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18 <br /> PROCESS FOR SCHOOL SYSTEMS EXPANSION FUNDING REQUESTS: <br /> Verla Insko asked if -broad categories, such as salaries, <br /> vocational programs, or social services could be identified and <br /> used as a basis for discussion. <br /> Ralph Warren indicated he believes the difficult part of this <br /> issue is the district tax. <br /> John Link mentioned that in listening to the parents and teachers <br /> it became apparent that there are different goals in the two <br /> systems. There is a need to develop general categories for <br /> discussion. If the school systems merge while spending different <br /> amounts of money, a plan to handle the discrepancies needs to be <br /> in place. He also commented that if parents want a better system <br /> they need to understand that they will have to increase taxes to <br /> pay for it. <br /> Ralph Warren reminded the group that at recent public hearings <br /> citizens have indicated a willingness to pay more taxes for a <br /> better system. <br /> Moses Carey noted that there is a need to assure the citizens <br /> that the gap will not increase as a result of differing <br /> priorities (increasing salary supplement or handicap classrooms) <br /> in the systems. <br /> In response to a question, Neil Pedersen indicated that Chapel <br /> Hill is not expanding this year except where the expansion is a <br /> result of increased student enrollment. <br /> John Link indicated that he would like to see the Board of <br /> Commissioners re-address exactly what is meant by "continuation" <br /> and "additional continuation" and look at the equity needs of the <br /> school systems. Equal opportunity, not having the exact same <br /> school systems, is the goal. Each system needs to have the <br /> autonomy to set their own priorities and communicate them to the <br /> public. He indicated that a tax can then be set for the <br /> expansion items or they could continue with the district tax. <br /> In response to a question, John Link indicated that the systems <br /> need to look at differences, such as teachers' supplements. He <br /> pointed out that if merger occurs all teaches will be paid <br /> according to the same scale. <br /> Moses Carey commented that the Board of Commissioners need to see <br /> how the systems are setting priorities so that they can visualize <br /> what the future budgetary issues will be. He stated that it was <br /> not going to be possible to cut salaries and withdraw services in <br /> order to stay within the overall budget. <br /> 2 <br />