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that will happen after the merger. So I guess that what they're saying is that unless we can afford it, we shouldn't expect equal funding for our schools. My reasons for the merger are that our kids' schools are historically under funded. We cannot fund all the problems that our kids' education deserves. We struggle to keep the best teachers because of the lower pay scale compared to Chapel Hill and Carrbara schools. The State law says that per pupil funding should be equal, but we all know it's not. We know that the possibility of passing a district tax is Wan-existent, mainly because only one-third of our residents have children in the school system. And that's why I say tonight that our only hope is to make merger happen. Chapel Hill parents are terrified that the merger will bring dawn the school system. And I say tonight that if we all work together, why don't we make the merger improve both systems, if we work together. I say that if we care about all our kids' education and future and not just Chapel Hill kids' education and future, we will make the merger happen. Thank you. Terry Wong: It's interesting that the concept of merger, which refers to bringing two groups together, has resulted in such a division among citizens. I would like to emphasize that in fact, we all share a common purpose, and that is to have the best available educational opportunities far our children, whether they live in the Orange County or Chapel Hill-Carrboro school districts. There are several ways that we can achieve our common goal. C}ne of them may be merger. However, there are viable and I believe better alternatives. Superintendent Neil Pederson has outlined a well thought out plan, which would preserve the advantages of more localized school systems, yet would provide equalized funding, and would faster collaboration and reciprocation, which would strengthen both school systems. The value of having two smaller school systems versus a single larger system deserves mentioning. This fosters parental involvement and school activities and keeps neighborhoods intact. A merged school system, by definition, will necessitate longer daily travel time far a large number of students. Same parents here will be experiencing flashbacks from the recent redistricting in the Chapel Hill schools. Yet that would pale in comparison to the redistricting map of the combined school system. Why not increase funding for the Orange County schools without forcing the massive redistricting. We are already fortunate to have two excellent school districts, ranked number one and three. Let's build an these strengths. Another problem with the merger is not the merger itself, but the process. A merger can be implemented in different ways. It can be initiated by the school boards and then approved by the County Commissioners. But since the proposed merger is being initiated by the County Commissioners, it would be without the participation of either school board and would not be subject to voter approval. Since Wane of the County Commissioners were elected on any platform regarding merger, this means that the entire merger process would be implemented without direct voter input. This process is also irreversible. once the merger is approved, there is no turning back. If a merger were to take place, the resulting tax increase in the former grange County school district would be prescribed by State law. This means that citizens of Orange County school district would suffer a double whammy. Not only would they not get to vote an the merger issue, but they would also be subject to a tax increase at a predetermined rate that they have no control over. While it may be considered unfair that per pupil spending is different in two school districts within the