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 This chart shows tax levy rates and Instructional Support Levy participation by schools in Plymouth County, The Lakes Conference and the top 15 3A school districts in the state of Iowa. In each, Le Mars Community has the second or third lowest tax levy, and is the only school without the ISL in the county and Lakes Conference. [Click to enlarge] |
A vote on whether to implement the levy will be held on Sept. 9, the same day as school board elections.
The ISL would provide an additional source of funds for the general operating fund through a combination of state aid, property tax and income surtax.
 The tax levy comparison chart shows the last 15 years of tax rates for the school district. During the 2002-03 to 2004-05 years, the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy was raised by voters to be used on the construction of additions at Kluckhohn and Clark Elementary for additional classrooms. The tax rate was lowered when the levy was no longer needed. The charts were handed out during the two public information meetings. [Click to enlarge] |
Wendt led the meetings along with several school board members each night at the building which houses the district's administrative offices.
"What we want to do here is get the correct information out to the public," he said.
The general budget funding became a concern when the Oct. 1, 2007, certified enrollment showed a loss of 81 students. That combined, with a 30-student decline the previous year, caused a considerable drop in state money for the district, which is based on enrollment.
The board countered that loss with two rounds of budget cuts for the 2008-09 school year, $480,000 in January 2008 and, following the defeat the ISL request in March, cuts of $254,000, totaling $734,000 for the school year.
The board also passed a balanced budget, supporting their decision to not spend down the reserves.
Under the current general fund budget, the district could generate no more than $1 million by using the ISL funding.
"The biggest reason we are asking for the ISL is the loss of those 110 students in two years," said Wendt. "That represented a loss of $500,00 to $600,000. We had to do something."
How much will the ISL cost me?
The board proposed to raise 5 percent of the regular district program costs through the ISL levy in March for the 2008-09 budget. Using that 5 percent (50 percent of the maximum allowed by law), the district could generate approximately $482,000. That 5 percent is used in the following calculations.
For residential property, on a house with an assessed value of $100,000, the 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, with the 44 percent rollback, would be a $22 increase per $100,000 of assessed value.
The average property value in the Le Mars Community School District is $123,800 (according to Plymouth County Assessor's Office), equating to a $28 annual increase in property tax on average under the board's plan.
Ag land is assessed at $822 per acre average (assessed on production value, not market value). With a 50-cent per $1,000 of assessed value, with a 90 percent rollback, the annual increase per acre is 37 cents, under the board's plan.
Commercial property is taxed at 100 percent of assessed value. The increase in tax would be $50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
According to the Plymouth County Assessor's office, hog confinements are not considered commercial property and are taxed at the ag land rate, Wendt told the groups.
The income surtax is added to an individual's Iowa income tax liability, with the surtax going to the school district.
An additional 2 percent income surtax would generate about 50 percent of the $482,000 the board may seek.
In 2006, the average Iowa tax liability of Le Mars Community School District residents was approximately $1,243, so income taxes would increase approximately $25 per year on average under the board's proposal. This is based on a total of $10,434,675 in income taxes paid by 8,394 district residents.
For the average residential property owner, the suggested increase in property tax and income surtax totals $53 per year.
Wendt explained that while the law allows up to 20 percent income surtax, the Le Mars Community School District cannot levy that rate, due to the cap on what can be generated by the ISL (no more than $1 million through property tax and income surtax).
"This does not give the board a 'blank check' to raise funds," Wendt said.
"The board's goal is to use no more than 5 percent and use even less than that if possible," he said of the ISL funding. "That's why they want the flexibility. The board does not want to tax and put the money away, but rather be able to fund the programs you want."
Budget and levy history
During the meetings, Wendt and school board members shared a 15-year tax levy comparison chart to give district residents an indication of how the tax levy has gone up and down through the past 15 years, along with the fluctuation in property valuations.
The district saw a steady decrease in tax levy from the 1994-95 school year to the 2001-02 school year, when the board made the decision to add all-day every day kindergarten and add class sections to the elementary grades.
