Minutes 08/26/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Au,qust 26, 2003 WHEREAS, not only are students being left behind, but taxpayers are seeing the increasing burden of higher local real estate tax rates as local governments try to pay both their share and the state's share of education costs; and WHEREAS, when Virginia's students plan for higher education, they face additional challenges because legislative reports also have verified that appropriate levels of funding have not been achieved for higher education, and one of the worst results of reduced funding for college students is that so many qualified Virginia students are denied admission because the faculty, buildings, and equipment are simply not there to accommodate them, and; WHEREAS, the effects of being left behind without a high school diploma or a college degree, especially for an at-risk student, are compelling in that Virginians who hold high school diplomas or community college or four-year college degrees as a rule earn more than those who do not hold such diplomas or degrees. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia that it hereby 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. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these actions are essential if Virginia 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 faculty 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 opportunity to graduate from 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 to help students learn; · Modern, safe classrooms, laboratories, technology and equipment to provide the environment in which students learn best; · Accountability and performance measurement at all levels for students, teachers, faculty, administrators and others responsible for helping students learn. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to all members of the City's delegation to Virginia General Assembly." Ayes: Benn, Griffin, Moody, Randall, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None - New Business - 03 - 307 - Boards and Commissions Mr. Benn offered the following nomination: EMPOWERMENT 2010 GOVERNANCE BOARD Eric D. Campbell replaced Douglas Smith who resigned. Motion by Mr. Benn, and seconded by Mr. Griffin, to close the nomination, and there being no further nomination, the above nomination was adopted by unanimous vote.