Minutes - 19971206 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 Randy Bridges, Superintendent of Orange County Schools, explained how DeBruhl was formed and how they build schools quickly using the same design -- not cheaper materials. The buildings can be added to if the student population increases. He talked about the legislation which Johnston County received giving them authorization to build the Unitary System Approach model school. Commissioner Carey emphasized that the legislation speaks to the process. This allows school systems to work the market to our advantage, especially since the economy is good. Commissioner Gordon suggested that John Link and the two superintendents bring back a recommendation on this idea. Commissioner Halkiotis reemphasized his desire to indicate a range of money when talking about the cost of new schools. It was decided that the High School Standards Task Force would also discuss this possibility. Commissioners Carey and Halkiotis will serve on this Task Force. The County Commissioners discussed capital projects/policy issues as described in attachment 1 b. They discussed how to handle the excess money when a bid comes in under the amount allocated. In the past, the school system presented an amended project ordinance where they specified how they will spenc the excess money. Commissioner Halkiotis feels the process is too open-ended and needs to be tightened. Commissioner Carey would like for the process to be clear in that excess money should be spent on their next highest priority instead of spending the money for something not on their priority list. He would like to know what their priorities are and hopes this relates to the list of needs already articulated. In answer to a question from Chair Margaret Brown, Ken Chavious said that the money is allocated on a projected cost as part of the CIP approval. The capital funding policy will be brought back to the County Commissioners for further discussion in January. Charter Schools Commissioner Crowther asked that Charter Schools be included whenever the Board talks about student projections. John Link said he needs further clarification on providing local funds for capital needs. The County provides funds to the two school systems and they in turn appropriate to the Charter Schools in their district per the number of students in each school. It was decided that the Board may want to hear reports from the Charter Schools about their operations. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the budgets submitted by the two school systems and said that it would help if both school systems would use the same format. Representatives from the two school systems said they felt that was possible. BREAK 4. Review/Discussion of Selected 1997-98 Board Goals Healthy Carolinians A report was given by Health Board Chair Tim Ives. Attachment 6a in the agenda is a copy of the full presentation. Commissioner Carey serves as Chair of this committee. He mentioned that the final report will outline the role and responsibility of everyone including the County Commissioners. Access to services and