Agenda 12/09/2008 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 24, 2008 Based on the fmdings of its recent survey and the original rationale from the Wilder Disrarity Commission, MCPS supports increased funding for at-risk programs in order to reduce the dropout rate, increase graduation rates, lessen the burden on local governments to incur the costs of such programs, and reduce the disparity to offer such progranls for students served across the Commonwealth. 4. Have a moratorium on any new mandates or regulations that can not be fully funded by the General Assembly. 5. Provide flexibility to the School Boards to determine how SOQ targeted state funds should be directed based on student needs. 6. Insure that School Divisions with lower com posite indexes are not disproportionately impacted by reduction of state aid. Any reduction plan should be based on equity, student needs, and localities' ability to support their local school systems. 7. Federal funds should not be used to supplant SOQ and categorical funding. Council then discussed the City legislative agenda for 2009. City Attorney Eric Monday suggested it is more realistic to request only legislation that protects cuts in funding instead of asking for items that cost more money. He also suggested the city have VML and Virginia First Cities to push legislation to support a State government that more closely supports cities and counties and not just counties. He encouraged a more aggressive approach to the federal government, thus requesting more funds due to the new incoming administration. Council agreed the city's legislative agenda would be further discussed at their November 25, 2008 meeting to look for revisions and suggestions from tonight's meeting. An agenda item will added for the November 25, 2008 meeting for final approval of the city's legislative agenda. There being no further business to come before Council during their special meeting, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM. Clarence Monday Clerk of Council Kathy C. Lawson Mayor