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6. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST A. Discussion of the "Best Schools" Proposal Mayor La Berge, September 27, 1991 BEST SCHOOLS for Redwood City Committee Questions and Answers Mayor La Berge spoke in support of the Best Schools Proposal which would generate approximately $40 million per year for school districts in San Mateo County; 60% to be used for extending the school year from 180 to 210 days; 30% to be used for equity funding to bring school districts up to the average revenue limit; and 10% to be used for technology and innovation grants. Mayor La Berge advised this proposal will directly benefit those districts at the lowest end of per pupil expenditures, including Redwood City, South San Francisco, Daly City, Pacifica and San Mateo. REPORT: The following people spoke in favor of the Best Schools Proposal: Jeff Patterson, 190 Iris Street, Redwood City, member of the Board of Education of the Redwood City Elementary School District, stated the Proposal would lead to better educated citizens, lower drop-out rates, more skilled workers, revitalization of our economy, better community image and higher property values. Marie Stockton, 684C Fox Court East, Redwood City, representing school support staffs, urged Council to publicly support Best Schools Proposal Bret Baird, 508 Thain Way, Palo Alto, school teacher in Redwood City and President-Elect of Redwood City School Teachers Association, reported his organization overwhelmingly supports the Best Schools Proposal. In response to Council questions regarding lack of support for this proposal from other education organizations, Mr. Baird ruefully explained that other groups who do not directly benefit and those who did not take part in the drafting of this proposal have chosen not to support it. In further response to Council questions, Mr. Baird posed the question, why should other teachers prevent Redwood City teachers from receiving equity? Council Members discussed the need for the Redwood City Council to support the best education possible for Redwood City students; education as a quality of life issue; the Best Schools Proposal is not aimed at teachers, but at our children; increase in minority students; difficulty of supporting a 1/2% regressive sales tax increase; lack of alternative resources; non- reliance on lottery; unfortunate lack of support from other educational organizations; time for Redwood City youth to have equity in this competitive environment. MIS: MurraylBury to unanimously support the "Best Schools" Proposal Carried by unanimous voice vote. MINUTE ORDER NO. 91-207 Regular Agenda Minutes October 7, 1991 Page 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 50 Page No. 369 .