Agenda - 06-08-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 Teachers, spoke on behalf of the Federation and stated support for both of the school budgets. Specifically, he voiced support for the increase in pay for bus drivers, and the increase in teachers' supplement for both school districts. He read comments from parents in support of the budget. 2 . STEPHEN KEGG , parent and employee of the Orange County System, asked that the County Manager's budget be revised stating that the people in Orange County and Chapel Hill would like to invest more money into the education of the children. He spoke primarily on the issue of teacher pay and started that in order to attract and hold good teachers in both systems, the increase in supplement is needed. 3 . BETTY MATTHEWS , Exceptional Child Program Administrator for the Orange County Schools, stated that the citizens can be proud of the programs for handicapped children. Students who ten years ago would not have been in school are in school and are learning to be productive citizens. She asked that the program be continued and expanded. There is no assurance that the State Legislature will fund this program in its entirety. Three professional and two paraprofessional positions which are dedicated to programs for the handicapped children, "may possibly be funded" . The County Manager's budget does not speak to the expansion needs of the schools which we know will receive no State funding. She stated concern for serving the handicapped children in the community without appropriate services and staff. There is a need for an additional resource teacher for Orange High to work with emotionally handicapped youngsters and to adapt the physical education program for handicapped children to insure their physical development. 4. CAROL PARR , Physical Therapy Consultant for Orange High School, spoke in support of the request for a physical education teacher at Orange High. There are 156 students identified who need adapted physical education services. At the present time only 19 are receiving some sort of services. Those students who need individualized programs are not receiving them. Those students who are developmentally delayed need programs adapted to their situation. Physical education will also help with social skills. 5. BECKY BROGDEN , mother of a handicapped child, indicated her i child is one of the nineteen receiving services for the handicapped. She urged the Board to fund the adapted physical education teacher. 6. LINDSEY EFLAND , Chair of the Orange County School Board, indicated there is a major difference in philosophy among various members of the Board of Commissioners, Orange County Board of Education and the Manager's Office. He addressed the topic of capital spending referencing the report that was done in February and presented to the Board of Commis- sioners. The report was predicated on time lines. Any deviation from these time lines will have major consequences to the system's ability to house students and implement the Basic Education Act as required by the General Assembly. Land needs to be acquired for a new elementary school. The recommended budget does not allow money to hire an architect which will mean a delay of one year. The new elementary school is projected to be full the day it opens and another elementary school will be needed. 7. KAY SINGER , Member of the Orange County Board of Education, expressed concern that the County Manager's budget recommendation does not provide a current expense continuation budget for 1987-88, or for the program refinements as requested. She spoke in support of the items on the list of 28 as contained in the budget document. The position of