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Page 526 <br /> <br />June 23, 2004 <br /> <br />financial resources and be consistent with the fiscal policy of the Board of <br />Commissioners. <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 /> Chairman Freeman discussed the number of foreclosures (943) during the <br />past year and the unemployment rate (7.1 percent) in Cabarrus County. He <br />stated that, while the Board supports education and the school system, it is <br />the Board's job to address the needs of all Cabarrus County citizens. <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 /> 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 /> The Board of Education unanimously voted to request mediation. <br /> UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Vice Chairman Suggs <br /> and unanimously carried, the Board requested to enter into mediation. <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 /> There was general consensus for the working group to meet on July 7th at <br /> a time to be determined. <br /> <br />Adjournment <br /> There being no further business to come before the Board, <br />Freeman adjourned the meeting at 10:58 a.m. <br /> <br />chairman <br /> <br />Clerk to the Board <br /> <br /> <br />