Minutes 05-30-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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said that the small amount requested funds 5 crucial programs. She explained what the program does, and said that one of the initiatives is the publication of 600 monthly copies of the Northside news, which was mentioned earlier by Keith Edwards. She said that she hopes that her words resonate and that the Board can work with the center in the future. She said that the center is a hub of activity, communication and education, focused on helping area residents that are otherwise not reached and engaged. She said the goal is to contribute to community spirit within the County and be a voice for social change. Cindy Henshaw expressed her support for the school systems and asked the Board to fully fund them. She said she is also here to ask for support for the Arts Center and its afterschool programs, especially for those children with special needs. She said this program develops creativity and problem solving skills, along with encouraging exploration of different art forms and cultures. She said that the Arts Center is a treasure, and she hopes the Board will approve the modest funding request. Margaret Samuels is a parent of a child in the CHCCS. She thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their support of the schools and asked them to continue to support the schools through full funding. She said she would support property tax increases or district tax increases in order to accomplish this. She said this is especially important with the opening of Northside Elementary. She said that creative learning requires teachers and staff who aren't worried about how things will be paid for. She said that the County cannot always control what happens statewide, but it can have an impact for its residents. Heather Moore is a resident of Chapel Hill and is speaking tonight on behalf of the Arts Center. She echoed previous comments and said this program has been extremely beneficial for her son, through exposure to different art forms and the family share night. She asked the Board to fund this program. Gary Wallach has a child in the CHCCS. He asked the Board to fully fund the CHCCS by increasing the special district tax by 2 cents this year. He said this request is due to deep cuts by the state. He said the district is moving forward by supporting professional development in their teachers, and the learning trajectory for students is upward. He noted a request for increases in financing for professional development and said this is partially a result of the of the new common core requirements. He said that the manager's report does not note that there will be an increase in revenue and continued cuts to public education. He urged the Board to allow citizens to help the County move forward by increasing the district tax to fund the schools. Nick Parker is a 6th grader at Smith Middle School. He said the school had a great teacher; but, due to standardized testing, he was laid off. He said many classes have been cut, and opportunities for learning are less. He feels this is because of the increase in testing. He asked the Board to fully fund the schools. Hunter Pendleton is a tech specialist at a local school and an Orange County tax payer. He said he is anxious to pay more taxes for their schools. He urged business leaders to be leaders in supporting public education. Beven Ramsey serves on the Board of Directors of the Arts Center. He said there are plans to bring about some important changes to the art programs for underprivileged children. He said the Arts Center has an annual budget of$1.5 million, of which $89,000 comes from the state and local government. He said that the center accounts for$3 million in economic impact in Orange County, which is more than 3%. He said this investment is consistent with the County's commitment to tourism, and he asked the Board to approve their outside agency funding request. Sue Keith said education is a priority for her family, which includes seven children. She and her husband serve and give back to the community because they have received so much.