Right about now, the Chapel-Hill Carrboro NAACP is holding a press conference/rally at Lincoln Center, the administrative home of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System (CHCCSS).  I'm pasting their entire (long!) announcement below as it has a lot of interesting information, including a history of segregation in the school system.

At last night's Chapel Hill Town Council meeting a decision was put off regarding the Town Manager's recommendation to move forward and issue the voter-approved bond for the Library expansion.  There were two major issues.  First, the anticipated operating expenses for the expanded Library would result in a tax rate increase of $0.0113.  This would add about $34 to the tax bill of a homeowner with an appraised house value of $300,000.  Second, several Council members were concerned about moving forward until Orange County commits to a more equitable funding of the Library since 40% of the users and 40% of the circulation is by Orange County, non-CH residents.

• Bring your concerns about Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public Schools
• Bring your ideas for change
• Bring your commitment to organize for change
• Bring your friends!

 For more information and transportation needs, please call Tish Galu • 919.960.4437 • galu@bellsouth.net

I attended the well-run, PTA Council School Board Forum last night.  Many thanks to all of the candidates putting time, effort, and emotional energy into putting forth their vision on how to continue to improve our school system.  As advertised by my neighbors Ms. Brownstein knows policy, has a history of school involvement, and communcates her commitment to schools and children clearly and passionately.  My expectation is that she will receive the most votes, including mine, and will be an excellent school board member.

PACT! is about community

 Last Friday morning, Suepinda and I joined Lori Hoyt on WCOM 103.5FM, Carrboro's low powered community radio, on her weekly radio program WILPF Wake Up Call.  We were discussing the beginnings of PACT! as an organization and the need for parent and child advocacy in the CHCCS district.

 When we first arrived, scurrying through the doorway just minutes before going on air, Suepinda dropped the bomb that I was to be the sole speaker.  Boy! was I surprised.

 I asked how long was the segment.  Lori told me we were on for the full 30 mins.  I thought, "OMG, what can I talk about for 30 minutes? We tested mic's, started a bit of conversation and then went on the air.

This week's CHCCS board meeting (tomorrow, Oct 1) is the last meeting prior to the Superintendent's Evaluation meeting scheduled two weeks later.

Sample discussion topics to be used in his evaluation

At the Democratic party meeting last week, Susan Romaine and Gloria Romerez talked about their book collecting/distributing project in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Orange County Literacy Council. Susan and Gloria have done such an amazing job that I want to let you know of their work.

They have collected over 7,000 books for needy local children, with more donations coming in. Most of the books have already been distributed to places that will impact low-income children and adults.

Susan and Gloria are adding books to Table http://www.tablenc.org/. These children will now receive their own new book in addition to food donations!

Thanks are due to Borders Books for their generous participation. It is my strong belief that partnership between business and community can strengthen literacy, and this program is the proof. They still have books - reply to me for Susan's contact email if you know of a place they would be useful.

• Both the Race and Walk begin at McCorkle Place on the UNC campus.
  • Download the brochures (see the folder below).
  • The Race begins at 9 a.m.
  • The Walk begins at 3 p.m. and concludes with a carnival on the grounds of Lincoln Center.  Come out and support school clubs and organizations through activities,