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Small Group Discussion

Fiscal Accountability, Equity Supported

On the topic of school financing, there was more agreement on general rather than specific issues. Participants in all groups thought that there should be equitable distribution to all districts throughout the state to assure the delivery of a high-quality education. Participants felt strongly that any changes in the current funding scheme should encompass a statewide solution. Furthermore, participants also saw the need for greater accountability -- both fiscal and student performance.

There was also general agreement for the proposition that the process is hampered by the State Legislature and a lack of direction and leadership from state government. Some groups complained that, in the competition for scarce resources, education has not been made a priority. Some participants felt the state should shoulder an increased share of educational spending. Many agreed that tax fairness must be part of any solution. There was also general consensus that timely budgets at the state and local levels would improve the situation.

In terms of specifics, there was disagreement about whether the budget should start with educational needs, or start with an amount and fit the needs to the budget. Several groups agreed that any formula should take into account cost differences from district to district (e.g. transportation). Many participants voiced a need for easier funding formulas that afforded more transparency and consistency. Other suggestions with regard to funding were to save the hold-harmless provision, maintenance of effort and to assure there is no cap on local expenditures.

In discussing possible new revenue streams, suggestions included closing corporate loopholes, taxing currently tax-exempt property and creating new sources such as new fees or increased gambling revenues. Groups also suggested resource shifting or cost-cutting in other areas, possibly Medicaid reform. Several groups suggested that any increased funds coming to the schools should be put into the classroom, rather that into other school activities.

In response to the bill that is being proposed by the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, the general consensus among the groups was that, while it seems like a good idea, the participants presently do not have enough information to support it. Most thought it was a good idea that the members of the ECB participate in the development of the bill.

Advocacy, Partnerships Key Strategy

Suggestions for advocacy included increasing partnerships and communication to inform the public and create direct and grassroots pressure for legislative change. All of the groups mentioned the need to forge partnerships with groups outside the educational community; suggestions included labor unions, Realtors, chambers of commerce, service organizations, historical associations, youth groups, and small businesses. Several groups mentioned the need to work with senior groups, because their members vote.

Participants also saw a need for a coordinated communication strategy so that the public understands what is at stake, what the current formulas are, what the proposed changes are and why they are important. Participants saw the need for everyone to speak together with one voice, and suggested that ECB could play a large role in this effort. Several groups suggested that the ECB develop a set of talking points for members and then send teams of representatives out into local communities. There was a suggestion that there be a clear definition of "sound, basic education" so the public can understand what they will be supporting. Groups also thought it important that accountability measures be communicated to the public.

Finally, all groups seemed to agree on the necessity for a coordinated legislative advocacy. Several groups suggested the creation of sample letters and talking points and more effective use of the Internet to lobby. Participants were in agreement that there should also be an in-person lobbying effort. Suggestions included an ECB lobby day; coordinated demonstrations at a regional level; and an effort to have members lobby their local legislators in their home districts about the same issues. Several groups stated that the groups must continue to work together as they did on May 3, 2003.

Other suggestions for advocacy included lobbying the state's federal representatives for more federal funding and creating a statewide litigation strategy.