Agenda - 02-12-2004-6 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

3, two districts over and above increased funding. That is why I believe there are compelling arguments for correcting the disparity, but not compelling arguments for merger beyond the correction of the funding inequity. The first part of the proposal that I made on November 11, 200:3 included steps toward funding equity. The benefit of these steps is that they would, if followed, provide for a countywide supplemental tax that would allocate additional money to the OCS by July 1, 2004. The commissioners would need to decide the ultimate maximum level of the tax, and the voters would have to approve it. The advantage of the tax is that it is a permanent, targeted tax that would be approved by a vote of the people, and it would specifically provide money to the OCS as soon as possible. If the commissioners and the voters agreed, the amount of tax levied could increase in subsequent years until the funding disparity was reduced or even eliminated. The second part of my proposal included steps toward collaboration. These steps involve a partnership of the school boards and the commissioners to achieve meaningful collaboration both in the short term and long term. The details of my proposal are given below. The proposal is the same as the one presented on November 11, 2001 STEPS TOWARD FUNDING EQUITY 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 brig 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.* II. 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 funding 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