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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. 11 /I 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. 1/ 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. 1/ 1/ 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. CareM VrTifil#3 Storm, ---f Thomas J. 'rig t, III hairman i f ......... _