Explanation
Title
To support Issue 97, the 6.95 mill operating levy for the Columbus Public Schools on the November 2nd ballot.
Body
WHEREAS, a 6.95 mill operating levy for the Columbus Public Schools is necessary for the operation of the school district to best serve and educate OVER 60,000 Columbus children; and
WHEREAS, the students, parents, business leaders, the community and educators have all participated in the levy process; and
WHEREAS, this operating levy is in accordance with the recommendation from the Millage Assistance Task Force; and
WHEREAS, this operating levy is of sufficient size to allow the district to maintain academic progress already being made; and
WHEREAS, this operating levy is planned for a four year cycle and plans for managing district growth at about 3 percent per year so as not to overburden the citizens of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, this operating levy contains a specific approach for accountability, including a quarterly report to the taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Public Schools has consistently shown strong fiscal management as evidenced by the excellent reports from the state auditor and upgraded credit ratings from three major ratings agencies; and
WHEREAS, adequate operating funds are essential to the mission of our public schools; now therefore
BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND MAYOR OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council and Mayor do hereby support Issue 97, the 6.95 mill operating levy for the Columbus Public Schools on the November 2nd ballot.