The Steamboat Springs Education Fund: A History (cont.)
The Early Years
During the first few years, revenues totaled nearly $1 million. The fund board was organized as a 501(c)3 corporation with bylaws, an administrative structure and funding philosophy. Two commissions—Growth and Technology—were established to review requests for gifts and make recommendations to the Education Fund Board. The Fund Board then approved and awarded gifts that fulfilled campaign promises and met the school district’s educational goals.
In 1996 voters renewed the half-cent tax for four more years, through 2001. During this period, voters also passed a bond issue to remodel the high school and complete capital improvements in the district’s middle and elementary schools. Fund Board gifts provided additional support to these projects.
A Dynamic Process
Voters once again approved the half-cent sales tax in 1999, this time for eight years—January 2001 through December 2009—to address long-term planning for growth, technology and student achievement, and piloting a new staff compensation model.
Goals were further refined when the community raised concerns over keeping curriculum current, teacher recruitment and retention. Following a community-based school assessment and several board-community retreats, the Fund Board expanded its direction and work.
Growth and Technology transformed into three new commissions: Education Excellence, Technology and Capital. Measures were added to the Board’s charter addressing accountability, regular audits and a communications structure. Other amendments to the bylaws and a restructuring of the board and review process were completed in 2001.
As Steamboat Springs grew as a ski and recreation destination, sales tax revenue increased as well. In 2006-07 the Education Fund Board awarded gifts totaling $3.3 million; $4.4 million is requested in the 2008-09 budget.
After 15 years, we have met our challenges and fulfilled our promises with valued community support. The half-cent city tax is up for renewal in 2009. The board anticipates bringing the sales tax before voters prior to 2009. Check this site for updates.
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