District voters also approved a $1 Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) to build additions to Kluckhohn and Clark Elementary schools. When those building projects were paid off and the district no longer needed the full $1 levy, the tax levy went down. (See Tax Levy Comparison Chart).
"That shows how frugal our board has been in spending," said Larry Petersen from the audience. "They've watched how they spend the money. It shows in these charts."
"We have a board we can trust," Wendt said. "When they didn't need it, they didn't tax you."
Where is the district in relation to other school districts?
A comparison chart shows Le Mars Community School District's rank to schools in Plymouth County, the Lakes Conference and the top 15 3A schools in Iowa.
In Plymouth County, the Le Mars Community School District is the only district that does not have the ISL, and is second lowest in property tax rate. (See Tax Comparisons Chart). Remsen-Union implemented the ISL last year by board approval only, according to Wendt.
In the Lakes Conference, the LCSD is third lowest in tax rate, and again, the only school district that does not have the ISL in place. Even with the 50-cent increase on the five percent ISL levy, LCSD would still rank third lowest in tax levy in the Lakes Conference.
In the top 15 3A schools in Iowa, Le Mars Community again ranks second lowest in property tax levy, and is one of three without the ISL.
Wendt pointed out that many of those are using mostly surtax as the revenue source.
Buildings but not books?
Several people at the meetings asked with the building projects being done, how can the district build if they can't pay the teachers?
"Money from the general fund is used to pay salaries, buy textbooks, pay utility costs and fuel costs," said Wendt. "The infrastructure fund provides the money to build new facilities, buy buildings, purchase buses and computers."
Money for the infrastructure fund comes from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and 1-cent School Infrastructure Local Option Sales Tax (SILO).
According to Wendt, the general fund and infrastructure funds are separate funds, with specific purposes, and the money cannot be mixed. School funding sources are strictly regulated according to state law.
"We have used the infrastructure fund for construction of the middle school gym and high school classrooms, to purchase property, to remodel (such as restrooms), purchase buses, replace HVAC systems, and roofing projects," Wendt said. "We purchased many computers with these funds.
"Our technology is top notch due to the (infrastructure) funding," said Bruce Ludwig, technology coordinator for the district.
Construction projects
Another individual asked about the building projects in the district.
The Phase I construction project of middle school gym and high school classrooms will be completed this fall.
The Phase II project, which is to include a competition gym, band room, classrooms, new locker rooms and wrestling room, is on hold, according to Wendt.
"The board knows they will need to revisit the Phase II project, as a lot of people feel strongly about it. Right now they feel they need to attack the general fund issue," Wendt said.
The constructions projects came together following a study of district activities and space needs by a committee of community members and school staff.
Public comments
At Thursday's meeting, a parent stressed the importance of quality in the school district.
"There are communities that are growing and being strong," said the parent of a child in extracurricular activities. "These thriving communities around us are way ahead of us in facilities. We need to stay on top of it. Our neighbors have it," she said. While those individuals may work in Le Mars, "we want them to live here too," she said.
One commercial business owner said the tax issues have hit at once, citing the increase in city taxes and county taxes. "It's truly hard to swallow," he said. He and others said it was important to talk with legislators about school funding and taxes.
Another individual questioned the rumor of the purchase of property west of the ballfields. "Do you have a verbal agreement to purchase that?" he asked.
"No, we do not," said Wendt. "The board can only make decisions of that type in open session. You will know about it."
Jill Mitchell, who retired last spring after teaching the school district, said, "I've always been proud when the school goes to voters with issues because they always backed the school until March. As a teacher, I see first hand how the board and the district operate," she said.
Board member Patrick Murphy told the group on Wednesday night, "Education is an economic tool for this community and we need to keep what we have today. If the district spirals down, you'll find with consolidations in the future that we will not be set to gain students. The other districts will go to the quality districts."
"The state knows about LCS and the quality programs we have here. You lose money, you lose quality," Murphy said.
