Orange County NC Website
CHAPEL HILL CARRBORO SCHOOL SYSTEM <br />Sue Baker stated that on behalf of the Board she was glad that they did <br />have a continuation budget in 1989 -- 80% of the population agreed that they <br />would have their taxes raised for education. She feels they must continue to <br />look at the district tax as a way to support their need to go forward. She <br />stated they would like to receive adequate funding to maintain the school <br />buildings. <br />Superintendent Gerry House talked about the rationale for putting the <br />budget together. It is based on increased enrollment. The budget addresses <br />the ongoing goal of the Board to better educate students. They are short <br />$300,000 for the expansion budget. She talked about the change in the <br />student population. They expect more non English speaking students and more <br />kids who are not well prepared to enter the school system. The proposed <br />budget does address the goal of better educating students. The expansion <br />budget is an important part of the function of the school. They also have a <br />need for additional equipment. They have gained 600 students over the last <br />two years. <br />Doug Breeden does not understand how there can be a community who wants <br />to pay for education and not be able to tax themselves for doing that. He <br />supports an increase in county taxes or an increase in the school tax. They <br />have let the athletic facilities go to put the money in the classroom and now <br />the athletic facilities need to be repaired. <br />Chairman Moses Carey talked about the $750,000 and how that was <br />determined. He feels that this needs to be reviewed. <br />Commissioner Marshall noted that what was said was that if the County <br />could increase the amount for capital to $750,000 for five years, that then <br />this amount could be reduced. A big effort was made to bring the funding up <br />to $750,000. This and some of the other long range funding issues need to be <br />worked out over time. <br />Sue Baker indicated this was the first year they asked for more than <br />$750,000. <br />Commissioner Willhoit stated the Capital Needs Task Force did <br />recommend $750,000 for Capital. He feels that instead of agreeing to a <br />certain amount or a formula that the whole process should be reviewed this <br />coming year. There needs to be some set amount so that long range planning <br />can be done. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked members of both Boards if they talked with <br />any of the representatives in Raleigh. If the prediction is true for the BEP <br />it is going to put more pressure on everyone. <br />Kay Singer stated her concern about the proposed eighty -six million <br />dollar cut in the Basic Education Plan and also that they may have to cut <br />from 14% to 7% in the Career Ladder program in one year instead of three. In <br />most cases, the senators and representatives are supportive of this program. <br />