8646-13 Support School Levy - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION NO. $646-13 By. Anderson, Bullcok, Juris, Madigan, Nowlin, Powers, Smith. A Resolution in support of ballot issue number 14, Proposed Tax Levy for Lakewood City Schools to be voted upon by the electorate on May 7, 2013. Whereas, local real estate taxes represent the most significant revenue stream of the operating budget of Lakewood City Schools. Whereas, a projected decrease in appraised property value is expected to result in a revenue reduction of approximately $500,000 per year from current levels for the next five years. Whereas, significant restructuring, elimination, and reduction of state funding have challenged Lakewood City Schools to balance its budget for the past three years and will continue to present challenges in the future. Whereas, the state's future commitment to investing in Lakewood City Schools cannot be reasonably predicted due to the multitude of variables impacting the state budget. Whereas, Lakewood City Schools has reduced staff by 84 positions over the last three years and worked with the collective bargaining units to freeze pay and increase employee health insurance contributions in order to stay within its budget. Whereas, Lakewood City Schools expects that the cost of services, supplies, and materials will continue to rise at the rate of inflation while revenue will continue to decrease. Whereas, the collective strain of the above-mentioned rising costs and decreasing revenues have caused the Lakewood City Schools Treasurer to project that the current financial trends will result in a $9.5 million deficit in FY 2017 unless the City, the School District, and Lakewood residents take action to reverse these trends. Whereas, Lakewood's 2012 Community Vision sessions reaffirmed that Lakewood residents prioritize and value a high quality K-12 education. Whereas, Lakewood City Schools has demonstrated an outstanding return on investment as evidenced by the official 2011-12 State Report Card indicating that two schools were rated as Excellent with Distinction, five schools were rated Excellent, and three schools were rated as Effective. Whereas, the Lakewood Board of Education has determined that a 3.9 mill operating levy is critical to maintaining high quality education within the Lakewood City Schools by keeping class sizes reasonable, providing updated instructional material and technology, and continuing local partnerships that offer students real-world learning experiences.