Agenda - 12-11-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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school is needed to replace A. L. Stanback. She believes that buildings should be built to last, be functional and adequate. She stated that the 66 million dollars represents cuts from the original figures for the elementary and high school buildings. She cannot support a bond referendum for any less than 66 million. She said if these schools are not built, the educational benefits will be lost. Good schools are the basis of good education. She urged the Board of County Commissioners to go forward with this bond referendum for at least 66 million and to place it on the May ballot. She pledged to work as hard as she can to assure its passage. MADELINE MITCHELL, parent and teacher in the Chapel Hill- Carrboro School System, stated that when she thinks of school capital needs for the two school systems she feels there is a big problem that can be a big opportunity. She supports the 66 million dollar proposal. The school system has more needs than this will cover and difficult decisions have to be made. They opted for buildings over some of the other identified needs. She feels more students will be here than planned. The state projections are conservative. The trends projected by the state are supported by written documentation. She stated that Chapel Hill should receive more because they need the buildings. If and when merger occurs, it will not be in the interest of the students to have 2,000 students in trailers. She feels the citizens will support this bond issue. The people realize the importance of education. She is strongly in favor of this package and feels the citizens will support this bond. She favors taking this to the voters in May. NANCY SALMON from Chapel Hill emphasized the importance of building a new high school. If the school gets too large, the students don't know the other students. Two schools would provide additional opportunities for many students. In smaller schools many of the students can participate. In the long run she feels that all high schools in Orange County should be similar in size. She endorses building a second high school. NICK DIDOW, a resident in the Chapel Hill School District and a member of Citizens Advocating and Supporting Education (CASE), spoke in support of a May ballot. He feels that the funds should be allocated based on anticipated need. He noted that the real school capital needs total far more than the 66 million dollar bond package. A bond for too little money will mean that another bond will be needed. This bond would provide a moderately priced school package. RICHARD GURLITZ, member of CASE, questioned the bond amount the community would support stating that this County is growing. The community has always placed a high demand on the educational system. If money is there for a 66 million dollar bond, there will be money for an 80 million dollar bond. The needs should be identified and the money should be found to take care of these needs. He wants schools with lots of programs. He stated that if the voters see a need, they will vote for it; if the voters do not see a need, they will not vote for it. He offered services of his volunteer group to educate the citizens about the needs and the bond.