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16 <br /> fact that meetings go smoothly is a testament to the leadership in the County, and the trust <br /> that has been established. He said the challenges are real and great, but all involved are <br /> working together towards a common goal. <br /> Annetta Streater said wow! She said she is a bit shocked by the dynamic tonight, but is <br /> appreciative of the request for everyone to share out tonight. She said this type of dynamic <br /> has not always existed. She said she is greatly encouraged by the commitment of all in the <br /> room to the children of Orange County, and reminded everyone that public education provides <br /> the opportunity for a thriving economy, civic engagement, and future resources. <br /> Pat Heinrich said those in the room are a reflection of the values of their community, <br /> and a healthy friction, in the current political and economic climate, reflects engagement and a <br /> commitment to excellence. He said healthy friction, combined with trust, will lead to the best <br /> outcome for the children. <br /> Margaret Samuels said she is lucky to serve on the CHCCS BOE, live in Chapel Hill, <br /> and work in Hillsborough. She said they are lucky to have the two school districts, and the <br /> Board of County Commissioners that supports them. <br /> Joal Broun said she is the product of public education, as were her parents. She said <br /> they are in a struggle for public education, and they need to take off their gloves. She asked <br /> them all to be the yeast in the bread of North Carolina to defend education, as it should be. <br /> Commissioner Burroughs said the BOCC will do its best. <br /> Commissioner McKee echoed Commissioner Burroughs, and said in less than 60 days <br /> the Board of County Commissioners will settle on a budget. He said the conversations leading <br /> up to that final budget will occur in rooms like this, and not in a court room; and will be <br /> conducted with a high level of civility, even amidst disagreement. <br /> Commissioner Price said there are a lot of challenges in the schools, and the BOEs <br /> and school staff know and recognize this in their budgets. She said the focus must always <br /> remain on the students. <br /> Rani Dasi said she grew up just outside Cleveland, Ohio, in a town that was highly <br /> dependent on the steel industry. She said education was able to change her future, and it <br /> enables people to achieve so much. She said this hope must to remain the focus, as <br /> education is an investment. She said the school leadership and the BOCC have the <br /> opportunity to build a strong foundation for every child to succeed. <br /> Steve Halkiotis said he came to visit UNC 50 years ago, and he has never left. He said <br /> he appreciated Commissioner Burroughs' comments, and said the Board of County <br /> Commissioners will do the best it can. He said this is a sanctuary county. <br /> Chair Dorosin said all of the leadership in the collaboration meetings has worked to <br /> change the dynamics around education, and creating a unified message. He said all are <br /> moving away from compartmentalized thinking of education, and students have many other <br /> variables in their lives. He said it is important to maximize the time that children are in school, <br /> in order to make the greatest impact in all areas of their lives. He said there are a lot of <br /> legislative challenges, not only to education. He said collaboration across the public, private <br /> and non-profit sector is important. He said Orange County is very fortunate. <br /> The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m. <br /> Mark Dorosin, Chair <br /> Donna Baker <br /> Clerk to the Board <br />