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MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL BOARD TO CONSIDER TAX CUT At today’s meeting of The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, the Board will consider a proposal by Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho for a millage rate decrease for financial year 2011-12. The proposed millage decrease will result in a two percent total volume reduction of taxes collected. The school district’s proposed budget for the coming year will total $3.9 billion, a decrease of more than $435 million from last year, and a decrease of $1.6 billion from 2008-2009. “This year’s budget serves our students by protecting educational programs,” said Carvalho. “It also ensures the job security of our full-time teachers and respects our county taxpayers.” The proposed 2011-12 budget protects teaching positions, and no layoff of full-time teachers for economic reasons is planned. Additionally, the budget stabilizes the credit rating outlook; does not increase taxes or total millage; and includes funds to expand innovative programs and school choice. These accomplishments were made possible in spite of a $210 million revenue decline and several large cost increases /changes including increased charter school enrollment, increased health insurance costs; discontinued stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and a requirement that employees contribute an average of three percent of their salaries toward their retirement, which results in a savings of $93.2 million to the district’s General Fund. The School Board did not impose a .25 mill optional local discretionary levy last year, and the Superintendent is not recommending that levy for the coming year. # # # 11-JJS/122 |
