Agenda - 04-19-2012 - 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 14, 2012 Bernadette Pelissier, Chair Pam Hemminger, Vice Chair Orange County Valerie Foushee Board of Alice Gordon Barry Jacobs Education Earl McKee Steve Yuhasz 200 South Cameron Street Post Office Box 8181 Board Members: Hillsborough, NC 27278 Donna Coffey Chair Dear County Commissioners, Stephen H.Halkiotis Vice Chair Thank you for the opportunity to elaborate on our District's quickly emerging capital needs— Eddie M.Eubanks in particular the construction of a new elementary school and the addition of a new wing and Tony M.McKnight auxiliar Anne Medenblik Y gymnasium at Cedar Ridge High School. Deborah A.Piscitelli Brenda Stephens Student Membership Projections G.Patrick Rhodes As predicted for many years now, our district has started to see a rise in the number of Superintendent students that we serve — in particular those living in the western area of the county near Mebane. While it is not possible to anticipate the number of students coming from developments located within the Mebane Planning jurisdiction, because Mebane is not a 200 East King Street SAPFO partner, we do see evidence of growth. For example, one reliable indicator of Hillsborough,NC 27278 Telephone:919-732-8126 children coming from particular areas is the number of buses that service those areas. Since FAX: 919-732-8120 this year's first day of school, our district has increased the number of buses running routes to these areas from three to seven. Assuming that the four additional buses transport at least 50 children each, we estimate the increased number of students from this area to be at least 200. The majority of these students originate from the Ashbury and Collington Farm ` subdivisions, and we believe that many of them live in multi-family dwellings. Historically, single-family dwellings have generated more students than multi-family dwellings. However, we have seen a reversal of that trend during the current economic downturn, and now we are seeing more families residing in multi-family dwellings. Our Board appreciates the fact that the Orange County Planning Department recognizes the change in trend and is ready to have the current Student Generation Rates re-assessed. We look forward to reviewing the results of the planned study and using the tool to project more accurately student membership. Orange County Schools "Providing educational opporta dlies.for successful Frhu•es."