Orange County NC Website
13 <br /> 1 that the Board's most recent interest and discussion has focused on school safety as referenced <br /> 2 below.) <br /> 3 <br /> 4 The Board initially received information on this subject at its February 1, 2022 Business meeting. <br /> 5 At that meeting the Board discussed many aspects of this type of regulation including prohibiting <br /> 6 large gatherings on certain public-school properties. The Board further discussed this topic at its <br /> 7 May 10, 2022 work session. At that work session, the Board determined parades would not be <br /> 8 regulated and provided further direction to the County Attorney for revisions to be brought back <br /> 9 to the Board for future consideration. At the June 2, 2022 work session, the Board determined to <br /> 10 move forward with an ordinance prohibiting picketing on School Property. At the June 21, 2022 <br /> 11 Business meeting, the Board determined the ordinance would be brought back at its meeting in <br /> 12 October. At its October 3, 2022 Business meeting, the Board deferred consideration of an <br /> 13 ordinance and determined it would form a Task Force to consider school safety. The agenda <br /> 14 materials for each prior discussion may be viewed at the links above. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 In follow-up, the Board must determine the composition and charge of the proposed Task Force <br /> 17 and a timeline within which the Task Force should complete its work. Discussion at the October <br /> 18 3, 2022 Business meeting suggested including the Sheriff or designee, the public <br /> 19 (parents/guardians and other residents), both school systems, and the three towns as Task Force <br /> 20 members. A draft Task Force composition is attached. <br /> 21 <br /> 22 Assuming the Board establishes an application process for public participation, a determination <br /> 23 of the general composition and number of members of the Task Force will allow the Clerk's Office <br /> 24 to begin soliciting membership applications and should allow for a pool of applicants for the Board <br /> 25 to review and make formal appointments, potentially in December 2022. Based on the proposed <br /> 26 appointments timeline, the Task Force's first meeting would likely occur in January 2023. <br /> 27 <br /> 28 The Board should also consider and provide direction to staff on potentially securing a facilitator <br /> 29 to guide the Task Force's efforts. <br /> 30 <br /> 31 John Roberts, County Attorney, introduced the item. <br /> 32 Commissioner Hamilton said this was an opportunity for the Board to look at the issues <br /> 33 that led to the consideration of the ordinance as well as other aspects of school safety that could <br /> 34 be addressed. She said that she sees this committee as important for that look at making sure <br /> 35 students are safe and making sure feedback from the community is included. She said she hopes <br /> 36 they can craft something that everyone can get behind. She said this is an important issue and <br /> 37 the committee should move ahead with the work. <br /> 38 Commissioner McKee asked for clarification on the committee positions that would be <br /> 39 available for members of the public. <br /> 40 Commissioner Richards said that the proposed composition was a good balance of <br /> 41 designated positions as well as positions that members of the public could apply for. She asked <br /> 42 about the court system position and what others think about adding it. <br /> 43 Commissioner Greene said she did not feel that a position from the court system needed <br /> 44 to be added because this is about school safety. <br /> 45 Commissioner Bedford asked about including a member of high school student <br /> 46 government from each school district. <br /> 47 Commissioner Greene supported that suggestion. <br /> 48 Commissioner Hamilton supported the suggestion as well, and asked if someone from <br /> 49 Human Rights and Relations should also be included. <br />