HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_059313. Request for Approval of a Resolution Seeking Support from the North
Carolina General Assembly for Establishing Adequate and Reliable Funding of
Public Schools in Iredell County And Throughout the State: The following
resolution was approved.
A RESOLUTIONSEE%ING SUPPORT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE AND RELIABLE FUNDING OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN
IREDELL COUNTYAND THROUGHOUT THE STATE
WHEREAS, Iredell County, along with its respective school districts, Mooresville Graded
School District and Iredell-Statesville School System, firmly believe that every child within the county
should have equal access to a sound quality public education in a safe learning environment; and
WHEREAS, Article I, Section 15, and Article IX, Section 2 (1) of the North Carolina
Constitution mandates that the General Assembly is responsible for a "general and uniform system of
free public schools and must ensure that children have a basic education ", and
WHEREAS, GS 115C-4080) establishes that it is state policy for the State of North Carolina
"to provide from state revenue sources the instructional expenses for current operations of the public
school system ... "; and
WHEREAS, while overall state educational funding has increased largely to meet student
population growth, class -size reduction in elementary grades and personnel salary and benefit increases,
state budgeting of public schools as a percentage of the state general fund has however trended
downward, resulting in reduced resources for schools without similar reductions in mandated program
responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, elementary class -size reductions result in an unfunded mandate that does not allow
for adequate capital planning and imposes a burden on counties to fund additional school facilities; and
WHEREAS, parallel budget cuts affecting public schools have resulted in required state
discretionary reductions, declining teacher assistant allotments, decreased school transportation
operating funds, inadequate instructional technology support, withheld capital needs resources; and
WHEREAS, stagnant state funding for public schools has resulted in too few teacher allotments,
inadequate staffing allotments, lagging non -instructional support positions, insufficient textbook
allocations, deficient instructional supplies, limited funds for children with special needs, etc.; and
WHEREAS, these funding deficiencies create a greater reliance on local funding, thereby
exacerbating inequities in educational opportunities across the state; and
WHEREAS, in light of this trend the Iredell County Commissioners and school districts seek
support from the North Carolina General Assembly to reverse this course and establish adequate and
reliable funding of public schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Iredell County, along with the Mooresville Graded
School District and Iredell-Statesville School System, call upon the North Carolina General Assembly to
reverse the ongoing trend of insufficient operational and capital funding for public schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly establish adequate and reliable
funding of public schools in .North Carolina that matches needs, resources and mandates.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be executed by the respective county and public
school systems in Iredell County and that this document be presented to our legislative delegations, along
with appropriate state officials who have responsibilities for public schools — including Governor Easley,
the Chair of the State Board of Education, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
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14. Request from the Iredell-Statesville Schools for Permission to Apply for
Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) with the Proceeds, if Received, to be Applied
towards Statesville High School (Potential of $2 million with no Interest): (This
request was approved. See briefing minutes for additional information.)
15. Request for a Letter to be Sent to North Carolina House Representative Karen
Ray Regarding the Impact of Governor Easley's Proposed Budget: (Letter was
approved as written by the school system with one change. See briefing minutes for more
information.)
16. Request for Approval of the February 15, 2005 Minutes
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IF