HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-07-2013 - 4g 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 7, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-g
SUBJECT: Resolution In Support of Smart Start and NC Pre K
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Resolution In Support of Smart Frank Clifton, County Manager, 245-
Start and More at NC Pre K 2300
Margaret Samuels, Orange County
Partnership for Young Children,
919-967-9091
PURPOSE: To consider a Resolution In Support of Smart Start and NC Pre K.
BACKGROUND: In the most recent budget years Smart Start and NC Pre K have received
reductions in their allocations from the North Carolina General Assembly. The Board of the
Orange County Partnership for Young Children has requested that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners consider a resolution supporting, at a minimum, the current level of funding for
both programs, and in fact voicing support for increased funding. A draft resolution is attached.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the draft
resolution. The financial and other impacts of the potential funding reductions have not yet
been determined.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the draft
resolution, approve the resolution as it may be modified based on Board discussion, authorize
the Chair to sign the resolution; and direct the Clerk to the Board to forward the approved
resolution to Orange County's legislative delegation, the leaders of the North Carolina General
Assembly, and the chairs of the General Assembly's appropriations and education committees.
2
DRAFT RES-2013-034
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Resolution In Support of Smart Start and NC Pre K
WHEREAS, Orange County needs the most skilled employees now and in the
future; and
WHEREAS, communities that develop and retain skilled employees excel and
spend less tax money on expensive remedial programs; and
WHEREAS, public policies must support the development of the next generation
of workers so that they can continue to innovate and lead; and
WHEREAS, high quality early care, education and services support the early
development and learning of young children, and make possible the development
of a strong future workforce for our community and businesses; and
WHEREAS, research shows that children who enter kindergarten healthy and
ready to succeed grow to be job-ready workers who help businesses prosper and
good residents who help communities thrive; and
WHEREAS, Smart Start and NC Pre K help create a beneficial workforce,
productivity and quality of life conditions in our state by reducing the achievement
gap for at-risk and underprivileged children, producing better outcomes in
education, health, personal productivity and economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, Smart Start and NC Pre K contribute to the local economy of
Orange County by supporting small businesses, creating jobs and allowing
parents to work; and
WHEREAS, Orange County supports strong education at all levels from
preschool through higher education;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, strongly recommend the North Carolina General Assembly
support the current levels of funding, and consider increasing funding, for Smart
Start and NC Pre K in the FY 2013-2014 budget and future budget years.
This the 7t" day of May, 2013.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners