Agenda - 09-23-2002 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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> Prepared 9119102 DRAFT' Dana came back to the notion of smaller vs. larger schools. This is a very interesting topic for education folks. What she's read leaves questions what is a small school. She went to a 4000 student school, then a 1700 student school —the second one felt much smaller. She is not sure the research backs concerns voiced. Well-supported students at home probably don't derive the same benefits from smaller schools as severely disadvantaged kids.get. The research is clear that those students really do benefit from smaller schools. Gloria observed that Lincoln Center is important because of what the surrounding community perceives, and other positive impacts it would have on other institutions throughout the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Orange County systems. Dana thinks that's what OCS did with Hillsborough. Elementary School. They are "not going to let the core die". Barry said that because of debt limits, costs, etc., it could turn out that we buy two of something rather than one, so we end up meeting our educational goals. It may cost more to do it this way, but maybe that's the only way we can do it. John suggested that maybe the two elements you work on are a new 750 student high school and Lincoln Center over the next 10 years. He noted that there's not an absolute requirement to use bond funds for elementary #10, but they could be used for high school space instead. There was consensus that it is OK for staff to consider that in assumptions and cost modeling. Neil explained that CHCCS are pursuing an architect firm for a third high school with no assignment at this point and no guarantee that there will even be a project . He handed out a memo from Steve Scroggs, noting that they don't plan to sign an architect contract now and recognize they need to come to the BOCC for funding. They just want to select the best firm to design a high school, without regard to cost, that considers their experience in non-traditional high schools and consideration of environmental factors. Barry noted that we've talked about most items on the bullet list on the agenda facesheet, or they'll be addressed in subsequent collaboration discussions. There was consensus to drop the item that related to whether student population increases represent a "trend or blip". Neil said that he is eager to move forward with internal committees on high school program design and other aspects, and that information will be funneled to this group. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45pm.