School Board says ‘no’ to I-1033
The Mercer Island School District Board of Directors approved a resolution during its meeting last Thursday evening to oppose Initiative 1033, which would limit the growth of the state’s general fund revenues. The initiative, put forth by conservative political activist Tim Eyman, would create new limits for the amount of money that the state and local government would be able to collect and make.
The School Board chose to oppose the initiative because of projected negative effects on education. According to the district’s resolution, I-1033 is projected to reduce state revenue by an estimated $5.9 billion by 2015, and since K-12 education makes up 41 percent of the state’s general budget, it would translate into a $2.4 billion decrease in K-12 education dollars.
Members of the School Board said that, in light of cuts already made and those which may have to be made in coming years, it does not make sense to possibly limit funding more than necessary, if given the choice.
A debriefing of I-1033 and its effects on city finances was delivered by Finance Director Chip Corder at the Oct. 19 City Council meeting. The city and Councilmembers did not, however, take a stance on the issue. The presentation was merely for informational purposes.
School officials to travel to China
Five members of the Mercer Island School District have been invited to China in December as official guests of the Chinese government for an educational trip to Beijing from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10.
Announced during the School Board meeting last Thursday, five members of the School Board and district staff will have the opportunity to travel for eight days in China, where they will be meet locals and learn about the culture.
“What an incredible opportunity to learn about the Chinese culture,” said Superintendent Gary Plano. Plano learned of the opportunity to apply for trip after he was invited to join the National Superintendents Roundtable during the summer of 2009. Plano will be attending, along with board members Adair Dingle, Janet Frohnmayer, Lisa Strauch Eggers and Mercer Island High School principal John Harrison.
