SD39 - Efficiency in the Use of Public Education Funds
Executive Summary: The Commission to Study Efficiency in the Use of Public Education Funds was established pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 171 of 1989 which was patroned by Senator Dudley J. Emick. This enabling resolution noted that funding of public education has escalated in recent years, that staffing levels have increased in many school divisions, yet enrollments in some areas are declining. Therefore, the Commission was created to review the feasibility of initiating policies designed to improve fiscal responsibility in the use of public education funds while maintaining the Commonwealth's commitment to excellence. The criteria for conducting this study were many, e.g., the General Assembly and local governments have spent substantial sums of money over recent years to fund education yet many experts believe that additional increases are necessary; there are clearly discernible disparities among the school divisions in terms of student achievement; reductions in the student/teacher ratios continue to be one focus in the efforts to achieve quality education; consolidation of schools, services and programs appears desirable, but occurs with difficulty; and accountability is essential to justify any new or increased funding. The Commission was charged with developing a new approach to the problems of education funding through a critical evaluation of the state system which will identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for change. Senate Joint Resolution 171 directed the Commission to "review the requirements of state and federal mandated educational programs to determine the feasibility of consolidating certain programs, services and school division functions, assess whether and to what extent the instructional, supervisory and administrative staff levels exceed need, particularly given the number of students enrolled in the public schools of the school division, review the organizational, planning and budgetary structures of the school divisions to determine the need and ways in which such structures may be improved to maximize the utilization of personnel and funds, and recommend such statutory, regulatory and policy changes as may be necessary to facilitate the efficient use of public education funds." The enabling resolution called for the appointment of eleven members, including three at-large members of the Senate, four at-large members of the House and four elected officials with representation from rural and urban counties and cities. The members so appointed were: Senators Hunter B. Andrews, Dudley J. Emick and Clarence A. Holland; Delegates C. Richard Cranwell, Shirley F. Cooper, Alan A. Diamonstein and Jane H. Woods; and elected local officials Paul D. Fraim, John C. Hamlin, Katherine K. Hanley and Janet D. Nelson. Senator Emick served as chairman and Delegate Cooper served as vice-chairman. |
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