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8 <br /> Christine Cauwels said she also has a son who is a sophomore at Cedar Ridge and is on <br /> the Hedgehogs robotics team. She said that her youngest daughter has dyslexia, and this makes <br /> it harder for her to learn by just reading. She said that STEAM education allows for children to <br /> learn with their hands. She said that STEAM education is great, and it teaches kids new ways to <br /> learn and new ways to solve problems. She said that they are not just teaching engineering skills, <br /> they are opening up a wealth of information for kids. She thanked the Board for their consideration. <br /> Camille Wells said her daughter enjoys doing things with her hands and building. She said <br /> she has made several cardboard robots, a dollhouse, and a wardrobe at home. She said when <br /> robotics was offered at her school, they were excited for her daughter to join. She said it is <br /> important to help kids continue to dream. She said they want the best for our children. She said <br /> having a STEAM program at the school would help many students and parents. She asked why <br /> it should be an extracurricular rather than part of the curriculum. She said River Park is ready for <br /> this. <br /> Zariyah Wells said she loves robotics, and it is fun and amazing. She said that she got to <br /> make new friends and learn something new. She said she appreciates her amazing teacher, Mr. <br /> Mitchell. <br /> Yaara Cohen is part of Robo-Tigers at River Park Elementary. She said that she wants <br /> to be an engineer one day. She said it would be a great opportunity to have a STEAM teacher at <br /> her school. <br /> Elisa Cohen said her sister is in robotics and it inspires her. She said that next year when <br /> she is in third grade, she wants to join. She said that STEM can inspire others too, thanks to Mr. <br /> Mitchell <br /> Katie Harper spoke in favor of the Fairview Park renovations. She said they would love <br /> more tennis courts at the location. She said that she would also like them to consider baseball <br /> fields as well. She said she was wondering about the Efland Park and the Meridian Community <br /> Foundation on the plans for baseball fields. She said she was in favor of the proposed budget for <br /> both school systems. She said that she is concerned about the consolidation of privilege and the <br /> consolidation of need in Orange County. She said that she does not know the answer to the <br /> problem, but she hopes they can acknowledge the disparities in student demographics between <br /> charter schools and public schools in Orange County. She said that the Board is taking the best <br /> approach and that she appreciates the Board. <br /> Quinton Harper spoke on behalf of the IFC in support of its emergency shelter program. <br /> He said they need emergency shelter and emergency funds for housing. He said their unhoused <br /> neighbors are depending on the Board to support the IFC as they strive to meet the basic need <br /> of folks in the community. He thanked the Board for their support in the recommended budget. <br /> He said that IFC provides a safe place to sleep, and this is the only shelter in Orange County. He <br /> said he wants the Board to consider what the community would look like if there were not people <br /> who worked to make sure everyone is housed. <br /> Darin Campbell said he was there to support IFC. He said unhoused people depend on <br /> shelters on a day-to-day basis for almost everything. He said that access to resources is crucial <br /> for those seeking to better their life situation. He thanked the Board for their support and asked <br /> the Board to continue supporting IFC. <br /> Jennifer Kushner said she was there to support the recommended CIP budget for <br /> affordable housing. She said she has two teenage daughters, one of whom will be a summer <br /> counselor for Orange County. She said finding affordable housing has been challenging for her. <br /> She said she is part of the first cohort for the Habitat for Humanity community at Weavers Grove. <br /> She said it is a relief for her family. <br /> Naseem Alshugar said she supported the affordable housing program. She said she is a <br /> single mom with four children. She said that she lives in Chapel Hill and she works two jobs. She <br /> said that she was so happy to be selected for the next Habitat for Humanity homes and that she <br /> volunteers now with them. She said she is here because one of her sons moved out and she <br />