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156 <br /> <br /> Mr. David Wright, Principal of the new high school to be built on Pitts <br />School Road, praised the interactive process used by the architect in <br />developing plans for the new school. <br /> <br /> Ms. Chris Lee, Chair of the Cabarrus County Board of Education, <br />reviewed the need for additional school facilities. Middle Schools will <br />exceed capacity in 2001 and elementary schools will meet capacity and start <br />to exceed capacity needs in 2001. She listed the alternatives of <br />redistricting, multi-track schools or new construction to meet the facility <br />needs. <br /> <br /> Ms. Marion Bish, Principal of J. N. Fries Middle School, discussed the <br />negative impact of multi-track schools. She did acknowledge that it would <br />increase capacity. <br /> <br /> Ms. Lee discussed the cost factors involved in the implementation of <br />multi-track schools, including costs relating to transportation, child <br />nutrition, utilities, technology and staffing needs. She also expressed <br />concern that multi-track scheduling would negatively impact the County's <br />efforts to recruit new businesses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hahn discussed the need for a new middle school and elementary <br />school at an estimated cost of $19 million and $12.4 million, respectively. <br />He proposed the possibility of the County proceeding with the land purchase <br />and grading at a cost of $3.5 million for the new middle school and $2.5 <br />million for the elementary school. <br /> <br /> There was lengthy discussion regarding such issues as current school <br />debt and its impact on the current tax rate; the positives of multi-track <br />schools, including a 25 percent increase in capacity; the 300 empty seats <br />currently in the Kannapolis School system; and the need for safe and cost <br />efficient schools. Also, Commissioner Carpenter questioned the additional <br />costs associated with the implementation of the school-park concept. Mr. <br />Clifton will provide this information to the Board. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Fennel presented a list of questions concerning school <br />costs, including construction costs, architectural fees, maintenance, etc. <br />He asked the County Board of Education to respond to these questions. <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Commissioner Casper, seconded by Commissioner Privette <br />and unanimously carried, the Board asked Mr. Hartsell to pursue legislation <br />that would provide for a standarized way of reporting costs for school <br />construction. <br /> <br /> Chairman Barnhart stated that a joint meeting with both school boards <br />would be scheduled in the future to discuss school funding needs. <br /> <br />hitiaation Review <br /> <br /> Mr. Hartsell reported there are no significant litigation issues <br />pending against the County. <br /> <br />County Budaet ~riorit~es <br /> <br /> Mr. Clifton gave a general overview of budget issues for FY 1999-2000, <br />including a new formula for Medicaid funding, education funding, school <br />maintenance functions, impact of revaluation, the tax rate, staffing for <br />areas impacted by growth, creation of a dedicated Capital Reserve Fund, and <br />the current Fund Balance policy. <br /> <br />Ad4ournment <br /> <br /> There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman <br />Barnhart adjourned the meeting at 4:15 P.M. <br /> <br />Clerk to the Board <br /> <br /> <br />