"I graduated from Gehlen," said one man Wednesday night. "I came to Le Mars Community for woodworking classes. My friends came to take business law classes. My children attend LCS."
"Both schools will benefit from this. What's more important, the kids or shutting down a building?" he said. "I'm very passionate about this. It must pass."
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p...
Above is a link to a spreadsheet that will figure your ISL tax.
We can actually by law levy at a rate of 10%. The spreadsheet is figuring at a rate of 5%.
5% is the rate we were proposing when the ISL failed last spring.
I understand the difference in the general fund and the infrastructure fund, but by buying the old Wells Corporate headquarters, didn't they increase their general fund needs via increased utilities, insurance, etc??
bigrealitycheck,
We were renting a classroom for the ILC. So we moved that classroom to the former Wells building. We have also taken on renters of our own so with the ILC rent savings and the income from the other renters we break even on everything.
where can we get a YES sign??
Id like a yes sign too!
To get your "Vote YES" sign call...546-8706 or 938-2507
Where can I get a vote NO sign? VOTE NO!!!!!!!!
I think it's quite ironic how we people who vote no and place 'Vote No' signs cant be heard as if our opinions don't matter. I think its funny how OUR signs disappear overnight, get vandalized by spray painting out the no and adding yes to it - and NOTHING happens to the vote Yes signs....I guess were just better people who know what is right and wrong.
VOTE NO on a tax levy that Todd can change as he feels fit for the next 10 years.
I don't see any cuts in Todd's wages proposed. Imagine that. Lets have him make our school district broke just as he has proven he can do in the past...wait. Were already here. Hip Hip Horray for Todd.
LeMarsBoy,
The "NOTHING happens to the vote Yes signs" and "I think it's quite ironic how we people who vote no and place 'Vote No' signs cant be heard as if our opinions don't matter." statements you made here are untrue.
One untruth pretty much soils the rest of the post. But two in the same comment?
This leads me to suspect the truth of the "OUR signs disappear overnight, get vandalized by spray painting out the no and adding yes to it"
At the least, it leaves you out of the "I guess were just better people who know what is right and wrong." statement.
My 2 'yes' signs were stollen the first night I had them in my yard. I had them replaced because I believe a 'yes' vote in this election is for the betterment for ALL students in Le Mars. Both Gehlen and LCS students benifit from this.
To LeMarsBoy,
I disagree that the opinions of the no voters don't matter or that it has only been the no signs which have been tampered with.
Unfortunately both Yes and No signs throughout our community have been moved, taken, vandalized, or destroyed. I would encourage our citizens, on both sides of the issue, not to stoop to such immature and childish actions. This type of behavior only gives a black eye to whatever position you support and to our community.
As for me, after listening to both sides and studying the issue carefully, I can only conclude that a Yes vote on the ISL is the right answer for schools, our businesses, our children, and our community.
Mr. Smith, due to sickness I was unable to attend the informational meetings this week. There are however a few questions I have if you would be so kind? I was wondering where all the money from the ball games/extra curriculars/dances go? (i.e. the admission fees, concession stands, extra sales etc?)
Also, why are we building more classrooms if class sizes are going down? Is it just because we have the funds?
Finally to everyone else reading this - I read on one of the earlier stories that some parents were saying they were going to slam doors on Gehlen kids when they sold their chocolate bars, and then to read about the vandalism about the signs - whether yes or no - well shame on you people! Education begins at home - and what do you teach your children when you slam doors in other kids faces or paint yes or no on property that isn't yours? This community is acting almost as bad as presidential commercials and it sickens me to think people would stoop so low.
LeMarsTaxpayer, if I may answer your question.
Gate receipts for the games go into the activity account for the sport. For example, football gate receipts go into the football club account. From that the coach is able to purchase items needed such as game balls, maybe towels, letters and pins, etc. Dances usually fund some charity work like the new scoreboard. Music receipts pay for entry fees, music and sometimes instrument repairs. Extra fees collected by the "bigger" sports help support the "smaller" sports (poor choice of wording, sorry).
