Minutes 04-27-2021 Virtual BOCC-Schools Joint Meeting

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