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June 23, 2004 <br /> <br />DRAFT <br /> <br />Page 526 <br /> <br />financial resources and be consistent with the fiscal policy of the Board of <br />Commissioners. <br /> <br /> Dr. Winkler reported that the State has not made any or very little <br /> attempt during the past nine years to fund capital growth in the school <br /> systems throughout the State. He pointed out that children are still moving <br /> into Cabarrus County and the issue of school funding remains. <br /> <br /> Chairman Freeman discussed the number of foreclosures (943) during the <br /> past year and the unemployment rate (7.1 percent) mn Cabarrus County. He <br /> stated that, while the Board supports education and the school system, it is <br /> the Board's ]ob to address the needs of all Cabarrus County citizens. <br /> <br /> There was general discussion between the two Boards. School Board <br /> members expressed concern that a contingency plan is not in place for funding <br /> the new schools in the event the bond referendum fails. Also, Mr. Henriques <br /> reported the Board of Education had never voted on the budget recommended by <br /> Mr. Day and that the comments by Dr. Winkler and Ms. Fertenbaugh did not <br /> reflect the School Board's position. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tompkins reviewed the mediation process as follows: (1) Disclosure <br />by both sides; (2) Explore the possibility of compromise to settle the issue; <br />and (3) Request by either or both boards to establish a small working group <br />to try to work out the differences and reach an acceptable compromise. <br />Stating the school funding issue could not be resolved during this joint <br />meeting, Mr. Tompkins advised that either or both boards could request to <br />move forward with mediation. <br /> <br /> The Board of Education unanimously voted to request mediation. <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Commissioner Prlvette, seconded by Vice Chairman Suggs <br />and unanimously carried, the Board requested to enter into mediation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tompkins explained that the two boards would each appoint a working <br />committee that would include the Chairman of each board, the County Manager, <br />the School Superintendent, the finance directors for each board and the <br />attorney for each board. <br /> <br /> There was general consensus for the working group to meet on July 7~ at <br />a time to be determined. <br /> <br />Adjournment <br /> <br /> There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman <br />Freeman adjourned the meeting at 10:58 a.m. <br /> <br />Clerk to the Board <br /> <br /> <br />