* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmembers Henry and Clarke
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Baltimore Education Coalition - Full Funding for City Schools
FOR the purpose of supporting the Baltimore Education Coalition's Education Funding Rally in Annapolis on February 28, 2011 and urging the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor of Maryland to restore the proposed cuts for funding to Baltimore City Schools.
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WHEREAS, the Governor's budget for 2012 will cut more than $15 million in funding for Baltimore City Schools, causing schools to lose teachers, support staff, and after school programs and increasing the number of students in each classroom; and
WHEREAS, the Governor must change the "Thornton" education law to make these cuts and, further, proposes to make them permanent, which will mean permanent cuts to City Schools in future years; and
WHEREAS, the "Thornton" law was enacted to ensure that students receive adequate funding for a "thorough and efficient" education as guaranteed by the state Constitution, resulting in great progress in Baltimore City Schools in recent years, including the facts that our students have achieved higher proficiency on math and reading tests each year since the "Thornton" education funding law was adopted in 2002, school enrollment is growing, more students are graduating, and the rate of students who drop out has decreased by nearly 60% since 2007; and
Whereas, cuts to school funding undermine this progress and betray our commitment to providing a quality education for all of Baltimore's children, meaning that the burden of a state budget deficit will be shifted to our most vulnerable population - our children; and
WHEREAS, with leadership from the Baltimore Education Coalition, school communities across the city are calling on the Governor to restore full funding in the budget for City Schools; and
WHEREAS, parents, families, and community members are exhorting the Baltimore City Delegation to the General Assembly to oppose any cuts to school funding for Baltimore; and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2011, the Baltimore Education Coalition will hold an Education Funding Rally in Annapolis to ask the Governor and our state legislators to restore our $15 million for City School students; and
WHEREAS, citizens from across Baltimore City will join to make their voices heard, and stand together in steadfast support of our children and our schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that the City Council of Baltimore supports the Education Funding Rally in Annapolis on February 28, 2011, coordinated by the Baltimore Education Coalition, and urges the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor of Maryland to restore the proposed cuts for funding to Baltimore City Schools.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Governor of Maryland, the Honorable Chair and Members of the Baltimore City House and Senate Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly, the Mayor, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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