2003-09-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 Whereas , state funding for public educatio n does not reflect the true cost of constructing, staffing, equipping, operating and maintaining schools that perform at the level needed to support the foundation for standards of quality and learning; and Whereas , the cost of educating at - risk students creates additional fiscal pressures on many school systems, and taxpayers are bearing the increasing burden of higher local real estate tax rates as local governments try to pay both its share and the state’s share of education costs; and Whereas , lack of a high school diploma or a college degree, especially for an at - risk student, directly affects one’s income - earning ability over a long period of time. A higher education, in addition to improved quality of life, provides substantial benefit to both the g raduate and the Commonwealth; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED that the Charlottesville City Council urges the General Assembly to provide additional state dollars to fully fund the actual costs of the Standards of Quality and the legislative guidelines for higher education funding. These actions are essential if our elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges and four - year colleges and universities are to meet the following goals: ? ? Smaller classes in schools and colleges where teachers and facu lty can provide students the individual attention they need to learn and graduate on time; ? ? Sufficient numbers of well - qualified teachers and faculty to give every student the resources necessary to successfully complete high school and to have access to higher education and opportunities for training and skill development; ? ? Competitive salaries to attract and keep well - qualified teachers and faculty; ? ? Modern, safe classrooms, laboratories, technology and equipment to provide the environment in which stud ents learn best; ? ? Accountability and performance measurement at all levels for students, teachers, faculty, administrators and others responsible for helping students learn. APPROPRIATION : $283,081 - TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN Mr. O'Connell said that recommendations are being brought forward from the Transit Plan developed two years ago. Mr. O'Connell said that performance on specific routes will be improved with federal and state funding. Ms. Judith Mueller, Director of Public Works, said that on - t ime performance has been struggling, and Routes 4 and 6 are in greatest need. She said buses are proposed to be added to those routes, and restructuring may occur later. She said one assistant transit manager for operations and one transit mechanic are p roposed to be added. Ms. Mueller said that headways cannot be made on the trolley at peak hours Monday through Friday and a trolley is proposed to be added. She said a request has been made to add service to CATEC, and a tripper service is proposed betw een 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. She said these are ongoing state and federal funds. Mr. Caravati asked if a demand analysis was done for the service to CATEC to see if it is viable, and Ms. Mueller said no. Mr. Lynch said that Council had talked about yie ld to bus signs and bus pre - emption at stop lights.