The Seawell SGC is opposed to a merger at this time.
After researching the issues, hearing public comment, and receiving input from our constituents, it is clear that the primary problem which needs to be addressed is determining and providing an appropriate level of funding for the county schools.
Solving this problem does not justify the merging of the school systems. While we do not represent the constituency which would be faced with the tax increase, we do believe that one of the stated funding alternatives should be used to overcome the funding shortfall. We are frustrated that this was identified in 1986 and has not yet been fixed. We recommend that the BOCC raise the ad valorem tax to provide the appropriate per pupil funding and then the equivalent amount should be unlevied from the city district tax. In addition, perceived inequities which would benefit from school system collaboration should be identified and addressed.
We are extremely concerned with the amount of busing that the school systems have reported will occur with a merger.
It is also clear that most citizens want a voice in an informed decision about possible merger and are strongly against an imposed merger.
We believe that each school system's central office should be located where it can best meet the needs of its constituents and that the OCS and CHCCS central offices should be co-located only if both school boards believe this meets constituent needs.
We will continue to study information as it becomes available.
The Seawell SGC continues to have the concerns and presented in the October 16th Hearing regarding Possible Merger.
The
Seawell SGC endorses Neil Pedersen’s recommendation of
The Seawell SGC endorses McDougle Elementary PTA's stance that the following principles should guide a proposed merger:
A merger should not be undertaken unless it is the only way to improve the
quality of education for students of both systems. A merger is not needed
to accomplish funding equity because the Commissioners can and should address
this issue through the annual budget process. In order to determine if a
merger is the only way to improve the quality of education in both systems, the
Commissioners should appoint a task force to undertake a thorough review of
current practices and facilities in both systems and of the academic, financial,
and social implications of a merger prior to voting on a merger. Prior to
any vote on a merger, representatives of the Boards of Education and the PTAs of
the two systems should be allowed sufficient time to review the implementation
plan and provide comments in writing and at a public hearing on the plan.