Agenda - 12-09-2003-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Goraor, S I I7NI)I1vtG 1 �Y The commissioners should take the following steps to achieve funding equity between the two school districts. (The date to take the step is given in parentheses.) I. Decide to call an election to determine whether voters wish to implement a countywide supplemental tax (ad valorem tax) for education. Instruct staff to bring back a report in January 2004 concerning the recommended process for this vote. The process should include the elements listed below. (November/December -2003) A. After receiving the staff report, the commissioners will decide the maximum rate at which the tax can be levied. B. The vote on the tax will take place during the 2004 primary election (usually held on the first Tuesday in May). C. The proceeds of the tax will be used to "operate schools of a higher standard." D. Upon a favorable vote in May, the tax will take effect on July 1, 2004.* H. If the countywide supplemental tax is approved by the voters, the commissioners will include the following items in the county budget for FY 2004 - 2005.* (May /June 2004) A. Set the countywide supplemental tax rate as appropriate to address demonstrated unmet needs for the schools. It is recommended that the rate be set at 4 cents per $100 of valuation. This will increase fimding to the Orange County Schools by approximately $1.5 million, which is about one -half of the amount that was not funded in the FY 2003 -2004 budget. B. Adjust the city district tax rate downward to compensate for the increase in the countywide tax rate. This adjustment will be made so that the Chapel Hill- Carrboro Schools will not only be "held harmless" in the narrow sense, but also _ so that the total funding to the district will increase as appropriate to address demonstrated unmet needs. III. The commissioners will formulate funding guidelines and priorities for the countywide supplemental tax. For example, the tax could be used for funding equity, to promote collaboration, and for other purposes to allow the schools to operate at a higher q fy intentions concerning the total tax increase that. wilI be necess to achieve fundm standard The commissioners will also define e w and identi t eu m g equity between the two school distracts and the tune penod for that increase. (Spring 2004) STEPS TOWARD COLLABORATION - I. The two schools districts, in partnership with the commissioners, will agree to work with a facilitator to identify concrete steps for collaboration They will agree on the funding, the facilitator, and other aspects of the collaboration study. (By February 2004) H. The collaboration study will produce an interim report by May 2004, in time to initiate some meaningful collaboration during the 2004 -2005 school year if at all possible. The final report will recommend significant collaboration that will take place during the 2005 -2006 school year and beyond. Proposed by Alice Gordon for the November 11, 2003 BOCC Work Session *If action cannot be taken by this date, the tax will be implemented as soon as legally possible.