Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> teachers must be able to demonstrate that they are successful in the classroom, rather than <br /> simply rising through the pay scale due to years of experience. <br /> Commissioner Rich said the feedback she is getting from veteran teachers is that they <br /> must jump through hoops, and she is not sure this is the best way to respect and retain <br /> teachers. <br /> Commissioner Burroughs asked if the number of teachers in the district is known. <br /> Tom Forcella said over 1,170, including new teachers, and approximately 1,000 <br /> teachers have opted into the program. <br /> Commissioner Burroughs said Project Advance has been unanimously supported by <br /> the CHCCS School Board. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin referred to the budget process and said there is always a crisis <br /> from the schools at this time of year. He said issues should be discussed during the year, <br /> rather than brought up at the last moment. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked when discussions are framed, if it is helpful to compare <br /> Orange County to counties like Wake County. He said Orange County is really competing with <br /> itself. <br /> Chair Barrett said the competition is real, with teachers unable to live in Orange County. <br /> He said Wake County always has openings, and if Orange County is not competitive, teachers <br /> will go elsewhere. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs highlighted the other benefits of working in CHCCS and OCS, <br /> and noted that these contribute to attracting good teachers as well as good pay. <br /> Chair Barrett said applicants will not even know about these other benefits, if the lower <br /> salaries are causing teachers to not apply in the first place. <br /> Discussion ensued regarding the recruitment practices. <br /> Chair McKee asked if the standard for employment is so high that possible qualified <br /> teachers have been winnowed out. <br /> Tom Forcella said only those that can perform the job are hired, and the best <br /> candidates available are pursued. <br /> Chair McKee said his concerns stem from the possibility of viable candidates, which <br /> could be trained and mentored, being weeded out before being given a real chance. <br /> Tom Forcella said potential is considered as well. <br /> Chair McKee said the only funding that the Board of County Commissioners can control <br /> is the county funding, and at that level, Orange County is leading the pack. <br /> The Board decided to take a five-minute break. <br /> Chair McKee said the meeting will continue until 10:00 p.m. <br /> Travis Myren continued the PowerPoint presentation. Jeff Thompson, Asset <br /> Management Services Director, was present to speak to countywide projects, and David <br /> Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director, was present <br /> to speak to parks projects. <br /> Capital Investment Plan County Projects <br /> • Southern Branch Library - $6.38M: Page 31 <br /> o Construction cost estimates based on 10,000 to 12,000 square foot urban library to <br /> be determined through schematic design <br /> o $580,000 increase for new personnel and operating expenses over current budget <br /> o Interlocal Agreement to be negotiated on operations prior to executing contract with <br /> architect <br />