Carroll Forum Set for Tonight

By Jessamy Brown, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas

Jan. 19–SOUTHLAKE — Carroll school district officials say that shifting some day-to-day expenses into their proposed $44 million bond package makes financial sense.

The bond money would be exempt from the state’s Robin Hood school-finance system. And district officials say this would save Carroll taxpayers money.

“Any money you levy and collect for debt service is strictly for that. We get to keep all that money,” said Sharon Eaves, Carroll’s chief financial officer.

That’s a good deal, even if the district pays interest on the money, Eaves said.

“You end up with more net dollars to spend,” Eaves said.

This year, about 24 percent of Carroll’s $73.3 million operating budget will be used to make a Robin Hood payment estimated at $17.5 million.

The bond proposal has two propositions: $24.5 million for renovations and additions and $19.5 million for technology. The package includes 10 classrooms at Carroll High School as well as library books, computers and digital cameras.

Early voting on the package began Wednesday and runs through Jan. 31. The referendum is Feb. 4.

Voters can ask questions at a 7 p.m. forum tonight at Carroll High School. District officials and members of the citizens’ Bond Steering Committee, which recommended the projects in the bond, will give facts about the package.

The bond package is not expected to require a tax-rate increase in part because of rising property values in the district, although property owners could see higher tax bills if their property values increase.

Members of a group opposed to the bond said the district’s argument still doesn’t change their opinion that the package contains too many unnecessary expenses. They believe that the district could cover more projects if it cut its budget, such as in district administration.

“We’re hoping that the bond fails and they don’t buy the stuff. A fraction of the $44 million is things they need, and for the rest, they roll up their sleeves and manage their money better,” said Bill Zimmerman, founder of the opposition group Helping Educators keep Learning a Priority, or HELP.

But members of DragonPac, a group that supports the bond’s passage, say that there is no extra spending to cut.

In 2004, trustees cut $6 million from the district’s budget because of a projected shortfall partly resulting from accounting errors.

About 90 positions were cut, mostly through attrition and retirement incentives, and elementary music and art classes were halved.

“Anything we can do from a legal standpoint, it’s a wise move. It’s not so much how can we trick the system. It’s how can we get the tools in place for a great education,” said Jim Patterson, a banker and father of four who is DragonPac’s assistant treasurer.

Working around the state school finance system isn’t new. School districts have been finding creative ways to raise funds that are not subject to Robin Hood since the program started. Several districts raise money through marketing agreements with companies.

Carroll created marketing sponsorships in 2003. Businesses, for example, pay to link to the district’s Web site and advertise at Dragon Stadium.

Grapevine-Colleyville school district officials signed a 10-year, $1.35 million deal in 1997 to allow Dr Pepper to advertise on high school rooftops.

Many Texas school districts are looking for ways to find money that’s not subject to Robin Hood, said Gwen Santiago, executive director of the Texas Association of School Business Officials.

“They are doing the best they can,” Santiago said. “None of them has as much money as they need to meet the state standard. They are trying to survive and meet the needs of kids.”

IN THE KNOW

Carroll bond presentation

Voters can ask questions about the bond proposals.

When: 7 tonight

Where: Carroll High School, 800 White Chapel Blvd., Southlake

Early voting: Wednesday through Jan. 31 at Southlake Town Hall, 1400 Main St., Southlake; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 28

Election day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at Carroll High School

Robin Hood

Robin Hood came into being in 1993 when the Texas Legislature created a system in which school districts with high property wealth must pay money to districts with lower wealth. The amount of that “recapture” payment in Carroll is $17.5 million for the 2005-2006 school year.

Here are some other details of the Robin Hood system:

A “high wealth” district has more than $305,000 in property value per student.

A Robin Hood district can pay money to the state or pay money directly to low-wealth school districts.

The Texas Supreme Court ruled in November that the state’s education funding system is unconstitutional.

Legislators must revamp the state’s finance system by June 1.

Jessamy Brown, (817) 685-3876 jessamybrown@star-telegram.com

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