08.14.09: Education Finance Districts
By David Walrath
SSDA is working with Assembly Member Tom Torlakson to develop more opportunities for small school districts to join together for cooperative programs. As part of this effort, Assembly Member Torlakson is authoring Assembly Bill 267.
This bill would allow school districts to create Education Finance Districts which could levy parcel and other taxes in the Education Finance District. Under the bill, the districts could combine to levy a tax (still requires a 2/3 voter approval) for creating a new program, such as:
- Expanded technology instruction;
- Shared arts and music personnel and equipment;
- New facilities, such as:
- Central kitchen,
- Career Technical Education center for middle and high school students; or
- Purchase equipment, such as school buses.
Small school districts currently are limited to their tax base for raising funds. The Education Finance District would effectively increase the tax base available to fund joint programs and facilities, as well as reduce the cost of issuing bonds secured by parcel taxes or share the costs of personnel and equipment that can not be afforded by a district acting alone.
Assembly Member Torlakson is looking for school districts that are interested in possibly using an Education Finance District if the legislation were enacted. If you would be interested in the legislation and are willing to be a reference for the Assembly Member please email me at dwalrath@m-w-h.com to let me know and I will forward your name to him.
