Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/207831
Sarasota News Leader November 8, 2013 Page 32 percent "across the board" raise and a 1 percent "one-time" bonus. In 2005, the state Legislature mandated that teachers work an extra one-half hour per day. The district has used surtax funds to cover that expense as well, paying as much as $14.6 million in Fiscal Year 2008-2009. This is called an "unfunded mandate," when the state orders something done but does not pay for it. OVERSIGHT REQUESTED On Saturday, Nov. 2, former Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner sought the support of the Coalition of City Neighborhoods Association (CCNA) to insure that independent oversight of the surtax monies continues. "You may have noticed on your [Truth in Millage] notice that more than half of your taxes go to the School Board," he told the neighborhood leaders at their regular meeting. "We need to create a financial tracking system to understand how the money is invested to improve student outcomes at all public schools." Kelly Kirschner/Contributed photo relevant outcomes and report results to the community." The oversight proposal is the work of the Coalition of City Business Associations, in return for its support at the polls. After studying a previous report on the funds generated by the 1 mill tax, the group found, "There are things we do really well, and then there are very inefficient practices/policies that could be changed over time but they are complicated and would take a persistent pressure on the school board to change from the status quo." The CCNA representatives agreed and voted to support a motion calling for the creation of a financial tracking system for the surtax monies after the referendum is held. In the past, the "financial oversight committee" was the School Board. This time, the referendum will call for a specific organization to handle The group's findings, and the support of organithe duties. zations such as CCNA, were quietly presented to the School Board and Superintendent Lori The resolution says, "Provided the continWhite before Tuesday's vote. uation of the millage increase for Sarasota County Schools is approved, a financial over- The resolution says that if the referendum should sight committee appointed by the School fail, "the school board would face a revenue shortBoard shall issue an annual report to insure fall that would result in significant budget cuts proper financial stewardship of the funds. requiring the elimination of numerous academic In addition the committee shall identify programs and positions." %