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School Board Vice Chairman Stan Mayfield explained that this <br />request did not come from the School Board but was developed within <br />the Children' -s Services Advisory Committee. The School Board is <br />involved because there is a successful program in place and the <br />proposed plan would "piggy -back" onto that ongoing program and <br />carry child care to those families who are not served with the <br />ongoing program. This is a step toward efficiency in government. <br />Gene Waddell, member of the Children's Services Advisory <br />Committee, explained that the School Board's funds are categorized <br />and cannot be diverted. The School Board virtually has no control <br />over the dollars they raise. The funds raised in the County are <br />distributed through directions from Tallahassee. Mr. Waddell <br />conceded that we believe that raising children is primarily <br />parental responsibility, but the entire community influences a <br />child's development and the entire community is responsible for a <br />child's development. He characterized the proposed plan as the <br />consummate public/private enterprise, with funds and effort from <br />government, volunteer groups and parents combined to help prepare <br />4 -year-olds for entrance into school. He asked the Board to take <br />a leap of faith and help baby boys and girls in our community. <br />Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, concerned citizen, stated that <br />he was aware of the Board's determination not to raise taxes. He <br />pointed out that we started out with one school resource officer, <br />increasing to two, then three, and now we need more, and he was <br />concerned that the County's contribution to this program will <br />continue to increase. <br />Commissioner Adams recognized the validity of the program but <br />was concerned about the funding source and continued funding of the <br />program. She cautioned that the County has limited funds and urged <br />creative means of raising funds, including matching funds from <br />sources like An Ounce of Prevention. She believed all the Board <br />members firmly support the concept, but she believes the Commission <br />is not in a position to commit a particular amount of money. <br />THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. <br />It was voted on and carried unanimously. <br />51oaK <br />J U 41994 <br />