Over the past day or so I have heard people talking about being undecided about how they will vote for the budget on May 17th. There are other Elwood residents out there saying that they will vote NO because they are angry. They are angry at teachers, angry at administration, or the superintendent, or the Board of Education. Angry because we needed to change our kindergarten program. Angry because gas prices are high or that they see buses going by that are not filled to capacity. Angry because they have not received a raise in two-years or work longer hours than teachers for 12-months per year. Angry because Northport’s percent of increase is less than Elwood’s.
Well, someone needs to explain how their anger justifies taking components of Elwood’s educational program away from children. Is the rationale “I’m angry, so I am going to knock down some kids????” Are you saying A TEACHER GOT A RAISE, SO TAKE AWAY THE PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS? A PRINCIPAL GOT A RAISE, SO CANCEL SPORTS AND FIRE MORE TEACHERS. SORRY FOLKS, I JUST DON’T GET IT. For those of you who feel justified in throwing out the baby with the bath water and just do not want to take accountability for voting no… Well, like I said, I just don’t get it and I will never subscribe to your way of thinking. This is my blog, not an official Board of Education correspondence, and I am telling you personally; if you are voting no for any other reason other than you cannot afford to provide any additional funding to education in Elwood, then in my opinion, you do not get a free pass because you are angry and frustrated.
Some people say they really cannot afford it; that I understand – I get that! I have pointed out to them how a loss of State Aid will affect their property taxes and how taxes will rise even if the budget never passes and we go to austerity. The difference between a YES and a NO vote is +2.33% on the tax levy. People get confused between the budget and the tax levy increases and some need to have it explained that there are two sets of different numbers that are not always directly related. The budget is purely about expenses and how much it will cost to implement all services to children – mandated services, academics, cultural arts, athletics and clubs, and how much it costs to run the district’s facilities and transportation. The tax levy is the expense budget less all other sources revenue - the biggest other source of revenue is state aid. We must balance the budget, so the tax levy fills the gap between our expenses and all other sources of revenue. If State aid is reduced, as it has been over two years (this current year and next) the tax levy needs to be raised to fill the gap.
There are reforms needed and we must fight for, and embrace, change in order to keep public education vital for our children. There is no greater economic initiative and attribute of a great society than a well-rounded education of a child. We must provide Elwood’s children with every opportunity to learn, to discover their creativity and competitiveness, to grow emotionally, and in character. We must get children ready for a competitive post-secondary education and a 21st Century workforce.
I have heard all of the political rhetoric, all of the anger, all of the frustration, but at the end of the day you are voting for an additional +2.33% funding for well-rounded education of our children.
There is only one issue on the table; only one question being asked on May 17th: Will you pay an average of $250 per year more for the children of Elwood Schools – Yes or No?
