I was “interviewed” on WTIP last week about the school operating levy and why I am “against” it. I am not against schools, or even a levy. I am against pouring money at a problem thinking it will fix the school’s essential challenges. I’m saying “The emperor has no clothes!” and trying to point out some truths regarding this levy.
Thelevy puts a band-aid on a sucking budget chest wound.
Over the past three years we’ve lost 119 students, thus our state funding has also dropped. However, our budget has increased a total of $407,603 from 07-08 to 08-09. If we continue this trend, when the levy ends, we’ll immediately face a huge budget deficient. We must learn to live within our means now. Could we create an operating budget that matches funding instead of increasing it each year despite enrollment?
It is interesting to note that we spend more per student on instruction than 73% of the school districts in the state. If we pass the referendum, we will be in the top 20% of spending in the state.
I believe that if we pass this levy, we will actually hurt our children’s education by decreasing parent involvement. $200-$300 dollars a year doesn’t sound excessive, but for those business properties in Cook County, the levy cost is greatly increased—into the thousands. Suddenly, as a result of these extra taxes, employers will have to lower the pay of their employees, or worse, decrease staff. For those without a job, a $200/year tax might mean sacrificing groceries or rent
It even might mean moving out of the community, removing more tax dollars from the community.
Good education is a combination of prepared teachers, supportive parents and teachable students. With this levy, parents may have less time supporting their kids because they must work harder to supplement their income. Kids will be unprepared and teachers will be forced to repeat lessons. This means lower test scores and failure for all.
Our students already struggle, scoring roughly in the 60th percentile for meeting minimum state standards in reading, writing and math.
More money does not solve problems. Hard work, industry and cooperation—these solve problems. We must figure out how to live within our means and get creative doing it. Or eventually, we’ll all be naked.
Susan Warren
Grand Marais
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