Minutes - 20050122 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Commissioner Gordon wants a formal report before prioritizing what the Board wants this group to work an; the report should came before any recharging of the group might take place. The group can still identify issues that it would like to work on. New Initiatives D. School System Funding Equity Gaal for Orange County Chair Carey said that the County Commissioners should pursue this goal of achieving funding equity between the two school systems. He has heard from the public that they want this also. He would like to do it this year. Commissioner Foushee supports this and thinks that it is paramount to determine what "equity" means. She would like to get the reports back from the studies that have already been commissioned. She wants to understand what resources are necessary before talking about the definition of equity. Commissioner Gordon said that it is very important to try and achieve funding equity. She also thinks it is important to figure out what equity means. She still supports the general approach that she presented an December 9, 2003. She said that the basic premise of the comments from the public was that the majority wanted the County Commissioners to address the funding difference between the two districts. She would support looking at a method, and she would resubmit the approach that she used last year. She would like to see it addressed this budget year if possible. Commissioner Halkiotis endorsed everything that was said. Commissioner Jacobs would like to have someone pull up the old Board of County Commissioners' goal about school equity from ten years ago. He said the fact that the old goal exists makes a historical statement. He thinks the Board is in agreement. E. PlanninglDesignation and Coordination of School Sites Chair Carey said that this is in response to Commissioner Jacobs' suggestions over the last six to eight months. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this is a process that is an offshoot of planning for schools, and goes back to a memo from Commissioner Jacobs of March 3, 2003, to bring in all parties to put together a process far school siting. He painted out the eight steps to better school siting, Attachment 2E. There needs to be some more work through a School Construction Standards group to talk about school siting. Commissioner Gordan asked which schools are remaining to be sited. She thought that all of the schools had been sited, at least within the next ten years. Craig Benedict said that this has to do with land banking for ten plus years. The opportunities for schools necessary in the CHCCS are waning. In the OCS, there are limited areas for water and sewer extensions. Even though there is a large area, the opportunities may be limited. The intent is to think as far in the future as possible, within ten years and beyond. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to "walkability"and pedestrianlbike-friendly. He said that when you apply this to the real world of being a concerned parent and children walking or bicycling to school, it enters a totally different world from the planning world. He thinks there is a disconnect between the planners and the practicality of parents with regard to child safety. These issues need to be seen through the eyes of a parent. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like a timeframe for a recommendation. His original proposal was to look at this for another bond issue - to purchase school sites now while they are less expensive. In order to do this, they need to look at the school construction standards. Chair Carey agreed with Commissioner Halkiotis and said that they might be able to test the assumptions with Twin Creeks. Craig Benedict said that there would be a report probably in February.