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Commissioner Carey said that he thinks that this proposed task force will be significant and he cannot argue with asking a group to look at this. But if we go that route then we need to ask the task farce to include the social justice issue in how we do business with the schools. He said that the civil rights issue is important to him and he apologizes to the public if they thought he implied "racism" with the civil rights issue because that is not what he meant. Civil rights issues ga way beyond race. He would like the group to look at this. Commissioner Jacobs said that this Board has looked at social justice issues and they are viewed with a jaundiced eye by the rest of North Carolina. Orange County has taken leadership in areas where others in the State are hesitant to even tread. He agreed to add the social justice issue. He wants to be careful how things are labeled. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it is important to remember that the children an free ar reduced lunches are on these because there are a lot of poor working parents in the County. He thinks the County's track record is clear on social justice and the County has done a lot to try and lower the incidence of poverty. There is still a lot of work to do. He said that unfortunately, money does become important, especially if you are hungry. A hungry child does not learn very well. Chair Brown made reference to Commissioner Corey's proposal of February 12t" as a date for a vote an merger. She said that this could be put as an agenda item for a vote. Commissioner Carey said that he only picked this date because he knew there was a work session scheduled. Chair Brown suggested that the staff get more information on proposals for a supplemental tax and delineate what is legal and haw Commissioner Cordon's proposal would work. She does not understand how the per-pupil amounts would be allocated. John Link suggested that as they consider the possibility of an educational excellence task force, that one of the elements they could focus on is how a supplemental tax could add to the sustainability and stability of funds for education. Chair Brown said to please lay it out clearly and how these measures would work in the short term. John Link asked if the Board wanted this information for the December 9t" meeting ar by a later date. The Board agreed to have as much information as possible for review by December Stn Chair Brown reminded everyone that the next public hearing is on December 4tn A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Margaret W. Brown, Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board