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Board. However, these requests came directly from teachers, students 889 <br />and parents. He urged the Board of Commissioners to find the funds to <br />help the schools fund these programs. <br />Superintendent Pedersen agreed that the projected start-up figure <br />for McDougle Middle school was a poor estimate. The salaries for the new <br />principal, support staff, athletic equipment, uniforms, media center and <br />text books were not included in the start up costs. He also indicated <br />that the $1 million dollars for technology was instead allocated to the.' <br />new elementary school. <br />Several school board members commented on the need to fund reading <br />teachers at the elementary school level and increase the salary <br />supplement for teachers. <br />Ken Touw indicated that attempts to request expansion funding are <br />based on priorities set by students, teachers and parents, however, the <br />first priority is to decrease class size. His personal priority is the <br />funding for the technology instructor and funding for violence <br />prevention programs. He indicated that it is anticipated that the <br />recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force will be funded by grant <br />money. <br />Neil Pedersen commented on the computer networks that are being <br />created within the school system. This has increased the need for <br />technology support. <br />Commissioner Insko commented that the progress reports supplied by <br />the school administration offer good information, however, she requested <br />that anticipated outcomes be included. <br />Neil Pedersen agreed to supply that information. However outcome <br />information needs more than one year of history. The challenge <br />educators are currently facing is that of changing a mind set. Culture <br />has overemphasized the role that innate ability plays in success. <br />Educators need to understand why certain students opt out of challenging <br />situations. The system cannot afford to have dropouts. He said that <br />the role of the Family Specialist is to bring families into the school. <br />The focus is on the family which allows the school personnel to, <br />concentrate on academics. Increasing the number of Reading Teachers at <br />the middle school level is important. If the student does not read at <br />grade level by middle school, they must receive special attention. <br />John Link indicated that a policy needs to be in place that <br />clarifies what will be funded by taxes and what will be funded by bond <br />money. <br />John Link made a brief presentation highlighting the Orange County <br />Schools proposed budget. <br />Orange County School Board Member Mary Bobbitt-Cooke mentioned that <br />at the Public Hearing parents requested computer network support, <br />technology support, increased teachers pay and teachers voucher's. The <br />Manager's proposal puts the orange County schools at a disadvantage. <br />She requested that the Commissioners consider what the schools need and <br />increase the funding. <br /> <br />John Link indicated that the orange County School System used their <br />Fund Balance and money received from the state to fund the expansion <br />budget. He feels that the County has adequately addressed their budget