The extra classrooms at the high school are an upgrade for sure. But it also created another science lab for a class that didn't have lab space by moving the physiics room. It also gave the middle school one more classroom which it needed as two classes were sharing one room. They are also undated with the latest technology for the teachers.
Hope that helps.
Forest,
You are correct regarding where gate receipts etc. go.
I just wanted to add that moving the technology/print office to the new Administration building opened up a room allowing us to rescue the art room graphic arts computers. Prior to the move they were stationed next to the pottery wheels. Not a good for anything to be near the pottery wheels if you know what I mean.
The additions will have a positive affect on all students in the community who attend those classes.
Be positive!
LeMarsBoy,
If you have a fact to report, report it without making other things up.
Tampering with signs isn't right.
Has the sign that was altered been repaired? If it hasn't tell me where it is and I'll fix it.
I think that everyone is forgetting to issue here. Regardless if you are for or against the vote. People are really starting to act childish in regards of he said she said, he did she did games.I feel sick to think that our community is being divided between Gehlen and LCS families all because of this new tax. This is only making you all look foolish. It is going to hurt our children. We are trying to teach our children to no be raciest and to except people for who they are. With all this behavior you are only showing them how to be disrespectful toward other peoples beliefs and feelings. That is why we live where we do freedom of choice and freedom of speech. I believe that not everyone is going to be happy with the outcome of the vote on Sept. 9. We are going to have to make the best of it and be grown up about it. regards of this not to shun anyone in there beliefs. If people are saying that they are going to ban each school fundraisers because you are up set with the grown ups attitudes what is that going to say to that child that is trying to raise money for what they believe in. I really hope that everyone think before they slam their doors on any child. Because with out the yes vote that is what you all will be doing to all of the kids that will be affected by the cuts that will have to be made in the future.
looks like this is a vote between the school on the east and the public school. Folks will have to remember that these people on the east are being taxed a lot for a new church so they have a reason to vote no. Now that we are all acting like children maybe we should all go back to night school. The one family that is really against this vote has one member that is a big shot with the city and he can't spend the city's money fast enough. Win Win
just_a_guess,
Your login name is perfect.
To guess is useless.
As is your comment.
to guess is useless so why not admit the truth and stop beating around the bush. If everyone connected to these articles admitted their true feelings we'd find an answer maybe. Never get in trouble telling or facing the truth Smith.
If it is a yes vote and everyones taxes are increased then will the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade tackle football teams get to play on the high school varsity football field? It sure is a shame that the other towns allow the kids to play on thier good fields, like these kids are going to tear up the field...my understanding is that it is Coach Boyd is making the decision if the kids get to play on the field, who gave him the power to decide? If it is him making the decision then I hope when our kids are in High School he is no longer there because he is already showing he doesn't care about the kids....
ad hominem attacks need not happen. The issue is the school levy, not the football fields.
But I am sure one reason is that the younger tackle football is not part of the school. Playing on the field will be a liability/insurance issue.
Now, back to the issues.
unhappy with lemars:
First of all, this youth football league has NOTHING to do with the school. Secondly, the LCHS field will have enough wear and tear on it from our 7th and 8th, Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams, along with the games that Gehlen plays on it. Third, Mr. Athay has given you permission to use the former MS and 9th grade field after spending time and money fixing the scoreboard for you. Fourth, Mr. Boyd caring nothing about our kids? Spend some time with him and you'll find out you're totally off base and out of line with that comment. Fifth, give these kids something to look forward to when and if they play MS Football (when it is a school-sponsored activity) Sixth, your taxes also go to the schools of Iowa, Iowa State, and UNI. Why don't you call up and ask if you can play at Kinnick since you pay taxes. And finally, if you're so unhappy with lemars, I'm sure those other towns that let their kids play on their field will welcome you.
unhappy with lemars,
Coach Boyd has nothing to do with who plays at the varsity field and when.
