2003 NS School Collaboration Study a memorandum of understanding

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DRAFT ~ Orange County Collaboration Initiative 2002 - 2003 Memorandum of Understanding Purpose This memorandum of understanding is between Orange County and the Institute of Government, UNC -Chapel Hill. Its purpose is to secure the professional services of Dr. Phillip Boyle, Associate Professor of Public Management and Government. Dr. Boyle works closely with the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, the N.C. Carolina School Boards Association, the N.C. League of Municipalities, and with county, school, and municipal governing boards in public problem solving and decision making, including collaborative problem solving involving multiple jurisdictions. Background Representatives from Orange County, Orange County Schools, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools met on September 18t" and October 31St to discuss collaboration between their respective governing boards. These meetings grew out of earlier discussions about possible areas of collaboration, as outlined in a February 1St memorandum from the County Board Chair. The three governing bodies have agreed to work together with the assistance of the Institute of Government. Issues and Interests, Expectations and Concerns In these meetings participants identified a number of issues, interests, expectations, and concerns that both drive and restrain efforts to collaborate. These tended to fall into three major themes: (1) conflicting interests, values, attitudes, and beliefs; (2) commitment to collaboration and (3) potential benefits and outcomes. Conflicting Interests, Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs • Visible inequities in funding and opportunities are highlighted by rising expectations for educational opportunity and outcomes for students in both school districts. For example, the district tax by design creates inequity in per pupil local funding prescribed by state law for school operations budgets. • Simultaneous needs for new facilities and better use of existing facilities. • Reducing class size while also trying to squeeze what we can out of the capital budget. • We need to recognize our own legitimate self-interests and those of the other parties and then pursue common interests and common outcomes. • Values and deeply held beliefs may help or hinder collaboration based on the degree of consonance among the participating parties.