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15 <br />Appendix D <br />Historical Perspective <br />"If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants." <br />-- Sir Isaac Newton <br />Prior to the first meeting of the Stakeholders Group, "A History of Orange County <br />Schools, 1732 - 1983" by Irene Oliver Pender was shared with all stakeholders. The vision that <br />has been created by our community echoes Ms. Pender's Dedication: <br />To all the boys and girls in the Orange County Schools who are enjoying <br />the results of the work of these dedicated people, who have given so <br />much in order that you may have greater opportunities to help you to <br />prepare for a better life and a greater future, I dedicate this "History of <br />Orange County Schools ". -- Irene O. Pender <br />The engagement of the community and creation of the vision was done with an <br />historical perspective and desire to stand on the "shoulders of giants" in creating the <br />community's renewed vision for public education. While the issues that our school system may <br />face change, the core public values of liberty, equality, community, and prosperity are apparent <br />throughout the history of the Orange County Schools. As Irene Pender notes, "I found that <br />many times conditions were the same ... as one reviews the minutes of the meetings of the <br />Board of Education you can follow the progress from time to time and get an understanding of <br />the gradual development. There are many meetings which dealt with the same problem such as <br />forming the many school districts, appointing committeemen, consolidation of schools, <br />integration and others." <br />A system of public education, as we know it today, did not come easily. There were <br />many false starts. The "first public expense" made in what would one day be the State of North <br />Carolina, in support of education was most likely the printing and distribution to the colonists of <br />a sermon preached before the General Assembly on the "Importance of Education ". Many faith <br />communities were involved throughout the early formation of schools in Orange County. As <br />Pender notes, "The information concerning churches may seem out of place in the history of <br />our Schools, however, it is given to see the relationship of the early churches and schools in <br />Orange County." <br />14 <br />