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February 19, 2007 (Regular Meeting) Page 280 There was a short discussion on the approval- of subdivisions and theix effect on the school systems. UPON MOTION by Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner Pr.i.vette and unanimously carried, the Board adopted the following Resolution: Resolution No. 2007-U9 NORTH CAROLINA CABARRUS COUNTY WHEREAS, the Cabarrus County, North Carolina Board of Commissioners supports and promotesquality public education throughout Cabarrus and the State and desires to provide schools that allow all students the opportunity to succeed in their academic endeavors; and, WHEREAS, there is a compelling common interest in promoting and supporting a request to the 2007 General Assembly to approve a $2 billion public school facilities bond referendum for a vote by North Carolinians at the earliest date possible; and, WHEREAS, the request for thispublic school facilities bond referendum will provide Cabarrus County and the other counties in North Carolina the opportunity to build schools and ensure all students learn in an environment that increases their opportunity for academic success. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners for Cabarrus County, .North Carolina, at their regular meeting on February 19, 2006 makes the following Findings of Fact: 1. Cabarrus County has experienced a 37~ increase in population since 1990 and is the 9th most populous county in North Carolina. North Carolina's population has increased 31~ since 1995; 2, Public school enrollment in Cabarrus County has increased by 7,074 students since 2000-2001, for a current enrollment of 30,997. North Carolina's enrollment has increased.by 91,181 students with a current enrollment of 1.93 million and is projected to reach 1.62 million by 2019-2015. 3. New State and Federal initiatives require additional classrooms because of reductions in class sizes in Grades K-3, expansion.ofMore at Four and Smart Start, No Child Left Behind, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These- initiatives resulted in the need of at least 50 additional classrooms. Each county is required to provide the additional classrooms in its existing facilities or pay for r~ew construction, since. the State and Federal government has not provided any monies for this needed construction. 4. Population growth, mandated reduction of class sizes and the increased number of school programs make it difficult for the Cabarrus County School Board, Kannapolis City School Board and County Commissioners to keep up with school construction. 5. That since 1996, 18 new schools have been constructed, 12 schools have been .expanded and/or renovated, one school administration building was constructed for Cabarrus County Schools, one central administration office addition was constructed for Kannapolis City Schools and all school facility needs still have not been met. 6. Since the 2000-2001 school year, mobile units were installed to address this growth, the need to reduce class sizes and to accommodate the increased number of school programs. Approximately 3,200 students are being educated in these mobile units. 7. It is estimated that in excess of $500 million will be required to meet the demand for school facilities over the next ten years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the Cabarrus County, North Carolina Board of County Commissioners requests the 2007 General Assembly to authorize a statewide $2 billion public school facilities bond referendum at the earliest possible date. IT IS ORDERED THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Cabarrus County state legislative delegation, the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, requesting that they support and approve