2003 NS Goal on Possible School Merger

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CY 2003 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROPOSED GOAL Prepared: 02/l 3i03 Revised: 03/20/03 SCHOOL MERGER IMPLICATIONS OBJECTIVE 1: To examine the pros, cons, and other implications of a potential merger of the Orange County Schools and the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools TASK A:: County staff, in collaboration with school staffs, conducts an analysis of potential school merger implications centered around five headings: Finance, Governance and Implementation, Public Information/Education and Public Input, Educational/Student Impacts, Other Impacts and Implications. Analysis will include, but not necessarily be limited to, an examination of the pros and cons for each of the following topics: Finance 1. A detailed analysis of the tax differential and impacts on all Orange County citizens created by a possible merger 2. A proposed method for equalizing funding at the highest level of the two districts, including the tax increase required for a possible merger 3. A review of the financial issues/impacts (both operating and capital) of a possible merger on the County, school districts, and other entities 4. An analysis of what changes might be needed, and how much it would cost, to equalize facilities and programs for both districts 5. Review opportunities to equalize funding for both districts that do not include a possible merger Governance and Implementation 1. A potential implementation timetable that would be associated with a possible merger 2. A step by step process (including legal) to follow for a possible merger 3. A review of potential roles for the two school boards in the process to be followed for a possible merger 4. A detailed analysis of the governance structure/who's in charge scenarios of a possible merger 5. Review possible methods for electing a school board with a possible merger 6. A review of how the superintendent might be selected and what might happen to employees in both districts in a possible merger 7. Timing of engagement of the State Board of Education 8. What relationship, if any, merger would have to SAPFO Public Information/Education and Public Input 1. An investigation of t~both the truths and the fallacies. of a possible merger, including impacts on property values, busing and affordable housing° and testing assumptions regarding both school systems (examples: demographics academics etc ) 2. A detailed explanation of what a possible merger would do and what it would not do 3. Proposals to educate the public on the issues of a possible merger 4. Develop and detail specific proposals on how public opinion will be included during the decision-making process related to a possible merger, including potential public hearings 5. Describe how a referendum on merger could be included in the decision-making process.