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2 <br /> 1 Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. <br /> 2 A roll call of the County Commissioners was called; all members were present except <br /> 3 Commissioner Dorosin. <br /> 4 <br /> 5 Chair Price welcomed the members of the Orange County Board of Education, Chapel- <br /> 6 Hill Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, Durham Technical Community College <br /> 7 Representatives, and staff. She said the Commissioners try to hold these joint meetings at least <br /> 8 once a year. <br /> 9 <br /> 10 Commissioner Dorosin arrived at 7:02 p.m. <br /> 11 <br /> 12 Chair Price said this meeting is an opportunity for the Commissioners and schools to <br /> 13 come together to discuss priorities and challenges. She said the Commissioners will also <br /> 14 discuss budgetary items at the May Work Session. She said she has enjoyed working with the <br /> 15 two new superintendents, who have jumped right into an odd situation. She said she is <br /> 16 optimistic they can all work together to work towards a new normal for the children, to make <br /> 17 sure they get the best education for their lives and future. She said the agenda was put <br /> 18 together during the school collaboration meeting. <br /> 19 Hillary MacKenzie, Orange County Schools (OCS) Board of Education, said everyone in local <br /> 20 government is concerned about prioritizing children as they recover from the pandemic. She <br /> 21 said OCS will share what is needed in order to help students make a full recovery. She said <br /> 22 OCS will share concerning trends in student outcomes, and the budget requests, which create <br /> 23 paths to address the trends. She said ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency <br /> 24 Relief Fund)funding and fund balance will be used for onetime expenses, but are not enough to <br /> 25 address ongoing social, emotional, and academic needs of students. She said meeting the <br /> 26 needs will require human capital, people who can meet increasing needs of students and <br /> 27 families and bring more equitable outcomes. She said last year there was an increase of <br /> 28 $14.75 per pupil, which will not be enough this year, if the well being of Orange County children <br /> 29 is truly valued. She said it is important to recognize the students need funding for long term <br /> 30 sustained care, which includes food, hotspots, internet service, etc. She thanked the Board of <br /> 31 Commissioners (BOCC) for their continued partnerships with both Boards of Education in <br /> 32 Orange County. <br /> 33 Jillian LaSerna, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Board of Education Chair, <br /> 34 said she is thankful for the spirit of partnership in this meeting. She said she wants to remind <br /> 35 everyone the budget is important, and that it reveals the true beliefs, attitudes, priorities, and <br /> 36 values of a school, a district, and a county. She said this meeting is important, so CHCCS can <br /> 37 discuss the district and County's priorities, and how they can take the necessary steps to serve <br /> 38 students especially this year. She said she looks forward to working together through the <br /> 39 budget season together as a team. <br /> 40 Chair Price invited the Board of Commissioners to introduce themselves. <br /> 41 OCS Board members and staff introduced themselves. <br /> 42 CHCCS Board and staff introduced themselves. <br /> 43 Representatives from Durham Tech Community College (DTCC) introduced themselves. <br /> 44 Chair Price invited Orange County staff on the call to introduce themselves. <br /> 45 <br /> 46 <br />