Minutes - 19990603 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

In summary, the budget presented continues the County's commitment to education; improves responsiveness in public safety and emergency medical services; includes a competitive pay and benefits package to enable the County to retain its talented, motivated workforce; and addresses the goals identified by the Board of County Commissioners. Manager Link ended his presentation and turned the floor over for any Board comments or questions. Being none, Chair Gordon declared that the public hearing portion of the meeting was opened. Chair Gordon explained that the budget is roughly divided into two (2) segments. Approximately one-half of the budget consists of funding for the two (2) school districts, while the remainder of the budget addresses other County expenditures. School District expenditures are done on a lump sum per pupil basis, where other County expenditures are specifically addressed within the budget based on a set of priorities. The schedule for citizen comments and work sessions is listed below June 3 Public Hearing (Southern Human Services Center) June 8 Work Session (Southern Human Services Center) June 15 Work Session (Southern Human Services Center) June 21 Adoption (Southern Human Services Center) The Chair opened the floor for public comments to the Manager's recommended budget. A sign-up sheet was distributed among the audience and the first speaker, Ken Touw, was introduced. 2. PUBLIC HEARING Ken Touw, a member of the Chapel-Hill/Carrboro City School Board of Education spoke in support of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools budget as presented. He said that this year recommendations were prioritized. Mr. Touw stated that the long collaboration between the School Districts and the Board of County Commissioners was demonstrated by the continuing progression in academic prowess among Orange County students. This year, 91 percent of Orange County students were proficient on the end-of-grade test in reading and math. The number of students increases each year and the County must maintain equivalency in pay to attract and keep quality teachers. This year, proficiency standards were implemented, which required increased funding and advance preparations. Hence, there is little within this budget that was not predictable. Even though the budget was anticipated to be tight, $8 million in additional needs were identified this year. The school district prioritized their requests this year, per the Board's requirements. If the funding remains at the recommended level this year, the following programs will not be funded: ? Limited English Proficiency recommendations; ? No improved support for previously purchased technology and software to improve educational services, as the County continues to lose technically-proficient individuals to local, higher paying technology companies; ? No enhancement of local support for quality teachers and administrators; ? Cannot remove the cap for credit for teaching experience outside of Chapel Hill/Carrboro School District; ? No tuition reimbursement for teachers, nor assistance in obtaining national board certification Mr. Touw believes these budget items are key to the success of Orange County students. Eligible limited English proficient students will not be served, retention of students will snowball, our investment in technology will not be realized, and Orange County will not be able to attract and retain the best teachers. Mr. Touw requested that the Board find a way to fund these very necessary elements of the education program. Additionally, he stated that it would take an increase of 1.8 cents on the Countywide tax and al/2- cent increase on the district tax above the County Manager's recommendations to fully fund both school budgets. Maria Palmer asked that the County Commissioners fully fund the schools budget. Ms. Palmer serves as a representative of the Hispanic families in the community. In particular, she addressed the limited English proficiency funding for students. She believes that without this funding, the County will still end up expending the money in providing services through social services. If students, particularly young males, do not stay in school because they cannot receive the aid they need in obtaining English proficiency, they will