News of the continued stalemate was discussed during today's meeting of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners after the panel gave a directive to the three school systems to work on a plan which would provide the county schools an equitable share of the revenues Roanoke and Weldon collect from the county's sales and use tax.

That directive came after commissioners in April decided to stick with the ad valorem method of sales and use tax distribution rather than going with a per capita method.

The RRGSD board has agreed to share 42.5 percent of its estimated $497,712 to the county school system, Chair Jay Carlisle told commissioners. That means the county school system, beginning in July of 2017, will receive $211,527.60. “We think it's fair and equitable,” he said. “While we could not reach an agreement with Weldon City Schools, the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District does not want to be the reason the commissioners vote to default to the per capita method of distribution which we believe would be a loss for everyone involved including Our Community Hospital, the town of Weldon, and local volunteer fire departments.”

Carlisle told the board if a supplemental school tax for the county school system passes in November, “We would like to see this go away.”

Carlilse also told commissioners he would prefer to see Weldon and the county school system work out their own plan now that Roanoke Rapids has announced its contribution.

Hugh Credle, chair of the Weldon City Schools Board of Education admitted Roanoke Rapids and Weldon had not come to an agreement. “Weldon was willing to negotiate. I'm at a loss.”

Credle said he was going to ask commissioners to moderate the discussions for fair negotiations.

Elease Frederick, the outgoing superintendent of the county school system, said it was difficult to offer an immediate response. “There's a difference of opinion. I'd like to see something in writing.”

Debbie Hardy, chair of the county school board, also said she would like to see something in writing on the RRGSD offer. “It's a blessing to share this amount,” she said. “We want to get something in writing. We're grateful to Roanoke Rapids. We're grateful to Weldon. Hopefully we can get something in writing.”

Carlisle said the board will meet June 28 to officially adopt the proposal.

Credle said the original proposal was the three school systems come together. “There's no such thing as going with something individually. I find it disheartening and disappointing. To me it's a low blow.”

Credle said Weldon was proposing $180,000 to $190,000. “I just think we should be working together.”

Credle said he couldn't propose anything further until he speaks with the superintendent and the board.

Board of commissioners Chair Vernon Bryant advised Credle to go back to the school board and come up with an amount. “You don't have to come back, but we would like to know what your percentage is.”