There are 30 games on the Stadium field this season not including playoff games (about 3 per week). Most communities don't have two school districts playing varsity football on the same field. Which means many school districts have 23 games maximum. This affords them flexibility and grass growing time we don't have. Gehlen pays good money for, and deserves, the best quality playing surface we can provide for their team.
Have you approached the City of Le Mars?
Also, please look into applying for a Local Option Sales Tax grant for help. We are all paying that sales tax now. They have helped out with Little League projects.
Maybe the City of Le Mars and L.O.S.T. can partner up and provide a suitable solution.
We have a great Activities Director here at Le Mars Community who always does what he can for kids with the space he has.
just_a_guess
I am not paying taxes to build the new church,it's by campaign and donations-but nice "guess".
My children attend the east school and I will be voting yes for the ISL-again nice "guess".
And how do you know what people in the city administration are voting? probably a guess. Don't assume association by last names and what school people go to. That's how your guessing and alot of other people's guessing got us into this east school vs public school situation to begin with. Cast your vote not your guesses.
I guess the truth does hurt. If you think that their donations to another cause doesn't bring a no vote you live in another world. Also when a family installs hugh signs on their property urging a no vote its not just a guess as how they're voting. The truth is as I stated earlier and it's hard to deny.
just_ a_ guess
I'd say that by your logic, that when your brother puts up a Oboma or McCain sign in his yard, you'll be voting the same way. Same logic applies to what your uncle puts up for a sign in his yard. It's quite evident from your comments that you no longer have a mind of your own but must follow along blindly as to whatever the rest of your family says. Not everyone follows that line of thinking but votes on what they believe is right for them. That's the American way.
just a guess
In case I wasn't clear:
I am member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church (the church that is campaigning/accepting donations for a new church).
I pay tuition for my 4 children to attend Gehlen.
We live pretty much paycheck to paycheck with a 2 income household.
I am voting yes to the ISL.
What truth is hurting me and what world am I living in? Stop "lumping" your idea of the no voters together. It's your world that's foggy.
my4kids,
You nailed it with "It's your world that's foggy."
Thanks for your support on the ISL.
We will be careful with how we use it.
I guess according to smith and my4 I really am stupid so I guess I'll join the boys with the big signs and vote against this thing. You won't hear from me till after the vote and we'll see what happens.
dansmith, thanks for explaining more, you have good ideas
dodgers84 NOT WORTH A RESPONSE
Dan Smith...let me tell you my address where my sign was removed....So you can discriminate my children while in school...whatever...no matter what you say...
As for Todd running another school district into the ground - if you don't know how to Google and research then don't ask me…Figure it out. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Get rid of Todd and his outlandish wages and non mandated programs that he won't take a cut on and maybe we can get back to the pride of being one of the few districts who don't have to levy the citizens. What about math, science, reading and all the basics. All the cuts Todd did previously was to try to prove a point. Le Mars is stronger than a superintendent who can't even be in the same building as the kids he is trying to educate…He needed a mansion.
Why don't you tell Todd to ask the community for a sound number and stick to it? Let people play with your wonderful calculator and adjust it to 10 percent immediately (since it would be there in less than 2 years) and let them adjust what they pay in taxes and allow for inflation. Too complicated, and that is your hope -- to try to blow it by the public.
On a side and positive note, I have a feeling that if you spell out an exact number and stick to it you would get more yes votes. Say I need 20 bucks a year from each Le Mars tax payer, whose child(ren) go to Community, and not raise it without a vote -- IT WOULD PASS. Quit being ignorant, wishy-washy and not knowing how to budget, man up - and see what happens. Why try to pass the SAME EXACT VOTE that failed horribly the last time.
I think the major public opinion is….How about you open your checkbook when I ask for 25 dollars...but I may need more with out your permission...for 10 years….I have no say so in the matter.
