P-0290 - Summary of Capital Policy 12-07-1996

Browse Search

W Chair Crowther asked about the money that will be left at the end of the time and John Link •said that the formula will generate a surplus which could be used to address the needs in whichever system needs it. Commissioner Halkiotis said that both systems have a problem with the surplus left at the end of the plan because they are comparing it to what they have had in the past. He wants to be sure county employees are taken care of including the buildings and citizens who visit those buildings. Commissioner Carey suggested adopting this new Capital Funding Policy and then look at the needs in the future which will dictate how the formula will be changed and how existing resources will be used. Superintendent Neil Pedersen said that they support the new policies and the formula being used. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the capital funding policy known as option 58 as presented on December 2, 1996. An amendment to delete the reference to a tax increase was included in this motion. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 3. Review Operating Definition of Equity for changes - IF ANY Rod Visser said that the definition of equity uses the per pupil amount from all funding sources. If that figure is within 3 to 4 percent they consider that equity has been achieved. They have not looked •at this issue for the last 2 or 3 years. Commissioner Gordon feels that they need to know what equity is if they want to achieve equity and feels it can be measured by using benchmarks like square feet per pupil. John Link noted that he can see how equity can be achieved on the capital side. However, when talking about operating equity, they are talking about two different philosophies of education and different goals of the two school boards. Commissioner Gordon feels the Board needs to make a decision on the district tax. It would help the Chapel Hill - Carrboro City School Board if they knew when the County Commissioners were going to allow a district tax increase and when they are not going to allow it. The Board discussed equity and the problems of achieving it. Commissioner Carey feels it is important to continue to look at equity to see if the spending per pupil is within 5 %. It would be difficult to develop a policy for the use of the district tax because the Board does not know what is going to be requested from year to year. He feels they need to discuss the use of the district tax since it has been expanded to include capital and especially if one system wants to pay for a building which is above the minimum standards. John Link recommended that they come back.in March or April with a snapshot on equity and see where they are and go from there. He noted that when they put into the formula the cost for the new schools they added 5% each year for inflation. There may be a case where the County Commissioners will say that there is a certain dollar amount available for a school and if the school system wishes to �uild only the base tier school to save money, then the school system could take the remainder of what was included in the CIP for the new school and use it for other capital projects.