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order to maintain excellence in the technological field, it is imperative that the entire school budget request be funded. Becky Smith, a Chapel Hill resident and teacher at Orange High, spoke in support of the Orange County School's budget request. She stated that there is no fluff in the request. Within that budget is a 13th science position which is desperately needed. If the full budget request is not met, this science position and other important needs will be in jeopardy . They will have to cut offerings in the science department in order to meet state mandated graduation requirements. Their department already has four state tests required annually and there are plans for the state to increase that to six tests. Finally, many of their classes are at, or above, the state maximum for class size. This additional position would alleviate overcrowding for the coming year. Ann Chockley, a teacher and Orange County resident, spoke in support of the Orange County Schools' budget. She asked the Board of County Commissioners to fund the entire budget request. She mentioned that the teacher pool is very small and it is critical that the school system be in a position to offer an attractive package to teachers. The Orange County Schools are succeeding in the field of technology because of past funding and they appreciate that. She thanked the Board of County Commissioners for that funding. All of the program areas need to be supported. She asked everyone in attendance to stand if they support the full funding of the Orange County School Board's funding request. Many of those in attendance stood as a show of support. Susanne Tilley, a parent of children in the Orange County School System, spoke in support of the School Board's funding request. She asked for additional support for the year-round program and mentioned that this program is very effective. She also asked that Spanish be introduced into the elementary schools. Angela Rose spoke in support of the Orange County Schools Budget request. She mentioned that there is a need for an additional teacher at the first grade level at Central Elementary. This would allow class sizes to be kept low, which would continue the trend toward keeping the class sizes below maximum. She also spoke in support of additional Reading Recovery teachers. Michelle Rimmer spoke in support of the Orange County Schools' budget request. She mentioned that she was also speaking for Mary, Bennie and Sarah Mack. Both she and the Mack's have students in the Orange County system and they request that the Board of County Commissioners fully fund the School Board's request. Peter Kramer, a parent of several students in the Orange County system, spoke in support of the School Board's budget request. He mentioned that he has become aware of a particular need at C.W. Stanford for an additional clerical assistant. This is a very important position within any school. The clerical assistants in the office set the tone for how the school operates. They are responsible for a wide range of duties, including dispensing medication to students. He also spoke in support of the request for an assistant to the band director. The band director for C.W. Stanford is a gifted and talented teacher and she is in critical need of an assistant. He also mentioned that the Foundation for the Orange County Schools has been revived. This Foundation realizes that government cannot do everything and the members of this Foundation intend to augment the efforts of the School Board and the Board of County Commissioners. Pam Saunders, an Orange County Schoolteacher, spoke in support of the Orange County Schools budget request. In particular, she spoke of several needs at A. L. Stanback. This is a combined year- round and traditional school and there is a need for a year-round resource teacher for the exceptional students. Barbara Dewey, media coordinator in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, spoke in support of fully funding the School Board's budget request. The cost of educating children is high and with a mandate for smaller class size, new school construction is a necessity. Providing the support needed to enable