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551 <br />Commissioner Gordon mentioned that all parties will need to agree <br />that the chosen approach is viable. There must be agreement between the <br />School Boards and the Commissioners. <br />John Link pointed out that the future, identified school needs are <br />too great to be funded using a pay-as-you-go approach. <br />Chair Carey indicated that it may be necessary to put this issue to <br />the voters in order to reach resolution on which method is best for the <br />community. The possibility of a new bond issue for an elementary school <br />needs to be discussed. If a bond is not a choice, the school boards will <br />need to discuss this issue and make recommendations. A bond would not be <br />his choice at this time. <br />Commissioner Willhoit suggested using the option of year-round, <br />multi-tract schools while money is being accumulated for a new school. <br />Pay-as-you-go, as well as single-tract schools, could also be used. <br />The Board of County Commissioners reached the following consensus: <br />No bond will be considered at this time. The Certificate of <br />Participation approach will be pursued. There will be no increase in <br />property taxes for use as a revenue source. Increasing the Impact <br />Fees will be considered as will the possibility of changing the ratio <br />of the sales tax. <br />The Orange County and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Boards will <br />review and discuss the options listed above and make a report. If <br />they have additional unmet needs they will be discussed with the <br />Board of Commissioners. <br />Year-round schools will be considered as possible components of the <br />overall solution. <br />OPERATIONS: <br />It was also decided that in order to properly explain the need for <br />higher local standards, a document needs to be created that will clearly <br />define those needs. For example, community uses of school facilities need <br />to be articulated. <br />A meeting of both School Boards and the Board of County Commissioners <br />will be scheduled to discuss capital issues as they relate to the funding <br />of elementary schools. <br />Ted Parrish commented that the school's product is a well educated <br />student. That is what needs to be measured. Chair Carey agreed that a <br />well educated student is a product, however, information on how well each <br />program is operating is also important information. <br />Commissioner Insko suggested that the list of needs for each school <br />district be analyzed each year to assure that it stays current and <br />complete.