Telling it like it is referendum

eminole County Public SchoolsInformative, factual information about the referendum

• Oct. 27 – Early voting starts

• Oct. 31 – Last day to request absentee ballots

• Nov. 6 – Election Day

Voting Information

2© Seminole County Public Schools, 2012

Helpful tip: the school referendum will be on the last page of the ballot (except in Casselberry and Longwood). Be sure to turn over your ballot to cast your vote on this important school funding issue!

It’s important to cast an educated ballot.


Today we’ll review:

• Painful funding cuts = 750 jobs lost; athletics, arts and music could be next

• How the millage funding will be used

• Referendum language

SCPS consistently earns “A” grades.

© Seminole County Public Schools, 2012 4

A Little Bit About Your School District

• #1 in Central Florida FCAT reading, writing and math skills

• Consistently earning a district grade of “A” since 1999

• Is the #1 school district in the state for delivering taxpayers the best Return on Investment*

• Other recent accolades earned by the SCPS


* SOURCE: Center for American Progress www.americanprogress.org

http://www.americanprogress.org/

• Seminole County high school students have career path choices and training thanks to ePathways

• Career programs at all 9 high schools

ePathways: Sophisticated Career Training


ePathways: Career Programs At Our High Schools

• Bioscience (Oviedo HS)• Culinary Arts (Lake Howell HS)• Engineering (Lyman HS)• Entrepreneurship (Lake Howell HS)• Finance (Lake Brantley HS)• Health (Seminole HS)• IB: International Baccalaureate (Seminole HS)• IT: Information Technology (Crooms Academy)• Forensic Science and Law (Lake Mary HS)• Renewable Energy (Winter Springs HS)• Modeling and Simulation (Hagerty HS)


So why have a referendum?

• Local, state and federal funding cuts are hurting our ability to maintain “A” schools and protect programs such as athletics, arts and music

• Five consecutive years of dramatic cuts

• SCPS school board voted to put the question on the ballot


Impact on property values

It’s a proven fact: Grade A schools increase property values and make our area more desirable for quality companies that bring jobs.


What’s already been done to cut expenses?

– 750 jobs cut

– Suffered nearly $74 million in funding cuts

– Teaching staff reduced by 5.4%

– Administration staff reduced by 8.5%

– District-wide support staff reduced by 19.9%

– One elementary and one alternative school closed


“We’re running out of things to cut,” Walt Griffin, SCPS Superintendent

Where will the referendum appear on the ballot?


Most voters will find the referendum on the last page of their ballots.

NOTE: Voters in Casselberry and Longwood will find it on the next-to-the-last page.

Referendum language


Referendum language

• Requests approval of up to one mill of additional ad valorem revenue beginning in 2013 for no more than four fiscal years (2017).

• Additional revenue will be used to:– Preserve “A” rate academic, vocational, arts and athletic programs,– Retain highly qualified teachers,– Repair and maintain school buildings.

• The district will provide annual reports detailing how the additional revenue is used.

• The School Board will consider annually whether to levy all, part or none of the approved mill.


So, what is a “mill”?

“Mill” is a term that refers to a government tax assessment of $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value. For example, if your home has a taxable value of $100,000, the tax payment per mill is $100 per year.


What will it cost if it passes?

• Cost per home = less than $9 a month– Based on average taxable property value in our county of

$130,000 (before homestead exemption)

• Even at the new millage rate, the average school tax bill would be lower than in the years 2006 - 2010


• Teachers: attract and retain

How will it be spent?


How will it be invested?

• Career & Job Training for our students


How will it be invested?

• Preserve our music, arts & athletic programs


What will be purchased?

• State-of-the-art computers for learning and testing


• Aging schools and buses

What will be repaired and maintained?


Estimated Annual Costs

• Recruit and retain quality teachers not to exceed $7M

• Provide technology and related infrastructure not to exceed $5M

to ensure students’ readiness for the workforce

(E-Pathways)

• Maintain infrastructure to ensure a safe and not to exceed $12M

conducive learning environment (restore funding

for critical school A/C, roofs and school bus

replacement).

• Expand Pre-K classes and school readiness not to exceed $1M

programs to prepare students for a quality K12

education.


What could happen if the referendum fails?


– Loss of quality teachers, administrators and other staff to other school districts.

– Loss of “high performing” district status, negatively impacting the district’s and Seminole County’s reputation. Once a reputation is lost, it’s hard to earn it back.

– Reduced elective programs including, arts, vocational, and possibly some science, technology, and math classes.

– Closing of schools if enrollment were to continue to decline.

– Loss of extra-curricular activities including, athletics and performing arts.

– Making do with dated technology, which would impair student learning opportunities.

– Deferred maintenance on critical infrastructure, such as air conditioning systems and school roofs, essential to a safe and conducive learning environment.

What can you do?Get informed. Ask questions. Cast an educated vote.

• Education is the key:to our children’s future

• Education is the key:to casting an informed vote

• Education is the key:to protect our property values

• Education is the key:to giving our children the edge they need in this competitive job environment


Remember


Most voters will find the referendum on the last page of their ballots.

NOTE: Voters in Casselberry and Longwood will find it on the next-to-the-last page.

Dr. Tina Calderone, ChairmanKaren Almond, Vice ChairmanDiane Bauer, MemberSylvia Pond, MemberDede Schaffner, Member © Seminole County Public Schools, 2012 26

On behalf of the School Board of Seminole County and the Seminole County School District

Walt Griffin, Superintendent

Thank You!