Orange County NC Website
Gordon-Substantial Equivalency Policy for School Facility Funding 2 <br /> 1. Confer with the School Boards concerning this policy. <br /> 2. Formally adopt a substantial equivalency policy for school facility <br /> funding. <br /> 3. Request the OCS and CHCCS to evaluate their schools using the <br /> "Basic School" standards for new schools and provide that evaluation <br /> to the commissioners, along with estimated costs for bringing the <br /> schools up to the basic school standards. <br /> 4. If it is not practical to meet the letter of the basic school <br /> standards, then work with the School Boards to develop substantially <br /> equivalent standards for existing schools. Some of the,following <br /> items could be considered. <br /> a. decide whether additional standards should be included for <br /> categories such as technology or playgrounds. <br /> b. list the top priority changes needed to meet as many of the <br /> standards as possible, and give their associated costs. <br /> c. suggest facilities that could compensate for a particular <br /> school's deficiencies, so that substantial equivalency is achieved. <br /> For example, if classroom sizes are below the standard size, it might <br /> be possible to exceed the basic standards in some other category in a <br /> way that would enhance education. Additional standards, mentioned <br /> In paragraph 4a, might be used for this purpose. In pursuing <br /> substantial equivalency as cited above, it will be important for the <br /> BOCC and School Boards to consider the particular interests of parents <br /> and teachers for each existing school. <br /> 5. Establish a target date for making all school facilities in the OCS <br /> and CHCCS substantially equivalent . A potential time frame to <br /> achieve this goal night be 10 years. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: As the Board decides. <br /> To act favorably on this proposed policy, the BOCC should declare its <br /> intent to adopt the policy and proceed with the steps Usted under the <br /> Implementation section above. <br />