Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Referendum Review topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board asks staff to analyze teacher‑pay/school‑safety referendum before asking voters to renew
Summary
The committee directed staff to analyze whether the 2018/2022 local referendums that fund teacher pay and school safety remain sufficient, to review expenditures and oversight, consult stakeholders and bargaining units, and report back by May so the board can decide whether to pursue a renewal.
Dr. Gallon presented H13 asking the committee to review the two voter‑approved referendums (2018 and 2022) that fund teacher compensation and school security, to assess whether current levels will sustain competitive teacher pay and required school‑safety staffing beyond June 2027. "The voters have invested heavily; we must quantify the return and determine if the levels are sufficient to sustain competitive pay and school safety," he said.
The committee directed staff to deliver a report in May that includes: a review of expenditure and oversight to date, projections of staffing and enrollment needs, stakeholder outreach (including bargaining units and parent groups), and recommendations on whether a renewal should be presented to voters. Audit staff confirmed referendum funds are covered indirectly in annual financial audits but that a dedicated audit or review could be added to the audit plan if the board requests it.
Members emphasized clarity for voters that any renewal would be a voter decision and not an immediate tax increase; several members urged a transparent accounting of previous referendum spending and explicit, measurable goals for any future proposal.
The committee approved sending the report as amended to the full board; staff will coordinate with the Secure Our Future oversight process and may propose a targeted audit to accompany public reporting.
