Rep. Horn offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 313.

            A resolution to urge revision of the proposed 2008 Executive Budget so that any money realized from financing of state bonds is spread among all schools on a per-pupil basis and not to a limited number of schools participating in a Small Schools Program.

            Whereas, Meeting the wide-ranging needs of our public schools is a top priority and constant challenge.  Innovative measures to direct one-time resources where they can do the most good are always worthy of consideration; and 

            Whereas, The executive budget proposes using $300 million raised through bond revenues to reduce the size of larger high schools by creating new high schools of smaller size.  While this plan addresses issues of concern for some school districts, this is clearly not a problem that is faced by all communities of our state; and

            Whereas, A far more equitable means of utilizing money generated through bonds would be to allocate the dollars to all schools on a per-pupil basis for critical non-administrative needs.  This one-time funding could be used for any number of appropriate needs such as brick and mortar, other infrastructure, repair and maintenance, safety measures, and technology.  With this approach, districts would be able to match grant money to their most acute needs; and

            Whereas, While the state is properly considering innovative measures to direct additional resources to education funding, all schools, not just a few, should benefit.  Each individual district should be able to utilize the funding for specific and pressing non-administrative needs; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge revision of the proposed 2008 Executive Budget so that any money realized from financing of state bonds is spread among all schools on a per-pupil basis and not to a limited number of schools participating in a Small Schools Program; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the Office of the Governor.