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18 <br /> 1 the building of new schools. He said he and other community members will support the Board in raising <br /> 2 the tax rate in order to provide more school funding. <br /> 3 Elizabeth Young said she is present on behalf of Justice United. She asked the Board not to cut <br /> 4 any tax bill assistance funding in the county budget. <br /> 5 Riza Jenkins said she is a resident of Orange County and the Chair of the CHCCS Board of <br /> 6 Education. She said the state legislature may have reached a deal on a state budget today, which would <br /> 7 include raises and bonuses for teachers and school staff. However, considering the county's current <br /> 8 recommended budget, the state's anticipated 8% average increase doesn't align with the county's 2.5 <br /> 9 increase in the continuation budget. She said that CHCCS has been doing the work to strategically align <br /> 10 school operations to the funding received considering enrollment trends through allocation, <br /> 11 adjustments, reductions in force, and a proposed school closure. She said that these efforts have come <br /> 12 at a high cost to the community, which impacts students and staff. She said that a budget gap limits the <br /> 13 district's ability to reinvest in staff with well-deserved and necessary raises and to innovate in the ever- <br /> 14 changing world and workforce demands that exist. She said she appreciates the difficult position the <br /> 15 county commissioners are in, but encouraged them to consider the impacts of additional cuts despite all <br /> 16 the achievements both school districts were just sharing a few weeks ago. She said that fully funding the <br /> 17 continuation request allows the schools to continue to operate at the current level, which increases <br /> 18 student achievement through growth in student performance, graduation rates, and programmatic <br /> 19 shifts to meet the needs and the various pathways for students after graduation. Additionally, she asked <br /> 20 the Board to help keep the promise to the community with respect to the school bond, and fund Pay-Go <br /> 21 as much as possible in the budget. She said that any adjustments to the bond and associated Pay-Go <br /> 22 have an impact beyond the schools and into the community. <br /> 23 <br /> 24 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler, to close the public <br /> 25 hearing on the budget and capital investment plan. <br /> 26 <br /> 27 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 28 <br /> 29 The budget public hearing portion of the meeting ended, and the Board recessed for a 5-minute <br /> 30 break. <br /> 31 <br /> 32 The meeting was reconvened at 9:26 pm, and the Board transitioned to a work session. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 4. Affordable Housing Advisory Board—Appointments Discussion <br /> 35 The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. <br /> 36 <br /> 37 BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board advises the Board of County Commissioners on <br /> 38 prioritizing affordable housing needs and assessing project proposals. The board also publicizes the <br /> 39 County's housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding <br /> 40 opportunities, and works to increase the community's awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, <br /> 41 and involvement in producing attractive, affordable housing. <br /> 42 <br /> 43 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15)At-Large members. <br /> 44 <br /> 45 The AHAB has decided not to make recommendations for appointments. <br /> 46 <br /> 47 The following individuals and positions are presented for Board consideration: <br /> 48 <br />