Agenda - 06-06-2017 - 8-a - Minutes

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1 Tom Carr said the OCS BOE has done so much for their teachers. 2 Donna Coffey echoed Pam Jones' comments, and said she appreciates the work of the 3 BOCC in all areas, not just with the schools. 4 Brenda Stephens said they are very fortunate to be in Orange County, and the Board of 5 County Commissioners shows its commitment in the way it funds the schools. 6 Matthew Roberts said OCS has the flexibility to expand their day camps to full days due 7 to the funding provided by the BOCC. He said this provides a richer life for the children. 8 Tony McKnight thanked the Board of County Commissioners for what it does for both 9 school systems. 10 Bonnie Hammersley said she serves the Board of County Commissioners, and the 11 schools are the drivers that bring people to Orange County. She said she is honored to be the 12 County Manager, and to work with the schools to do the very best for the students of Orange 13 County. 14 Commissioner Marcoplos said he is looking forward to learning the budget process, as a 15 new Commissioner. He said he has witnessed these budget processes over the years, and 16 many people look to the Board of County Commissioners to fix their needs. He said he hoped 17 to be able to communicate to the public the importance of becoming politically involved, at the 18 State and Federal level, to help fix these needs. 19 Commissioner Jacobs said he hoped these comments can be replayed at the public 20 budget hearings. He said there has always been a tradition to fund the schools to the best of 21 the Board's ability. He said there is never enough money, and the BOCC is usually engaged in 22 a defensive battle over education. 23 Commissioner Rich said collaboration is critical, and she is thankful for the working 24 relationships between all involved. 25 Dr. Pamela Baldwin said there are two school systems serving every child to the best of 26 their abilities. She said she is thankful to have been chosen to serve as superintendent, but 27 she noted that she also chose CHCCS as a place that she wanted to serve. She said there is 28 great support for public education in Orange County. 29 Todd LoFrese said both schools systems are approaching graduation, which is an 30 exciting time of year. He said Phoenix Academy graduation is on Monday, June 12th, at 6:00 31 p.m. He said this is a wonderful event and invited all to attend. 32 Andrew Davidson said both districts had an increase in per pupil requests, and said the 33 per pupil funding levels provided by the State between 2008-09 and 2015-16 have gone down 34 by $262. He said the dialogue between the schools and the BOCC is ripe for conflict, and the 35 fact that meetings go smoothly is a testament to the leadership in the County, and the trust that 36 has been established. He said the challenges are real and great, but all involved are working 37 together towards a common goal. 38 Annetta Streater said wow! She said she is a bit shocked by the dynamic tonight, but is 39 appreciative of the request for everyone to share out tonight. She said this type of dynamic has 40 not always existed. She said she is greatly encouraged by the commitment of all in the room to 41 the children of Orange County, and reminded everyone that public education provides the 42 opportunity for a thriving economy, civic engagement, and future resources. 43 Pat Heinrich said those in the room are a reflection of the values of their community, and 44 a healthy friction, in the current political and economic climate, reflects engagement and a 45 commitment to excellence. He said healthy friction, combined with trust, will lead to the best 46 outcome for the children. 47 Margaret Samuels said she is lucky to serve on the CHCCS BOE, live in Chapel Hill, 48 and work in Hillsborough. She said they are lucky to have the two school districts, and the 49 Board of County Commissioners that supports them.