Agenda - 09-27-2004-1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Middle or early college • Economic development— expand • Pre - school programs and diversify the tax base • Unfunded mandates Contract for Library Services at McDougle Middle /Elementary Schools Members of the group next resolved a delay in finishing the contract renewal between Orange Comity and the Chapel Hill — Carrboro City Schools for the operation of the Carrboro branch of the library located at McDougle Middle and Elementary Schools, Ms. Stuckey noted that this sort of contract is "the nuts and bolts of collaboration," and stated that explicit contracts should always precede implementation of joint efforts, so that the boundaries of the partnership are clear and clearly agreed upon, "like good fences for good neighbors" Money has been budgeted for all of the items in the contract. The contract will be on the City Schools' September 2 consent agenda and on the BOCC's September 9 consent agenda. Ms. Stephens will coordinate with Mr. Visser to make sure that Dr. Pedersen receives the final, agreed upon version of the contract. Budget Process Mr. Jacobs asked the group to listen to his concerns about how the City Schools had communicated about the Manager's and BOCC's proposed budgets this past Spring. His goal in raising the issue is to move beyond these concerns, and toward a working relationship that feels good for everyone. However, he said, he felt judged and blamed, and thinks Mr. Link was being attacked, by the May 25 "Budget Alert" distributed by the City Schools and in memoranda from Dr.. Pedersen and Ms. Carter. He views these as efforts to exert political pressure on the Board, and said that such tactics undermine his good will and subvert their collaboration. Ms. Carter agreed with Mr. Jacobs that it is very important for all to be mindful of how they communicate. She said that she and other School Board members were frustrated by the BOCC's response to the City Schools' requests for funding for the third high school, Rashkis Elementary, and Twin Creeks, Dr. Pedersen said that he reviews the Budget Alerts (he does not write them), makes sure they are factually correct, and tries to take out language that might be offensive to others. He acknowledged that a memorandum referred to by Mr. Jacobs reflected frustration being experienced during the budget process by school personnel. Ms. Stuckey thanked Mr. Jacobs for letting the group know how he was feeling. Dr. Pedersen added that his own frustration would diminish if the BOCC would place school board business early on its meeting agenda. He also asked that information relevant to those items be shared with school board members and staff in advance, or at least during the BOCC meetings. September 27 joint Assembly Ms. Carter expressed hope that the September 27 Assembly of the School Boards and BOCC would be relaxed, without 3