Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> and add them to Saturday. She asked staff look at this, and bring information back to the Board <br /> of County Commissioners (BOCC). <br /> Chair Rich referred to UNC, and said the County has been working with UNC for about <br /> three weeks. She said UNC is working hand in hand with the Health Department, and this <br /> information is in the notes that she shares with the Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> each week. She said that Orange County has no jurisdiction over UNC. She said those <br /> involved are all concerned about keeping Orange County residents safe. <br /> Chair Rich said it is not clear how many students are coming back, but some students <br /> are already coming back. She said everyone should be concerned about the students coming <br /> back, and the plan is to keep the communications open between all entities. <br /> Chair Rich referred to the Governor's press conference about the re-opening of grades <br /> K-12, and said plan B will be followed. She said she is happy to speak with anyone who has <br /> further questions, and there is so much that is still unknown. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley added that she is included on weekly calls with the Provost, and <br /> possible plans if they have to go to the off ramp (shut down). She said Provost Bolen has <br /> offered to talk with the elected boards, and the avenue for bringing questions is to let her know, <br /> and she will take the question to her meeting with the Towns and UNC. She said there is <br /> uncertainty, and no one knows the impact of the students coming back. She said UNC is trying <br /> to keep all informed. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if there has there been any word from the Chambers of <br /> Commerce regarding concerns about students coming back. <br /> Chair Rich said the Chambers are looking forward to having more business back, and <br /> they will welcome students back cautiously. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the University has a plan to ramp up testing and test <br /> locations. He asked if there will be testing locations near transit. <br /> Chair Rich said testing will be run through student health. She said she will forward any <br /> information that she receives from UNC. <br /> 3. Resolution Regarding a Financing Agreement between Orange County Schools <br /> and J.P. Morgan to Provide Computers for Students <br /> The Board considered adopting a resolution approving a financing agreement between <br /> Orange County Schools (OCS) and J.P. Morgan for the purchase of computers for students for <br /> FY 2020-24 to replace outdated and out of warranty equipment using a sustainable and <br /> predictable funding model. <br /> Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, reviewed the item below and the <br /> resolution: <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> In 2012, OCS embarked on a 1:1 computer initiative, providing individually assigned laptops to <br /> each student in grades 3-12. Teachers were also assigned laptops to complement the District's <br /> instructional approach to include digital access. Teachers, administrators, instructional support <br /> staff, and most central office employees use a Windows laptop or desktop. <br /> In 2016, OCS refreshed its hardware used in the 1:1 program. Students from grades 3-12 were <br /> assigned individual Chromebooks and each classroom in grades K-2 was provided a cart of <br /> iPads. There were significant improvements provided by the 2016 refresh, including better <br /> performance, better security and greater ease of device management. <br />