SUPERINTENDENT DEARING RELEASES STATEMENT
ON PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT ONE

(Bradenton, FL - January 30, 2008) Superintendent Dr. Roger Dearing released the following statement Wednesday regarding the passage of Amendment One:

“On Tuesday, the citizens of Florida voted in favor of Amendment One, a property tax reform proposal that will decrease the tax roll and limit future growth of the tax roll in our state. This reduction in state revenues, combined with the fact that our state's struggling economy has already resulted in sales tax collections that are $3 billion less than expected, means the development of budgets for the state legislature, local governments and school districts across Florida will be exceedingly difficult for at least the next several years.

The estimated impact from Amendment One to the Manatee District's Operating Funds and Construction Program will be $72 million over the next five years. To what extent the legislature will hold education harmless, which was the intent according to the amendment, is yet to be determined.

During the next legislative session, we will work hard to advocate on behalf of our school district, our constituents, and most of all, our children. During the session, we will encourage the legislature to support education through a number of equitable revenue generating strategies, such as: elimination of some sales tax exemptions, a modest increase in the sales tax percentage, and/or an increase in the ad valorem millage (property tax) for schools.

As a School District, we will continue to work diligently to provide a high level of service to our students. Our EdVantage strategic plan will guide our school district in its decision making. Changes in the way we conduct business will be necessary.

As a result of yesterday's vote, it will become necessary for the district to review every program, every position, every vacancy, and every expenditure in an effort to balance the budget.

In regards to these matters, I welcome comments and suggestions from our employees, parents, students and concerned citizens of Manatee County.”

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