HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08Resolution 2018-08
Resolution Supporting the Creation of a Small and Rural Schools Coalition
WHEREAS, over 80 school divisions across the Commonwealth could be defined as Rural and/or Small;
and
WHEREAS, Small and Rural Localities and Stakeholders have determined that working collaboratively
will enhance their collective voice in legislative and other matters; and
WHEREAS, Local Stakeholders include School Boards, Boards of Supervisors, City Councils, Town
Councils, Industrial Development Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, etc.; and
WHEREAS, Small and Rural Stakeholders believe that PK -12 public education is critical to the vitality of
their region and to the Commonwealth as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Rural School Divisions have seen a decline in K-12 enrollment of over 5,000 students since
2009 which represents a 6% decline; and
WHEREAS, 18% of students in the Rural School Divisions live below the Federal Poverty Level; and
WHEREAS, 50% of students in Rural School Divisions are eligible for Free or Reduced Priced Lunch;
and
WHEREAS, the State share for school operations has decreased by 4.7% in Rural School Divisions
since 2009 while the Local share for operations has increased by 4.3%; and
WHEREAS, these Rural Localities have the ability to raise only $19,469,500 by increasing property taxes
by one penny (.01); and
WHEREAS, local poverty and tax revenues prevent Rural Localities from funding schools at the same
level as affluent Localities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in
regular session this 6'h day of February 2018 does hereby support the creation of a Small and Rural
School Division Coalition in order to better advocate for our students, teachers, staff, and stakeholders.
This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted this 6'h day of February 2018 by the duly
recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as follows:
James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Gregory C. East -Absent
David L. Clark -Aye
ATTEST:
David N. Quesenberry
Clerk of Council
Joseph K. Goodman -Aye
H.M. Kidd -Aye
Lane R. Penn -Aye
THE TO OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA
BY: C
Rol3ert N. Glen
Mayor