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5 <br /> Elementary and Middle School. And I have lobbied to support our public schools. CHHS `s <br /> Principal has turned her school upside down: accommodated the largest EC, ESL at risk, <br /> economically disadvantaged, free and reduced lunch population among the 3 District high schools; <br /> reorganized her teaching staff, introduced important equity and critical race theory teacher training <br /> and professional development; recognized and invited innovative teaching and curriculum <br /> initiatives; introduced alternative discipline and restorative practice models; and revised and <br /> restructured academic schedules, and instituted a Black Male Academy to rescue young people <br /> who struggle to find pride in themselves, have faced school failure, feel unwelcome and are at risk <br /> of dropping out. BUT THIS PRINCIPAL NEEDS RESOURCES TO CONTINUE TO BUILD AND <br /> LEAD A SCHOOL THAT WORKS. The schools and community budget you adopt are filled with <br /> such stories. <br /> Marywinne Sherwood is here on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Durham and Orange <br /> Counties, and she thanked the Board of County Commissioners for its past support and continued <br /> support going forward. <br /> James Stroud said he is the Executive Director at the Center for Home Ownership and <br /> Economic Development, and is here on behalf of the Affordable Housing Coalition. He thanked <br /> the Board for its support, and emphasized the need for affordable housing inventory. <br /> Sue Florence said she is here on behalf of the Cedar Grove Community Center, and she <br /> thanked the Board for their great support of this center. She said they serve a variety of groups, <br /> and are proposing to collaborate with Kidzu so that Orange County kids can participate in the <br /> STEM/STEAM programming. <br /> Maggie Holly is an educator in the Orange County Schools (OCS). She thanked the Board <br /> for its funding support last year, and asked the Board to think of the educators in the 2017-18 <br /> budget process. <br /> Tana Hartman Thorn is a member of the Department on Aging's Project EnGAGE. She <br /> said many of the seniors they serve have great transportation needs, and she asked the Board to <br /> support these needs. She also thanked the Board for its support of WCOM. <br /> Dr. Pam Baldwin, CHCCS Superintendent, said she appreciated the Board's support for all <br /> schools, and asked the Board to fully fund the school's budget request. She emphasized the <br /> desire of the school systems to be great partners with each other and with the County. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked if Bonnie Hammersley would speak about what transportation <br /> department is doing to increase ridership in the rural areas. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said grant funding has been received for a position focused on <br /> mobility coordination, to help those who need transportation. She said more bus drivers are <br /> needed, and staff is looking at other modes of transportation for seniors, and those who are <br /> disabled. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if ride sharing apps (Uber, Lift, etc.) are being considered as <br /> well. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said yes. <br /> 4. Adjournment <br /> The public hearing was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. <br /> Penny Rich, Vice Chair <br /> Donna Baker <br /> Clerk to the Board <br />