04-12-2011 Joint MeetingJOINT TOWN HALL MEETING BETWEEN THE ISLE OF WIGHT
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT
COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD HELD THE TWELFTH OF APRIL IN THE
YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND ELEVEN
PRESENT: Board of Supervisors
Thomas J. Wright, III, Chairman
Stan D. Clark, Vice-Chairman
Al Casteen
Jo Ann W. Hall
Kenneth M. Bunch
Also Attending: A. Paul Burton, Interim County Attorney
W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Director of Information
Resources and Legislative Affairs
Carey Mills Storm, Clerk
p.m.
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SCHOOL BOARD
David Goodrich, Chairman
T. Hayes Griffin, Vice Chairman
Robert Eley
Herbert DeGroft
George Bradby
Chairman Wright called the joint Town Hall meeting to order at 6:00
School Board member George Bradby provided the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag was conducted.
The Honorable Carita J. Richardson, Mayor, Town of Windsor,
addressed the Boards regarding the need to build a new Windsor Middle
School facility. She briefed the boards on the problems she witnessed as a
teacher when Windsor Middle School students were located at Windsor High
School such as reduced teaching times and younger students intermingling
with senior students. She stated growth in the Town of Windsor is
anticipating in the next few years from the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal
Park and approval of a new large housing development. She spoke in
support of the five (5) member redistricting plan recently adopted by the
Board of Supervisors.
Michelle McManus concurred with the comments of Mayor Richardson
with respect to the need for a new Windsor Middle School facility.
Jessica Collins addressed the boards with respect to the need for a new
Windsor Middle School facility.
Burt Gray encouraged the boards to make decisions based on their
beliefs, even when they are not popular.
Joe Joyner of 31334 Walters Highway spoke about the debt that will be
incurred if a new Windsor Middle School facility is built. He advised that he
knew homeowners who had been forced to foreclose on their homes and
close their businesses as a result of the downturn in the economy. He stated
that the County has an obligation to maintain its assets and he recommended
that the HVAC system at the Windsor Middle School be rebalanced; that the
windows be replaced; and, that the facility be maintained in the future. He
made reference to the million dollar animal control facility under
construction and the recently built courthouse. He encouraged the Board to
fix the problems at the Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department and not let the
City of Franklin provide rescue services that should be provided by the
County. He announced that he would be on the ballet for the Board of
Supervisors this November.
Kimberly Miller Cusick, teacher at Windsor Middle School, spoke in
favor of a new Windsor Middle School facility. She stated that the existing
building is crumbling and it has not been maintained throughout the years.
She commented on climate issues associated with the building and
encouraged the boards to take advantage of the interest-free loan, which may
not be available in the future. She stated she would rather be located at the
existing Windsor Middle School facility than be moved to the Windsor High
School.
Susan Goetz, Principal, Windsor Middle School, spoke in favor of
increased taxes to build a new Windsor Middle School facility and that it be
built now while the County can take advantage of an interest-free loan. She
stated the existing Windsor Middle School is 61 years old and falling apart.
She advised there have been numerous issues with the HVAC system, which
now requires parts that are no longer available. She stated that instruction is
being interrupted and there is no heat in the locker rooms. She stated that
wasps are coming in from the windows, even when they are closed and that
announcements can only be heard in the classrooms and not in the gym,
hallway or bathrooms. She stated there are numerous technology issues,
impacting teachers' abilities to educate their students.
Jessica Collins stated that the actual renovation cost of Windsor Middle
School is approximately $22 million and the cost to build a new school is
approximately $23 million. She stated that the Windsor Middle School needs
to be replaced, not renovated.
Pete Green of Mill Swamp Road commented that everyone has to make
sacrifices from time to time and he recognized the Board members for their
efforts.
Sabine Copeland stated that the County has the opportunity to make a
difference in the lives of children who will be the County's future.
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Supervisor Bunch stated that citizens have relayed to him their support
of taxes being increased to build a new Windsor Middle School. He stated
these are citizens who have children who will not even attend the new
Windsor Middle School. He spoke in favor of proceeding with building a
new Windsor Middle School.
Supervisor Hall stated that she agrees that a new Windsor Middle
School needs to be built, however, the economy is in a downturn and the
Board of Supervisors has requested a breakdown of the cost to build such a
school.
Supervisor Clark stated that the existing Windsor Middle School has
exceeded its useful life and has numerous environmental issues. He stated
that safety and environmental concerns are paramount to him and he is in
support of building a new Windsor Middle School facility.
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Chairman Wright thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
At 6:50 p.m., Supervisor Hall moved that the Board adjourn its Town
Hall meeting. The motion was adopted by a vote of (5-0) with Supervisors
Bunch, Clark, Casteen, Hall and Wright voting in favor of the motion and no
Supervisors voting against the motion.
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