HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/2/2000 - STAFF REPORTS (15) DATE: February 2, 2000
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager
IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 26, "LET'S FIX OUR SCHOOLS."
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council support Proposition 26, the "Let's Fix Our
Schools" initiative.
BACKGROUND:
The League of California Cities (LCC) is asking cities to support Proposition 26, the
"Let's Fix Our Schools" initiative. Proposition 26 will appear on the March 2000 ballot.
Passage of this initiative would reduce the number of votes needed to pass local school
bonds from the current two-thirds to a simple majority, helping to generate funds to repair
and update aging schools and build badly needed new ones.
Prop. 26 also includes rigorous accountability measures to ensure that voters get what they
pay for. It would require school districts to undergo two independent audits every year to
monitor expenditures from local bonds. One independent audit would scrutinize the finances
of each project — making sure that every penny is spent on school facilities and not on
operating expenses. A second performance audit would be conducted annually to make sure
every voter-approved project is done on time and on budget.
Attached is correspondence from the LCC providing additional information. Also attached
a proposed Resolution supporting Proposition 26 for Council's consideration
Dallas J. Flicek, Interim City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Correspondence from LCC
2. Resolution
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League of (Afofnia Cities
1400 K Street
1898-1998 ;; Sacramento,CA 95814
916 658,8200
FAX 916,658.8240
Better Cities—A Better Life w ..caCILies org
January 12, 2000 ' 3
Dear City Official:
RE: Support for Proposition 26, "Let's Fix Our Schools"
As some of you may have read in our previous communications, at its November 1999 meeting,the Board of
Directors of the League of California Cities voted overwhelmingly to endorse Proposition 26. This initiative has
won our board's support because we believe that good schools are an essential element in building strong,thriving
cities.
Our purpose in writing today is to advise you of the League's position on Proposition 26,and to urge you
and your city council to join us in speaking out in support of this important initiative.
Background. Proposition 26 will appear on the March 2000 ballot. It would reduce the number of votes needed to
pass local school bonds from the current two-thirds to a simple majority, helping to generate funds to repair and
update aging schools and build badly needed new ones. Just as importantly, it includes rigorous accountability
measures to ensure that voters get what they pay for.
Proposition 26 requires school districts to undergo two independent audits every year to monitor expenditures from
local bonds. One independent audit will scrutinize the finances of each project—making sure that every penny is
spent on school facilities and not on operating expenses. A second performance audit must also be conducted
annually to make sure every voter-approved project is done on time and on budget.
This initiative has broad-based support.Business leaders who see our decrepit schools as an impediment to
economic growth are active leaders in the campaign.
Your Support is Needed. Polls show strong voter support for Proposition 26--but there is still a long way to go
until the March election. Support from influential local leaders is critical to the success of this initiative. As
representatives of cities, our board believes we have a special need and responsibility to work in support of this
measure. The data is clear: our efforts to preserve and enhance the quality of life in cities are undermined when
public schools are neglected and decaying. Our work for strong cities must include support for repair and updating
of our schools.
We would appreciate your sponsorship of a resolution in support of Proposition 26 before your city council. Please
fax the enclosed resolution to(916) 554-1052 as soon as possible. You can find updated campaign and initiative
information at the Prop 26 website: www.letsfixoursehools.com.
Proposition 26 gives our children—and our cities—the schools they need and deserve.
We look forward to your support.
Sincerely,
John Ferraro Christopher McKenzie
President, League of California Cities Executive Director
RESOLUTION NO. 19743
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE
OF PROPOSITION 26, THE LET'S FIX OUR SCHOOLS
INITIATIVE.
WHEREAS,more than two million California students attend class in temporary facilities,and
the state must build six new classrooms every day if it is going to accommodate the quickly
growing student population; and
WHEREAS,without significant new construction and modernization,existing schools will not
be ready to handle the several hundred thousand additional students over the next decade;and
WHEREAS,the Let's Fix Our Schools Initiative would amend the California Constitution and
Education Code to allow passage of critically-needed local school bonds with a simple majority
of fifty percent plus one, rather than the current two-thirds vote required, while holding local
school districts strictly accountable for prudent and responsible spending; and
WHEREAS, at a time when California families want safer schools,more class size reduction,
and better access to 21s` century learning tools like computers and the Internet, we need to
ensure that local school districts have the funds to create classroom environments that help
students learn; and
WHEREAS, last year voters passed Proposition 1A, a $9.2 billion statewide bond issue to
provide state matching funds for local school facilities construction and improvements; and
WHEREAS, school districts can only receive Proposition lA state bond funds if they can
generate matching funds through local bonds; and
WHEREAS, most California voters believe bonds are the best way to build and repair
classrooms and reduce overcrowding in California's schools; and
WHEREAS,local school bonds require a two-thirds vote to pass,forcing many districts to run
numerous grueling campaigns.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, that
it supports the passage of Proposition 26, the Let's Fix Our Schools Initiative on the March,
2000 statewide ballot, because it is a necessary and fair initiative.
ADOPTED this 2nd day of February , 2000.
AYES: Members Oden, Reller-Spurgin and Mayor Kleindienst
NOES: Members Jones and Hodges
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
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By
City Clerk City Malrag�;
REVIEWED & APPROVED AS TO FO —