* 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: Councilmember Clarke
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Funding the Baltimore City Public Schools' Comprehensive Educational Facilities Master Plan
FOR the purpose of calling for a hearing to discuss deficient City school facilities, find solutions to modernize all City school buildings, and develop a funding strategy to raise the $2.8 billion needed to implement the school system's Facilities Master Plan.
body
WHEREAS, improving our public education system is essential to create equity, opportunity, and economic stability in Baltimore City; and
WHEREAS, Baltimore's Educational Code states that "the public schools of the City of Baltimore are intended to promote the general welfare of its citizens;" and
WHEREAS, Baltimore City public school students deserve to attend school in new or newly- renovated school buildings that support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; and
WHEREAS, the City Schools Comprehensive Educational Facilities Master Plan of 2010 ("Facilities Master Plan") reports that about 70% of the City's public school buildings are in poor condition, and therefore inadequate for learning in the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, numerous studies have repeatedly shown a strong relationship between deficient school buildings and both lower student academic achievement and attendance, as well as lower teacher retention; and
WHEREAS, the most important facility factors that contribute to academic success, such as science labs and adequate heating and cooling systems, are severely lacking in Baltimore City school buildings; and
WHEREAS, the health and safety of children, teachers, and other school staff is threatened by harmful materials in the schools and deficiencies such as poor indoor air quality due to a lack of adequate ventilation systems; and
WHEREAS, students need access to public school buildings with up-to-date science labs, library and media centers, computer labs, art studios, physical education facilities, community space, and classrooms equipped with multi-media supports to compete in the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, modernized and inviting school buildings in every neighborhood will greatly enhance the revitalization of City neighborhoods by encouraging businesses to locate in the City and families to live in the City and enroll their children in City schools; and
WHEREAS, updating heating and cooling systems, installing energy-efficient windows and doors, and use of other energy saving systems is a good investment that will save money on maintenance, utility bills, and future capital spending; and
WHEREAS, current capital funding from local, state, and federal sources is wholly inadequate to fund the $2.8 billion Baltimore City Public Schools' Facilities Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, implementing the school system's Facilities Master Plan will require a firm commitment from the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore; and
WHEREAS, a number of school districts, cities, and states have found innovative financing solutions or new revenue sources to comprehensively modernize their K-12 school infrastructure;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that the Council will hold a hearing to discuss deficient City school facilities and solutions to modernize all City school buildings.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Baltimore will collaborate with City and State officials, and Baltimore City Public Schools, to develop a funding strategy to raise the $2.8 billion needed to implement the school system's Facilities Master Plan.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Baltimore will carefully examine all new and existing revenue sources to assist in the funding of the Facilities Master Plan.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, the Mayor, the Director of Finance, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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dlr10-2198~intro/15Sep10
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