund some of the $134, 000 they need for their expansion . items. This will give the community some hope and show that the Board wants to work to alleviate these problems. John Thomas, volunteer and Chairperson for the Exceptional Children Advisory Council, talked about his wish list. He wished that they had more money coming from the Federal Government and the State but they don't. He