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2 Ms. Richards concurred with Mr. Cox, and recomm ended considering reinstating some previous cuts such as Spanish instruction and instructional assistants. Mr. Lynch made two observations. First, it must be decided what to do with the additional $1 million. Second, he wanted to know what this increased commitment from the State to education means for Charlottesville which has already gone well beyond what is dictated by the SOQ. He said the City justified property tax increases a few years ago by explaining to the public that 40% of that money went to t he schools. He indicated that maybe Virginia school divisions will see better funding and distribution from the State in the future, and perhaps, with this increased revenue from the State, the Council will be able to consider a reduction in the tax rate. Mr. Muriel Wiggins, School Board Member, said that there seems to be a building crisis every year and suggested considering a plan used by other school systems where they cycle through each school, totally renovating one each year. Mr. Schilling reque sted that in the future the School Board indicate each year what it needs rather than concentrate on what it thinks the City can offer. Mr. Caravati said he feels the State is guilty of violating the law on how it funds schools, and noted that Charlottesv ille is probably among the top three divisions in Virginia for funding of its schools. Mr. Cox reiterated his support for funding the Superintendent's initiatives, and said it is a very strategic move and will make way for new ideas. He also stressed his concern that no cuts in personnel be made which might jeopardize academic goals. He added that he thinks the Spanish program should be expanded to other schools. Ms. Julie Gronlund, School Board Member, supported the proposed distribution of new funds, and said she thinks it was a good idea to have placed raising teacher salaries as a high priority in the budget process. She also concurred with comments made by Mr. Schilling and Mr. Lynch about re - evaluating the budget process. Ms. Dede Smith, School Board Member, supported setting aside $200,000 for the new Superintendent, and suggested that Dr. Griffin and the School Board could identify what improvements should be made in order to become more efficient. Ms. Bowen and Mr. Byron Brown, School Board M ember, expressed support for the proposed use of new funds. Mr. Brown said he would like the School Board to revisit the issue of the instructional assistants. Mr. O'Connell explained that the budget proposal will require two readings by Council. rd Mr. Hu tchinson said that the Board will discuss the proposal at its June 3 meeting. The meeting was adjourned.