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, . 164 - _ <br /> • <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> ;pace at which the state implements the Basic Education Program and <br /> legislative resolution of the issue of state/county financing <br /> responsibilities for public education may depend on the outcome of <br /> this new survey. <br /> Although the new survey instrument may not be perfect, there have been <br /> some notable improvements in the format and in the process for <br /> developing the needs estimates. Our staff worked with representatives <br /> of the State Treasurer's office, the Division of School Planning, the <br /> Office of the Governor and the staff of the General Assembly in the <br /> development of the new survey. The following is a summary of several <br /> important changes in the new survey: <br /> o Time Frame: Earlier surveys by the state department were 'not <br /> specific as to the length of time covered by the building needs <br /> estimates. The new survey requests local school officials to <br /> indicate priority building needs for a 6-year period (1987-1992) . <br /> Also, if information is available about longer-range needs, <br /> school boards may indicate these needs in their responses. <br /> o Basic Education Program: In . 1984, the Basic Education Program <br /> (BEP) was in draft form and its implications for building needs <br /> might not have been fully understood by local boards of <br /> education. The new survey instructs the school boards to <br /> consider the phased reduction in class size ratios, additional. <br /> teachers for new programs and other elements of the BEP which <br /> will impact facility needs over the next 6 years. <br /> o Input and Review by Local Boards of Education and County <br /> Commissioners: There was no formal requirement in the 1984 <br /> survey for official submission of needs estimates by local school <br /> boards. Also, there was no role at all for boards of county <br /> commissioners. The new survey requires official sign off by <br /> local school boards as well as review by county commissioners. <br /> Additionally, the board of county commissioners is asked to <br /> indicate how the 6-year needs estimates are to be financed. <br /> - We believe the recognition in this survey of the statutory role <br /> granted to county commissioners by G.S. 1150-521 (b) in reviewing <br /> and approving school facility needs is a major step forward. <br /> Important Questions . <br /> We expect that local boards of education will submit their official <br /> needs estimates to boards of county commissioners in January. We have <br /> developed a checklist of questions which your board may wish to pose <br /> in reviewing the school board (s) listing of needs. The checklist of <br /> questions is attached. <br /> You may want to contact your school superintendent in the next week to <br /> get a copy of the survey package. Please call us if you have <br /> questions. <br /> Managers Memo/regan3 - <br />