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34 <br /> Will Atherton agreed and shared that some of the definitions for absenteeism, like chronic <br /> absenteeism, include students who are sick, so clarification is important. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she would also like to receive and discuss student <br /> discipline data. <br /> George Griffin said absenteeism has gone up since the pandemic, but it is not unique to <br /> Orange County. <br /> Bonnie Hauser highlighted the existing programs within the county and school systems <br /> that are aimed at supporting underserved communities, such as the Family Success Alliance, <br /> family liaisons, community centers, and social workers. She pointed out that there are legal <br /> barriers that prevent information sharing between county and school social workers, even when <br /> they are working with the same children. She suggested that increased collaboration and <br /> communication could significantly enhance outreach efforts to these communities. <br /> Danielle Jones proposed identifying common goals across the three boards to address <br /> collaboratively. She emphasized that while schools could communicate easily with enrolled <br /> families, reaching the broader community remained challenging. Beyond communication, she <br /> stressed the need for collaborative problem-solving and resource allocation toward shared goals. <br /> Vickie Feaster-Fornville emphasized viewing Orange County as one community despite <br /> multiple governing bodies. She advocated for leveraging existing resources rather than always <br /> seeking additional funding, citing specific programs like Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug- <br /> Free Youth, the ADAPT program, Family Success Alliance (a county-wide program from the <br /> health department), and Family Success Navigators. She urged breaking down imaginary district <br /> lines and thinking collaboratively as "One OC." <br /> Wendy Padilla supported selecting one or two specific goals for collaborative work. <br /> Chair Bedford provided two significant county updates. She said the construction manager <br /> at risk for the Behavioral Health Diversion Center returned higher costs than projected two years <br /> ago, which has caused delays. She said the Board is evaluating four alternative options as well <br /> as the original plan for a path forward. She said the facility will serve children ages 4-18 and will <br /> include behavioral health urgent care for families. She said the facility will be located next to the <br /> UNC-Hillsborough hospital, and the facility would offer welcoming spaces for pediatrician referrals <br /> and in-depth consultation on issues like anorexia and anxiety. She said construction is anticipated <br /> to take 18-24 months once it starts. She also shared that UNC offered Orange County a free 10- <br /> year ground lease at Homestead Road (the former Duke Energy building) for emergency shelter <br /> services. She explained that the county could host cold-weather shelter nights there, and the <br /> location has excellent bus access. She said future possibilities at the facility could include day <br /> programming and respite services for those experiencing homelessness or housing crises. <br /> Adjournment <br /> The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board <br /> Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board <br />