Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
29 <br /> Commissioner Richards asked if the Mandarin program can accommodate additional <br /> students. <br /> Al Ciarochi said there would be challenges with growth of that size at its current location, <br /> but demand has not been growing historically. He said that it is not as large of a program as <br /> Spanish. <br /> Chair Bedford thanked Al Ciarochi for the level of detail he provided. She said she did not <br /> realize that McDougle would be redistricted but it makes sense. She said that you can be across <br /> town in 18 minutes due to the small footprint. She said that when they go to two-story schools, <br /> they will have to be very thoughtful with the EC classroom locations. <br /> Al Ciarochi said there are requirements by the state and district. He said that certain <br /> classes will always be on the first floor. <br /> Chair Bedford said Scroggs Elementary's stairwell is the wrong size. She said that if the <br /> light rail had gone through, the Glenwood Site would have been sold but she sees that perfect <br /> site for teacher and staff housing. <br /> Al Ciarochi said Frank Porter Graham is also a site where a regular school would be <br /> placed. He said that it worked when everyone rode the bus but no longer. He said that he would <br /> never recommend putting a regular school back at Frank Porter Graham or Glenwood. <br /> Chair Bedford said the town is putting affordable housing near Ephesus along with a park <br /> site. She said there is an opportunity there to plan together. She said that the big plan will be there <br /> but there will need to be flexibility for the annual maintenance. She asked if they could provide a <br /> dollar amount with the timeline. <br /> Al Ciarochi said they do not want to put the cart before the horse, and they want to be as <br /> efficient as possible for building new schools. He said that they will align those with available <br /> funds. <br /> Chair Bedford asked if the bond passes if an architect could be hired to get the design <br /> process started. <br /> Al Ciarochi said if the bond passes, they will very soon begin the planning and the design <br /> process. He said when the construction money becomes available, they would be shovel ready. <br /> He said the goal is to be ready as quickly as possible. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said the one thing that she did not hear is that there is a site for <br /> schools at the Greene Tract. <br /> Al Ciarochi said they do not see a need for capacity at that site, but based on community <br /> input, it could have other uses. He said that is an asset that could be used in the future depending <br /> on growth in the Morris Grove area. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said clarified that she is hearing that it is best to keep that site for <br /> future educational needs. <br /> Al Ciarochi said absolutely. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked how pre-K capacity is impacted. <br /> Al Ciarochi said CHCCS has taken that into consideration at the elementary level and <br /> there will be adequate spacing for the program. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if the capacity is within each elementary school. <br /> Al Ciarochi said right now, in the schools and they are trying to keep it where students will <br /> be at the school where they are districted. He said that a facility is not off the table, but they are <br /> trying to keep it in the schools. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said capacity issues have come up throughout the years. She <br /> said it would be helpful to see capacity changes and square footage change throughout this <br /> process to understand how it looks for new schools and the older schools. <br /> Al Ciarochi said they are looking at that. <br />