Agenda - 06-27-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I �I SUPERINTENDENT'S BUDGET MESSAGE 1991 -92 It is well established that these are bleak economic times. The news media are replete with reports about the financial crisis. It is undeniable that education at all levels- federal, state, and local- wi'.': be adversely affected by this economic crisis. Already we are being advised to expect substantial cuts in the state budget. In addition, the local tax base has not kept pace with the cost of living, let alone the growth in the student population. It is against this backdrop that the 1991 -92 budget proposal was developed. Ironically, school districts are faced with cutting education budgets at the same time that more is being expected of educators in terms of student performance. These expectations are at crass purposes. School improvement cannot be achieved without adequate resources. The citizens of this community have consistently placed a high value on quality education and have indicated their strong support for more funds for better schools even if it means paying higher taxes. In our district, a survey by an independent organization showed that 80 percent of the general public and 86 percent of parents have stated that they would support higher taxes for schools. Furthermore, a similar survey last spring showed that 78 percent of our Black parents, who are among the most economically disadvantaged residents, would also be willing to support higher taxes for schools. More than ever, this support is needed now. Improved student learning continues to be a goal for the Chapel Hill - Carrboro School District. The existing student performance indicators tell us that students are doing well. Scores on the CAT continue to be well above state and national norms, as indicated by the state's first report card. In addition, our SAT scores are the highest they have been in 20 years with a combined average score of 1043 and even above school systems with similar socio- economic characteristics. Our dropout rate is at 2.68 percent, one of the lowest in the state. After years of intervention, our efforts with at -risk students appear to be resulting in substantial gains. Our eighth grade scores for Black students now have reached the national average. We continue, though, to strive for even better student performance. Goals for the next several years include mastery of basic skills of reading and math for all students, all students demonstrating the ability to solve problems and to think critically, high school graduation or an equivalency degree expected of all students, community service required of middle and high school students and all students exiting high school prepared for post - secondary school or a job that leads to a career. Achieving these goals will require restructuring of the curriculum and instructional program, more flexibility and autonomy for staff and parents at the school site, and a greater emphasis on technology. Educational excellence requires adequate funding. In addition to funds to support a growing student population and to maintain existing successful programs, increased funding is needed to meet the Board's goals. Several assumptions have been made in preparing the revenue portion of the budget. The first is that the tax base will grow by only a modest three percent. Secondly, the appropriated fund balance will decline from $750,000 to $400,000 now that the unencumbered reserve has been decreased to 5.5 percent as directed by the County Commissioners. Thirdly, since 1986 when the Basic Education Plan (BEP) was passed, local school districts could rely on the BEP to provide additional positions. This is no longer possible and local districts are even facing the possibility of losing state positions. Finally, because of our critical needs and a bleak budget picture, the Board requested at its planning conference in February that the district tax rate be increased to support the