Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Resolution on the Referendum
RESOLUTION 2008-01
SUPPORT OF EDUCATION REFERENDUM
WHEREAS, the Citizens of Pinellas County voted in November of 2004 to allow the School Board to levy up to one half mill for “necessary operating expenses including funds to recruit and retain high quality teachers; preserve reading programs and music and art classes; and provide up-to-date textbooks and technology, with oversight of these expenditures by an independent citizens financial oversight committee; and
WHEREAS, these funds have allowed Pinellas County teachers to become among the best compensated in the state and moved them closer to the national average; and
WHEREAS, nearly $6 million has been available for improved technology including wireless mobile computer labs and an experimental program providing every student in a middle school with lap tops; and
WHEREAS, over $2 million dollars was provided for new library books, Literacy Success was implemented in 28 elementary schools all elementary schools received Developmental Reading Kits, and
WHEREAS, programs in the visual and performing arts were greatly expanded with funds providing everything from field trips to concerts and museums to new band uniforms to high quality art supplies to renewed orchestra programs and much more, and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of every Pinellas citizen to maintain a high quality program for children in these difficult economic times:
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED BY THE
PINELLAS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, THAT
- 1. That the Delegation commends the School Board for expending the funds in a way consistent with the desires of the voters as confirmed by the Independent Citizen’s Advisory Committee.
- 2. That the Delegation expresses its gratitude to the Board that they have been able to enrich the lives of their employees and our children through the stewardship of these resources.
- 3. That the Delegation endorses the continuation of the half mill authorization as way for local dollars to be spent on local needs that provide economic growth to our local community.
- 4. That the Delegation recommends that all Pinellas voters give particular attention to the needs of their schools and vote to support them on January 29th.
ADOPTED this 3rd day of January, 2008.