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Commissioner Carey apologized for not having this information ahead of time. He said that there is always such a huge difference in funding between the two school systems. We have tried to equalize the funding, but gave up because of the growth differentials in the students in the two school systems. He realizes that this topic is wrought with emotion and no one wants to talk about it, but it is time to talk about this again. He said that if we try and put a long drawn out process on it, it would never get done. He gave eight reasons in his document why this was a timely decision. He said that people in the County system would like to close the gap in funding. He listed the questions that must be asked as follows: "Would we plan for two separate school districts in Orange County today if we had the choice of starting again?" "Would the gap in funding that currently exists grow wider if we continued our current policies?" "Is the current funding disparity hindering or contributing to the equal educational opportunity of County school system students?" Commissioner Carey said that he likes the idea of the County Commissioners taking the leadership and having a more efficient expenditure of County tax dollars. Commissioner Halkiotis asked Geoff Gledhill about any other ways than listed by Commissioner Carey to accomplish the merger. Geoff Gledhill said that one way is by voluntary dissolution of the CHCCS system, which is possible but not practical. This means that the school system can elect to dissolve itself. Another possibility is by local act of the General Assembly, which is also not likely. The final way is that the General Assembly may mandate that all dual school systems in counties be merged. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about a public referendum and if it is required. GeofF Gledhill said that if the boards of education get together and decide to merge, a public referendum could be elected as part of that process. If a public referendum is elected, it is a mandatory referendum. If the Board of County Commissioners mandates merger, there is no requirement for a referendum, and any referendum would be advisory only. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he respects what Commissioner Carey has done but he is surprised. He asked haw we would normally communicate the possibility of sending this to the two school boards. This is an ambitious goal. Commissioner Carey said that this is one of the items that we have talked about for 20 years and have even commissioned a study about 15 years ago but did nothing about it. He realizes that communicating this to the school boards will come as a shock. He thinks that if the County Commissioners ask for permission from both school boards, they would not get it. The intent is to take leadership on this position. He did not put this forward because he thinks it is going to save money in the short term. He thinks it has potential far saving money in the long run. Commissioner Jacobs said that he respects Commissioner Carey for bringing this up and it is an intriguing thing to contemplate. He said that we need to sort out the ramifications of making it a goal. He thinks there would also be some educational advantages in the CHCCS system and not just for the OCS system. He would want some analysis from staff about accomplishing this kind of timetable and what would be involved. He said that in some ways it runs counter to haw we do business in Orange County because we always try to be very collaborative. Commissioner Gordon echoed Commissioner Halkiatis' surprise. It is a topic to be discussed and she would not unilaterally vote to adopt this as a goal. One of the reasons that the Commissioners backed away from this before is because of the financial impact on the County system. She would not be in favor of adapting a goal of merger in the near future. She would like to see it put to a vote with the public also. She does not think it would improve the education. She would like to see an analysis of the educational impact. She thinks that collaboration is important.