Resolution of the Middletown Town Council Supporting the Development of a Model Regionalized High School

WHEREAS: The Rhode Island economy continues to slowly recover from the 2007-2008 recession but with significant weaknesses in employment and economic growth; and

WHEREAS: Newport County school enrollments have significantly decreased and are expected to further decline while school budgets rise; and

WHEREAS: Newport County school districts have seen a substantial reduction in Rhode Island state aid, military impact funding and other revenue,and cities and towns have seen a continued reduction of state aid; and

WHEREAS: Educational programs have been reduced to basics, advanced courses eliminated and/or reduced, and entry-level job skill training severely curtailed; and

WHEREAS: Newport County municipalities will be required to make unacceptable reductions in town and city services to support existing school programs and facilities; and

WHEREAS: Property taxes cannot be raised to sustainably fund both municipal services and an educational system which provides a superior education and meets the needs of the Rhode Island economy; and

WHEREAS: Local taxpayers are already burdened by some of the highest property taxes in the country; and

WHEREAS: School districts and cities and towns must comply with RIGL§44-5-2, which caps the property tax levy imposed by municipalities; and

WHEREAS: RIGL§16-2-9(d) requires "The school committee of each school district shall be responsible for maintaining a school budget which does not result in a debt"; and

WHEREAS: It is in Middletown’s best interest to promote community discussion centered on a model for a regional high school which couldhelp alleviate decreasing educational opportunities and consolidate educational funding; and

WHEREAS: A regional high school model is neither a proposal nor a commitment and would be limited to providing a detailed basis for discussion and resolution of issues.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Middletown Administration develop a model of a regional high school incorporating all relevant features and issues such as funding, personnel and staffing, curricula, athletics and enrichment, and facilities.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to all Newport County municipalities, School Committees, State Senators, State Representatives, and the Governor.

JULY 15, 2013

READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL