Do you think pressure on the commissioners is even still needed? They have already said they will give additional funds in addition to putting another stand alone tax ref on the ballot IF the BOE removes the closing of any schools off the table. Seems to me that the commissioners stepped up and did what was wanted of them.
I think exerting pressure on the Commissioners to do what they have stated they would do is imperative for the School Board for the short and long run. The School Board has been painted as the big bad wolf in this debacle, but I think the Commissioners sometimes collectively act as sheep in wolves' clothing. I have no doubts that the Commissioners will give the School Board the $500,000 or whatever the amount is, but I do question whether a sales tax referendum will pass. It's far from a done deal.
Contrary to what many might think, a bunch of the folks in Stanly County don't want to be taxed anymore. Add into the equation that the referendum won't be on the ballot until 2016, you will see considerable pressure to sway the vote one way or another.
Here's the dilemma and the worst case scenario. Nothing happens for the 2015-2016 school year. No redistricting, no closing of schools. In fact I think that is now almost a given. The Commissioners give the Schools a one time $500,000 amount. A year later, the 2016-2017 starts and once again no schools have been closed and everyone awaits for what happens with the sales tax referendum. Redistricting may or may not occur before the 2016-2017 school year. I'd anticipate that the no redistricting would occur before the 2016-2017 school year. At the same time, public opinion starts to swing against the sales tax referendum because the folks don't trust the school board will spend the money wisely which will also bleed over to the County Commissioners. In November 2016, the sales tax referendum is defeated and the school board is at square one. In addition, members of the Board are either reelected, resigned, or are defeated. The new school board members take their seats in December 2016 and nothing happens. During this time, the schools keep falling behind.
This is the worst case scenario. I think Dr. Griffin was wanting around $2.2 million more each year to properly fund the schools. The $500,000 is a one time "gift". The sales tax referendum would make up half of this proposed increase. Even if it passes, there would be a "shortfall" for what Dr. Griffin wants. Either she has to change her plan or the plan simply won't work.
I think there is some considerable horse trading that is going on right now. To complicate matters, you have Melvin Poole that is unpredictable. You also have Rep. Burr that will change directions on the tax referendum in a second. Yes, I know Burr should be keeping his nose in Raleigh, but he prefers dabbling in matters in Stanly County.
