Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
7 <br /> plants, wildlife, etc. She said many of the toxins are bio accumulated, meaning the quantity of <br /> toxins add up. She said sludge gives off gases and dust, which is carried by the wind near and <br /> far, and this is where sewage sludge and climate change intersect. She said it is hypocritical to <br /> have OWASA play a role in climate change when it is contributing so greatly to pollution. She <br /> said OWASA also has 2 uncovered industrial storage tanks off of highway 54 that hold millions <br /> of gallons, which are also releasing untold amount of dangerous gases. She said the first gas <br /> that sludge emits is mercury gas, which she and her neighbors have been routinely exposed to <br /> for the past 40 years, not to mention the workers handling the sludge. She said many other <br /> dangerous gases are also given off, and she has much scientific data to show these dangers. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said referred to the Rogers Road area, and requested an update <br /> once the mains are in the ground and the process of what happens from April, with the mains <br /> getting in the ground, up to actual homes being connected. <br /> Chair Rich asked if this was a request for information, or a petition. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said this could be an information item to begin with. <br /> Chair Rich said all governmental partners should be included as well. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said there was an ad hoc committee at one time. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said she would provide that information to the Board. <br /> b. Resolution Supporting Local Control of School Calendars <br /> The Board considered voting to approve a resolution expressing support for local <br /> boards of education and the restoration of local control of school calendars. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Until 2003, local boards of education in North Carolina established calendars for their <br /> respective school years. In 2004 the North Carolina General Assembly seized control of <br /> setting school calendars and imposed a one-size-fits-all mandate on how school calendars <br /> are to be set. It was stated at the time that the goal was to provide uniformity across the <br /> state as well as enhance North Carolina's tourism business. <br /> The current one-size-fits-all school calendar start date is no earlier than the Monday closest <br /> to August 26 and the end date is no later than the Friday closest to June 11. This means <br /> high schools do not complete the first semester until mid to late January, and requires high <br /> school students to take first semester exams after the winter break, which negatively <br /> impacts test scores. <br /> The parameters of the calendar also makes it nearly impossible for high school students or <br /> recent winter graduates to take courses at a nearby community college or university during <br /> the second semester, with the second semester for high schools starting two to three <br /> weeks later than community colleges and universities. <br /> The current calendar structure also results in longer summers, contributing to more <br /> "summer learning loss" for students, which has a disproportionate impact on low-income <br /> children, and negatively impact child nutrition, as low-income children who have access to <br /> regular meals at school through the free and reduced priced meal program may not have <br /> access to regular meals at home. <br /> The Orange County Schools Board of Education adopted the resolution provided at <br /> Attachment 1 requesting that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution in support of <br /> the restoration of local control of school calendars. The Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools <br /> Board of Education adopted the resolution provided at Attachment 2 requesting that the <br />