Minutes 05-29-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Anna Richards is a new resident, a parent of a freshman at Carrboro high school, and a volunteer at that school. She requested full funding for the CHCCS. She said the impact goes beyond the schools and impacts the community as well. Faith Nager is a parent and graduate of East Chapel Hill High school. She said her son has high functioning autism; however, because of the care and diligence of the teachers in this school district, he is a contributing member of society. She asked the Board to fully fund the schools. Laura Hayes Morgan is a parent of CHCCS students. She said this problem is laid at the Board's feet because of the state budget decisions. She said full funding is needed for their staff, and this cannot be done with box tops and bake sales. She asked the Board to do what it takes to fully fund the schools. Mary Jean Seyda is the Chair of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness. She said their top priority this year was affordable rental housing. She read from the following letter, which was sent to all of the municipalities: We, the Leadership Team of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH), support a dedicated funding source for affordable housing in our community. We believe that access to a wide range of housing opportunities, spanning all income levels, strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods and makes our community stronger. Experience shows that when affordable housing is attained, people put down roots and become connected to their community. We also support funding for affordable rental housing for persons who are homeless and those who have disabilities. We have observed directly the impact that access to safe, adequate housing can have for our homeless and /or disabled neighbors: health and well-being can be enhanced significantly by something as simple as having a kitchen in which to cook food, a refrigerator for medications, and a safe place to sleep. Additionally, the access to schools, a strong healthcare systems, faith-based communities, and employment opportunities, helps to move the focus from crisis intervention to a focus on recovery and participation in community life. We urge Orange County to consider all options that could provide more affordable housing to our most vulnerable citizens. Signed, Mary Jean Seyda, CASA, OCPEH Chair Tim Copeland said no one wants to pay more taxes but everyone is willing to pay more taxes if that has to be done. He said the ripple effect of not fully funding the schools will cost far more. He asked the Board to be bold and to fully fund the schools. Tina Smith is the mother two students in the CHCCS. She noted that this room is full; the hallway is full of about 250 people; and the parking lot is also full. She said she spent about five hours calling parents in the community yesterday about this public hearing. She said one call stuck with her. She said that caller said they were leaving the district next year because they felt the public education was no longer worth the value of living here. She said the Board cannot let this be true, and there is nothing more important than exceptional education in Orange County. She said funding schools must be the highest priority. She said the property taxes exist because of the exceptional schools. She asked the Board to be creative to fully fund schools and make a statement about the priority of education in Orange County. Rachel Danner is a student at Chapel Hill High School. She asked the Board to fully fund both school districts. Courtney Limerick's daughter attends the CHCCS. She said funding the budget is a way to show support for their teachers, and she asked the Board to fully fund schools. Joyce Kuhn handed out letters regarding support for Pre-Trial Relief Services.