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19 <br /> by the county. She said that another takeaway is that education field is not immune to "great <br /> resignation." She said that is a pandemic itself across the country. She said that it is competitive <br /> in the Triangle market. She said that staff and students are redefining what success looks like <br /> in public education. She said that she works alongside forty student equity ambassadors. She <br /> said that they need to stop thinking and expecting education be what it was pre-pandemic. She <br /> said that students are demanding a more personalized learning experiences, connected to real <br /> life and to the needs connected to the community. She said it will be a collective collaboration to <br /> achieve success. She said that they are engaging in a summer of service to access the <br /> resources in the schools. She said that staff deserve to be adequately compensated. She said <br /> she is encouraged by the discussion tonight. <br /> Carrie Doyle thanked everyone for their collaboration and attention. She invited Dr. <br /> Felder to make closing comments. <br /> Dr. Felder thanked the commissioners, school boards, and staff for their work on behalf <br /> of children. She said they are working hard to improve outcomes for students every day. She <br /> said everything discussed tonight is tied to student outcomes. She said that Orange County <br /> values children and recognizes they are their greatest asset and strive to get it right for kids. <br /> She said she has never been in a county that invests in its children the way Orange County <br /> does. She quoted James Baldwin, saying for these are all about children, despite where they <br /> live, despite their race or other ways we identify them, they are all about children. She said that <br /> as a county, state, or nation, we will either profit from or pay for whatever these children <br /> become. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said she values that the elected officials and staff in schools are <br /> accessible. She said that she heard both superintendents at a workshop and that they did an <br /> amazing job. She thanked Ashton Powell for sharing his story because it reduces stigma. She <br /> said that she looks forward to the budget work session. She said this was a good discussion. <br /> She said it has been a hard time to be a school board member and thanked them for their work <br /> and service. She said they did a budget amendment that will go to schools and facilities. She <br /> said that her other daughter-in-law is an occupational therapist for Durham Public Schools. She <br /> said the workload is horrible and that this is a national issue, but is especially hard in NC due to <br /> the General Assembly. She said the BOCC may not be able to fully fund budget requests, but <br /> will do everything possible to support students. <br /> Will Dudenhausen said he thought it was a good discussion and thanked the boards for <br /> their input and work. <br /> Commissioner Richards said she quiet tonight because she was interested in hearing <br /> what the schools had to say. She said that she will benefit from future specifics in terms of <br /> disparity and performance data. She said she hears the broad issues but would like to see <br /> specifics and plans to improve. She said she wants to see the work quantified. She said she <br /> would like to know when the graduating classes will be caught up to where they are supposed <br /> to be. She said she is interested in where they are going to be with the investments. <br /> Chair Price thanked everyone for being there and for their input and work. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to <br /> adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m. <br /> Roll call ensued. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Renee Price, Chair <br />