Agenda - 06-12-1979 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable Edward S. Holmes Page 2 June 14, 1979 Tha figures for the Orange County system that were received on June 12. 1979 represent a 2.9% -increase over the first projection that was received on March 1, 1979. Vie believe the 8.34% increase in funds and the 7.84% increase in per capita expenditures to be accurate figures. Based on the latest figures from NC DPI, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro system can expect a 3.7% increase in funds and the Orange County system can expect a 8.3% increase in funds. Ed, we must express to you and the other members of our delegation our dissatisfaction with the State funding for our two school systems. The Orange County Commissioners have received requests of local funds from our two systems that will require a significant increase in the tax rate to meet. The continuation budgets reflect a 16.1% increase for the Orange County system and a 14% increase for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro system. We used a very rigid budget process this year and have satisfied ourselves that these increases are necessary just to maintain the current level of services. Any increase short of the request would have serious impacts on current programs. Dr. Craig Phillips also responded to our telegram. He indicates that the Legislature increased the NC DPI budget by $300,000,000: The questions then that beg answers are: Where did these funds go? How do the Orange County school systems differ from those systems that received much more funding than the Orange County systems? We appreciate your interest and would greatly appreciate any assistance in securing needed funds for our school-age youngsters. In your letter of June 7, you raise the issue of funding for '-he Exceptional Children's Program. The following figures represent the current status for our two school systems: Chapel Hill-Carrboro currently has 37.12 positions. State and federal funds provide 29.62 positions and, locally, we provide 7.50 positions. The identified needs call for 61.12 positions, leaving 24 positions unfunded. Next year, Orange County will have 27 positions. State and federal funds provide 26 positions and, locally, we provide 1 position. Identified needs would require an additional 6,teacher positions and 3 teacher aid positions.