Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
15 <br /> <br />Commissioner Burroughs said she likes hearing the passion about all these different <br />topics, but reiterated that the school boards are elected by the citizens to make these decisions <br />for the children and the staff. <br />Chair Dasi asked if there could be clarity and scope given to the task from the BOCC, <br />and she is hearing heartburn on what the schools have requested. She asked if the BOCC is <br />offering more money to tackle some of the issues mentioned this evening, or would it be in lieu <br />of the schools’ requests. She said it would be helpful to know how much effort should be put <br />into this exercise. <br />Chair Dorosin said it would not be in lieu of, and is rather an item in which the BOCC <br />has interest, outside of the schools’ requests. He said the BOCC would like to know the cost <br />breakdown. He said how everything gets prioritized is open for discussion, and all of these <br />items are educational priorities because they are all reflected in the work of the schools. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos said he would not see this as in lieu either, and the BOCC <br />understands the real needs. He said he would like to see what it would take to address these <br />items. <br />Chair Dorosin said perhaps the BOCC could give some money, and the schools could <br />give fund balance money. <br />Margaret Samuels said the fund balance is for one-time needs, and the future of funding <br />is unknown, and there may come a time again where cuts have to be prioritized. She said if the <br />schools are given the money, they will spend it. She said CHCCS has provided a chart on <br />custodial staff for two years, and while it may shift a little bit, the bottom line is more money, <br />regardless of from where it comes. <br />Chair Dorosin said he hates for everyone to act out of fear of something bad happening, <br />as opposed to acting out of hope to achieve something positive. <br />Commissioner Price said if new policies are going to be considered, it is important to <br />look at all County departments that use contracted services. <br />Chair Dorosin said he thinks this has been happening already. <br />Chair Dasi said she is very concerned about any policy that would direct school board <br />expenditures. <br />Commissioner McKee echoed Chair Dasi’s concerns, and said it is not the role of the <br />BOCC to control another elective body. <br />Steve Halkiotis said they are all adults, and make choices freely. He said if he feels <br />compelled to follow school board dictates, and not those of the BOCC, he will do so. <br />Chair Dorosin said it is all interrelated, and decisions are being made together all the <br />time, and policies are made by collaboration. He said he is respectful of the school boards, but <br />he is going for synthesis. <br />James Barrett said on behalf of Chapel Hill High School alumni, he is not shedding a <br />tear over tearing down the old buildings. <br />Chair Dasi thanked the BOCC for the conversation, noting that all are passionate, and <br />may not always agree; but it is good conversation. <br />Chair Dorosin echoed Chair Dasi’s comments, and said he appreciated the open <br />conversation. He said it is very is helpful, and feels the process is improving all around. <br />Commissioner Rich agreed, and said it is easier to look at budgets now as the two <br />districts are working together so well. <br /> <br />3. Adjournment <br />The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. <br /> <br /> <br /> Mark Dorosin, Chair