Balt. Sun: Bill would force counties to pay for schools
To force counties to pay their share of the cost of operating K-12 schools, top legislators in Annapolis want the state to seize local tax dollars and deliver them directly to school systems.
The plan is outlined in legislation introduced Tuesday by delegates backed by House Speaker Michael E. Busch. Some senators are developing a similar plan with the blessing of Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller.
If the approach is adopted, it could set up a clash between county governments and the state over their respective powers...
Sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteFirst, let's define "education funding". Let's see the CHECK REGISTERS ONLINE for the public school systems.
ReplyDeleteWhat is education funding? Is it lunches at restaurants? Gifts for co-workers? A personal golf cart to roam the halls? No-bid contracts? Car allowances?
Let's see the books to find out what is included in "education" funding.
I agree this strips away the county's power to govern; it also strips away the voter's power to make choices at the ballot box; it is an unfortunate and profoundly misguided effort.
ReplyDeleteThe public hearing on this emergency bill is tomorrow, March 1, 2012, in Annapolis.
ReplyDeletefrom the article:
ReplyDeleteEducators' groups were more pleased with the proposal.
"It looks very good. It looks like the bill addresses issues superintendents had," said Carl Roberts, executive director of the Public School Superintendent's Association.
MoCo voters went out of their way to vote in favor of the Ficker amendment. Now Del. Anne Kaiser (D-District 14) seems to be saying that she wants the MoCo voters over-ruled in Annapolis.
ReplyDelete