Board to consider half-cent sales tax increase for schools

Bottom line

Prior to the board’s regular meeting, members will meet at 4:30 p.m. with a contingent of “stakeholders” about possible development of a sales tax for public education.

Focus of the meeting at district headquarters will be consideration of options for either a half-cent increase in the Lawrence or Douglas County sales tax.

Background

School superintendents, board presidents, state legislators, city and county commissioners, teachers and others were invited.

A half-cent increase in the city sales tax would generate $5.2 million annually for Lawrence schools. Adoption of a countywide tax would bring in about $4.1 million. No vote on a tax increase could occur before 2004.

Other business

The agenda:

  • Receive comment from Austin Turney, board president; Supt. Randy Weseman; and board members.
  • Authorization of a 12-person fringe benefits committee to evaluate options for improving medical, dental and vision policies extended to district employees.
  • Consider proposal to remove a requirement for Laidlaw Educational Services, which provides bus service to the district, to carry a $3.1 million “performance bond.” The policy costs the company $15,000 annually.
  • Consider a $26,260 contract with Government e-Management Solutions, or GEMS, of St. Louis, for a software license and maintenance support for the district’s business computers.
  • Renew one-year contracts with Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center ($823,653), Success by 6 ($250,000) and Big Brothers Big Sisters ($90,000) for services under the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant program.
  • Elect a delegate and alternate for the annual Kansas Association of School Boards conference in Topeka.
  • Discuss creation of a Vocational Skills Task Force, led by Weseman, after a presentation of a business-retention program by Lynn Parman, vice president of economic development for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
  • Consider on final action board policies on the district’s authority, compensation and benefits, administrative personnel, security and safety and infectious or contagious diseases.
  • Receive a report on options for a sales tax that would support public schools.
  • The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 10.