Christina School District 2016 Referendum Campaign Increase funding for all students, classroom teachers and school support staff VOTE March 23 Support High Priority programming and Initiatives Improving School Climate Enhancing Existing Educational Offerings Build A NEW Christina Together facebook.com/csdpavingtheway Twitter: @CSDpavingtheway CSDpavingtheway.com
Why Another Referendum? Following two unsuccessful referendum votes in 2014-15, the District was forced to reduce its 2015-2016 operating budget by $9m. These cuts resulted in significant reductions in teachers, student resources, and school-level operating budgets The Christina School District hopes to engage the community on March 23, 2016 to support strong public schools, restore some of these reductions, and begin Paving the Way to a NEW Christina.
What is the District Asking? The District is proposing a 30 increase per $100 assessed property value. This 7 less than the request in May 2015. For the average Christina School District homeowner this is equal to an additional $192/year in taxes. About $15/month or 53 /day. We are asking ALL members of the community to invest in strong public schools. Strong Schools = Higher Property Values
What Will the Money Do for the Students in the District? The $16.2 m raised by the referendum will fund the three main areas: Increased funding for all students, classroom teachers and school support staff Support high priority programming and initiatives Improve school climate and discipline Enhance existing educational offerings Build a New Christina
What is proposed for Improving School Climate? Apply an additional $1 million to support school climate and discipline Review and revise existing Student Manual and code of conduct expectations Explore alternative placement programs Develop innovative delivery models for special education students and English Language Learners Create alternative-to-home suspension options
How Will the Referendum Support and Enhance Existing Programs? Hire teachers and reduce class sizes ($4 million) Restore school budgets ($1.5 million) Restore funding for performing and fine arts Expand academic programs for ALL learners Enhance college credit opportunities Build vocational programs in grades 6-12
What is the Vision for the NEW Christina? Review and align district and school practices Ex.) block scheduling, start times, academic grouping, instructional models Support professionalism of teaching and support staff in all schools Ex.) training, partnerships, professional opportunities Increase school program options Ex.) new grade configurations, magnet schools, internship programs, vocational and career options Enhance partnerships with business, higher education institutions, and community organizations Ex.) Christiana Care, University of Delaware, Longwood Gardens
How will this investment improve the Christina Community? Outstanding public schools translate into higher property values for Christina homeowners Increasing academic options makes the Christina community more competitive and marketable Well-prepared and well-educated graduates are critical to the local and state economy Taxes collected are applied to students in ALL public schools, including students who attend charter schools and choice schools
What s NEW in the District to Ensure the Funds will deliver results? Citizens Budget Oversight Committee (CBOC) ensures fiscal responsibility Strengthened Community Engagement CBOC, Friends of Christina School District (FOSCD), Eastside Community Schools, and Children and Families First (CFF) are driving the referendum campaign School Climate Community Action Group is advising on school climate actions Community-driven focus groups have started laying the foundation for the New Christina planning process.
What s NEW in the District to Ensure the Funds will deliver results? District Administration, through Acting Superintendent Dr. Andrzejewski, has been building relationships with the sider community: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Boys and Girls Clubs Bloom Energy University of Delaware Delaware Technical and Community College Delaware Decision Makers Christiana Care Longwood Gardens
When and Where to VOTE! The referendum is on Wednesday, March 23 Polls are open from 10 a 8 pm Voting is at most Christina Schools PLUS... Bear Library (101 Governor's Place, Bear 19701) Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club (109 Glasgow Dr, Newark 19702) Carvel State Office Building (820 N French St Wilmington 19801) First Presbyterian Church (292 W Main St Newark DE 19711) Newark Free Library (750 Library Ave Newark 19711 ) Quaker Hill Place Apts (200 N Washington St Wilmington 19801)
How much will it cost me? The increase to an average property owner is: $15/month or $192/year That s the same as a cup of coffee a day OR 2 Happy Meals a week OR 2 Pizzas a month. Finding the Assessed Value of Your Home You may determine the assessed value of your property at the NEW CASTLE COUNTY PARCEL SEARCH WEBSITE. A link to the site, search tips, and additional information are available on our website at www.christinak12.org/referendum Calculating Proposed Taxes Our PROPERTY TAX CALCULATOR tool will automatically calculate your property tax bill. Access the calculator at www.christinak12.org/referendum
What happens if the referendum doesn t pass? Without a tax increase, the District will be required to cut an additional $4 million from its annual operating budget. Class sizes in District schools will continue to increase Resources for special education students and English Language Learners (ELL) will continue to decrease Extra-curricular programs such as sports, the arts, and other activities may lose funding Local property values will be negatively impacted Christina students will not get the quality of education they deserve
Referendum Campaign Strategy Community Led Steering Committee 25 member committee led by parent co-chairs Mary Schorse, parent and Friends of Christina School District Co- Chair Brian Stephan, parent and Citizens Budget Oversight Committee member Ken Livingston, Wilmington resident and site coordinator of the East Side Community School program at Stubbs Elementary School North, South and East Zone Teams Led by Principals and Community Leaders Active engagement of schools and parent community Coordinated Messaging focused on building a New Christina together
Social Media Social media is a key feature of the referendm outreach strategy. Get involved, like, and follow! Facebook: www.facebook.com/csdpavingtheway Twitter: @CSDpavingtheway Web Page: www.csdpavingtheway.com Email Contact: CSDpavingtheway@gmail.com
Timeline of Key Deliverables & Important Dates Key Deliverable/Event Date Referendum Launch February 16, 2016 Teacher/Parent Social Media outreach February 17 March 23 Outreach at all School Events February 17 March 22 Parents send out weekly emails (beginning) February 28 Town Hall Meetings Parent Lead Pep Rally March 1, 2015 First Round Phone Calls March 1-5, 2016 Information Road Show March 2016 Reminder calls/texts March 13-19, 2016 Referendum Operations Team Meeting March 22, 2016 Referendum Voting and Referendum Day Events MARCH 23, 2016
QUESTIONS??