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overcome our initial language barriers. Thirdly, advanced programs that provide optimum challenge to the creativity and intellect of our children. I am sure all of the above are true as well far those who specifically choose to live in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. We are strongly against merger for the following reasons. Number one, as good as the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system is, we can make it even better. We can make it the best in the nation; we can make it the best in the world. However, the merge will freeze the funding gross that will have a negative impact to our children's academic programs. Number two -merger will result in redistricting that will defeat the purpose in which we choose to live in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Number three - merger is not the solution to the funding issue in grange County school system. (Jur children should not pay the penalty for the funding issue. Number four -being smaller, both school systems can be mare agile in developing specific programs for our children to compete and be the best of the best. We strongly support collaboration between the two school systems. As to why it hasn't happened, we urge you as our leaders to look into it and be the champions for collaboration. If you agree with me, please stand up quietly. We may represent a small portion of the community. However, we urge you to be kind, logical, and sensible enough to put yourselves in our shoes and seriously consider our plea to do the right thing. Do not merge the two school systems. Thank you. Karen Styres: Hi. I'm Karen Styres of Chapel Hill. Basically, I have not seen any compelling evidence to justify a merger. In fact, the available information indicates social, educational, and financial costs that outweigh the fewer, more narrow benefits. Lacking factual justification, some of you have resorted to claims of civil rights, social injustice, bigotry. Moral blackmail and character assassination fire up a crowd, but they don't justify a merger, especially when those terms don't apply. Civil rights issues occur with a breach of constitutional civil liberties. The County has not been discriminated against. Lower funding has resulted from their citizens not voting for special taxes. That's simple democracy in action. Another misused term labeling bigotry of parents who specifically bought homes and paid higher taxes in the City that now want to keep their children in those neighborhood schools. This isn't bigotry; it's getting what you bought. If I bought a Jaguar, but I gat delivered a Ford, I would still demand the Jaguar. They're both perfectly good cars from the same parent company. No bigotry, same issue. Admittedly, there may be some benefits from the merger. Increased funding could potentially improve County academic offerings and performance, though I doubt that. ~f the 117 school districts, the County ranks number four in local funding, yet doesn't score in the top 30 on SAT scores. Twenty-five districts have much lower funding and better SAT performance than the County. Perhaps we should spend same time assessing what their secrets are and apply those. Now, with a merger, you may find same cost reductions. City students may be able to take advantage of the County's excellent career programs. Those are a few possible benefits, and there may be more. But many negatives are obvious. In this down economy, taxes will increase for everyone. City tax rates may go down to 17%, but frankly, I pay tax bills, not tax rates. To raise the necessary funds, the 17% tax rate must be offset by a 25% increase in taxable property values, netting a 5% increase in taxes from the City. Five percent above the current rate. Where will that come from? Speaking of tax hikes, what will be