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SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION TASK FORCE

RECOMMENDATION FORM

Sub-Committee Title: Finance____________________________________


Chair: Fred Sears___________________________________________
Deputy Chair: Mary Nash Wilson________________________

Members of Sub-Committee: (Please list full names, no affiliation)


1. Gina Jennings
2. David Blowman
3. Kevin Ohlandt
4. Mike Jackson
5. Mike Petit de Mange
6. Mark Dufendach
7. Sean Sokolowski
8. Brian Stephan
9. Rick Geisenberger
10. David Roose
11. Jordan Rosen
12. David Sokola
13. Ciro Adams
14. Bob Andrzejewski
15. Loretta Greig
16. Emily Falcon
17. David Davis

Goals/Purpose of the Sub-Committee: (Please summarize the charge of the sub-committee)


The Finance Sub-Committee was charged with finding opportunities for saving or
generating additional funds that could ultimately be distributed directly to the schools to
help make Delaware’s public education system one of the best in the Nation.
During the committee’s monthly meetings from September thru April we discussed
numerous opportunities and options for saving funds and alternative sources for raising
additional dollars to support education in our State.
In the end the committee agreed to present the following proposals:

Recommendations:
1. Countywide District Consolidation
a. In reviewing this concept the committee agreed that there would be some
opportunities to reduce expenses and create some savings in some areas, but the
overall effect of consolidating to just three districts would result in minimal
savings at best and would create numerous problems related to facilities
management, personnel and salary issues and transportation and other logistical
issues that would more than negate the benefit of any savings. The committee
does recommend that we don’t give up on the “consolidation” concept all
together. We believe there could absolutely be some significant financial benefit

Created 3/15/18 M.W.A.


to consolidation of two or three contiguous Districts. With that said, the
committee believes each County must complete a reassessment of property values
before considering any district consolidation proposals.
2. The committee strongly recommends that each County move forward with a
reassessment of property values. Reassessment could provide the funding to allow current
underfunded districts the dollars they need to fill positions in the schools that are
currently vacant due to lack of funds. The time has come to make the commitment to
equity and fairness in our County property tax system.
3. The committee recommends that the Unit System formula be reviewed in an effort to
insure funding for positions in the schools that are currently not included in the formula.
The last time the formula was revised was 2005 — there have been a number of newly
created positions in the schools over the past 13 years.
4. The committee believes there is a real need to find funds to help schools in low
income/poverty areas. We are recommending the State develop a Countywide or
Statewide tax, or increase the rate on a revenue source already in place, to provide
additional funding to schools in need, regardless of District. We believe as much as
another $125MM or more is needed to help these schools reduce class sizes , provide
after school programs, wellness centers, additional reading, math and ELL specialists,
early childhood education for 2, 3 and 4 year olds and other programs needed to level the
playing field for children in these underserved communities.
5. Finally, in an effort to find savings in the current district system that could be redirected
to programs in the schools the committee recommends that three , one in each County,
formal committees of the purchasing directors for the districts be formed to meet with
representatives from OMB on a monthly basis. The committees should be charged with
analyzing any and all opportunities to reduce expenses. Similar to a concept followed by
many businesses today, bonuses should be made available on an annual basis for any
member(s) of the committee who presents an idea that results in significant savings.

Created 3/15/18 M.W.A.

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