BC 1985 06 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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250 The Board of Commissioners for the County of Cabarrus met at the County Courthouse in Concord, North Carolina, on Wednesday, June 12, 1985, at 7:00 P.M. for a public hearing on the proposed 1985-86 Cabarrus County budget. Present - Chairman: James W. Lentz Commissioners: Kenneth F. Payne William G. Hamby, Jr. Archie Y. Barnhardt Marcelle M. Upright Ms. Miriam Little, resident of the Midland area, asked that the Board be generous in providing funds for the school system as she stated that children are the County's most important asset. Mr. Gary Shive, Concord High and Middle School teacher, stressed the need for the County to help meet the needs of children in the county. He proposed that members of the Board of Commissioners visit the schools. Mr. Tracy Cress, Concord High School Band Booster President, reiterated his request for assistant band directors for the schools and a cultural arts program. He questioned the County's support of Rowan Technical College. Mr. John Murdock stated the importance of a good education and urged the Board to follow the recommendations of the School Board and staff in regards to the schools budget. Mr. Chuck Schriefer, member of the Central Cabarrus Booster Club, stated the need for a band room, band director, and activity buses for Central Cabarrus. Ms. Barbara Brown stressed the need for trained minds to solve the problems in the world. She asked that the County assume the responsibility of funding a good educational program. Ms. Tere Wood of the Bethel School District expressed concern about a lack of commitment to the schools by both the State and the County. She stated she had observed no waste in Bethel School during the past year but had seen the need for playground equipment, 'buses, and teacher aides. She stated in her opinion it was a shortsighted policy to cut funds requested by the School Board for the education of the children in the county. Mr. Frederick W. Buckner of Route 2, Midland, asked that members of the Board vote with their conscience on funding for the schools and questioned if Cabarrus County should dare offer the children of this county less than is offered in other counties. Ms. Doris Lowery of the Bethel School District asked that the Board approve the budget as presented by the School Board. She read a letter from Ms. Georgia Bowles of Old Camden Road stating her concern about cutting the requested schools budget and asking that other avenues be considered if the County budget must be reduced. Ms. Rachel Parnell of the Mt. Pleasant School District spoke on the importance of education as a long term investment for Cabarrus County. She stated there was a need for additional teachers and guidance counselors in the schools. Ms. Parnell also addressed the problem of the textile indUstry in Cabarrus County and the need to bring other jobs into the county. Ms. Connie Frazier expressed concern regarding the closing of mills in the county and stated that the need for education was getting stronger. She asked the Board to support education. Ms. Delane Parker addressed the physical needs of the children in the schools and stated their needs were suffering because of limited funds. Mr. Lew Davidson spoke on the importance of education in preparing children academically, vocationally, and culturally as well as providing an athletic experience. He stated it would be unwise to refuse to spend funds to deal with the problem of providing a good education for the children. Ms. Margaret Harkey spoke on the importance of a sports program in the schools. Ms. Gayle Bost of the Royal Oaks Elementary School District stated that money earned by Parent/Teacher Organization was used to buy supplies for the school and that additional money was needed for the teachers. Mr. Wallace Hinnant of Wimbledon Street stated concern about the method of funding the schools in Cabarrus County. He objected to the budget prepared by the School Board being subject to approval by the county commissioners and stated the citizens of the county should be responsible for the schools funding. In conclusion, he questioned the funds allocated for the weatherization of the barn at Frank Liske Park. Ms. Sondra Shultz of the Bethel School District outlined the needs of library materials, teacher aides, and playground equipment at Bethel School. She supported the budget as recommended by the School Board.