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flexibility because the square footage requirement could not possibly be included in a substantial equivalency plan. Commissioner Gordon expressed surprise at the Orange County School Board's reaction. During the time that she was Chair of the School Capital Needs Task Force in 1991, it was clear that there was a wide range between the new and older schools in the quality of their facilities and that wide rage existed in both school systems. She indicated that the Commissioners could work with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board if they wanted to pursue this discussion. Perhaps the Orange County system would join in this later. Commissioner Halkiotis commented that he was not totally clear about the intent of this plan. He felt that with the current Bond Referendum underway, this could represent an additional $30-$50 million dollar price tag. Although many improvements could be made to the old schools, they can't be made into new schools. He agreed to look at this proposal but was concerned about the possible price tag. Orange County School Board Member Bob Bateman felt that this project would be cost prohibitive. Commissioner Carey commented that what he heard the School Boards saying was they already had a policy in place. However, a policy that is driven by the program needs of individual schools leaves itself open to the idea of entitlements. Commissioner Gordon mentioned that the reason that this was presented prior to staff completing any preliminary work was because she felt that the School Boards should be a part of the process from the beginning. This would be a complete partnership. If the School Boards committed themselves at this point it would be to investigate and explore only. The basic standards would be a starting point but it was likely that substantial equivalency would need to be specified for the existing schools, following the steps outlined in the agenda abstract for this item. That agenda abstract is incorporated herein by reference on page of these minutes. Orange County School Board Member Richard Kennedy felt that there was already a system in place for renovations of older schools. He commented that he felt comfortable with making decisions based on what is visibly needed in each of the schools. Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board member Nick Didow stated that the members of the school board had felt there was merit in this proposal. He stated that what they were agreeing to do was to work with the Board of Commissioners to explore the possibility of substantial equivalency. Orange County School Board Member Keith Cook commented that it was difficult to get the basic needs of the students met each year. He did not want to come up with an additional list of needs to be met. Mr. Haverland indicated that the Orange County School Board agreed that this represented the possibility of unfunded mandates as well as the possibility of suggesting changes that would be impossible to accommodate, such as enlarging existing classrooms. The School Board feels that the C.I.P. exists to address these needs. Theywould be happyfor the Board of County Commissioners to increase funding for those projects. Commissioner Halkiotis mentioned that the Board of County Commissioners did, in fact, fully fund the Orange County School Board's budget request. This Board of County Commissioners is working very hard to meet the needs of all of the students. Ms. Bushnell agreed that part of these costs are already covered in the C.I.P. She felt that this proposal could be used as a method of prioritizing the C.I.P. projects. She commented that there were parents in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro district who did want improvements made to the older schools. Mr. Royster asked what definition of equivalency would be used? He requested that a definition be established.