To the LeMarsBoy and just_a_guess
Please stop the personal attacks and devisive insinuations. Your comments only serve to divide our community. If you believe your allegations have merit then they should be aired in another forum rather than through an anonymous blog. In my opinion your respective opinions would deserve more consideration if you were to let go of your anger and discuss/debate the issues in a civil manner.
LeMarsBoy,
**I asked "Has the sign that was altered been repaired? If it hasn't tell me where it is and I'll fix it."...I can't repair a stolen sign.And how would I know you are LeMarsBoy if I COULD repair one?
**"Why don't you tell Todd to ask the community for a sound number and stick to it?"...Does this mean collect that "sound number" even if we don't need it?
**"Too complicated, and that is your hope -- to try to blow it by the public."...I am not the one attempting to blow it by the public.Does this sound familiar to you? #1."I guess were just better people who know what is right and wrong."...Or how about this #2."NOTHING happens to the vote Yes signs"...Got another one here. #3."I think it's quite ironic how we people who vote no and place 'Vote No' signs cant be heard as if our opinions don't matter.("#1,#2,#3 Posted by LeMarsBoy on Sun, Aug 31, 2008, at 11:19 AM)
**"Why try to pass the SAME EXACT VOTE that failed horribly the last time."...Because we still don't want to use the Cash Reserve Levy which isn't effected by a petition (no vote needed) and collects the tax on real estate only.
**"Quit being ignorant, wishy-washy and not knowing how to budget"...Coming from you this really means a lot to me.
**************************************************
..Everyone else...we have a decision to make next Tuesday.
We can vote with this person if we REALLY want to be associated with him.
Or we can choose to be positive.
Vote "YES" Tuesday Sept. 9, the whole community needs the positive boost.
ive already voted yes via absentee ballot. and i hope all other college students from this community do also. you really arent getting taxed any money and you help the school. win win
The Fact Of The Matter Here Is Simple!
"WE ALL HAVE TO LEARN TO MANAGE OUR OWN MONEY, PAY OUR OWN BILLS AND NOT ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL!"
So with the school looking for another hand out because funds were spent on allot of unnecessary things, I believe they should be doing the same thing, Learn To Manage Their Money!
"LEARN TO PAY YOUR OWN BILLS!"
We complain as a society about welfare, title 19, food stamps ect... Isn't that Kinda what this is like? When we don't have enough money to pay for our babies, that we carelessly popped out left and right we ask for MONEY!? When we don't have money to get groceries we come crawling for food stamps! Those people are frowned upon and yet the school is basically doing the same thing and it is OK!?
If the school can afford to pay top dollar to men who basically sit behind a desk all day, why do they need our help? Does That Make since? Take a little money back from their pockets!
We complain about people who are late on their payments because some have more money than others and we all should be accountable for our actions! Yet we again fall for a pitiful cry from the school to HELP, HELP, HELP!
We enroll our children to learn, to become better members of society and to have goals and aspirations! How are we setting a good example if the focus is a New GYM, New Parking Lot, New Office Space, New This or That?
Shouldn't we be focusing on EDUCATION? I believe, that is why we send our children to school! I want them to get into a good college, granted the sports are a plus and I would love to see my boys play football and even my daughter but I also understand that, that only lasts for so long! They still need a good education and a college degree, to get a good paying job to support themselves and their families when they get older!
I am a smart person for the most part, I may not have the views of EVERYONE else but that's the thing "I AM ME" I didn't get a fancy education nor did I graduate from college! Yet I am capable of doing allot of other peoples jobs probably better then they can. But without those degrees I am NOTHING in society! So I want my children to gain knowledge from that, to do better and become all they can be! That is from education and a degree! I believe allot of us have lost focus on the whole reason why our kids go to school! EDUCATION!
Why should our children's education be what guilt's us into VOTING YES??? Why couldn't you make cut backs on the things that aren't that important??? Why should our children suffer because you can't manage your money???
If we don't have enough money for Doritos one week WE DON'T BUY THEM! If we don't have enough money to pay our Full Electric bill, you don't see us begging for money in the paper, streets or voting to send us a check do you?
Simple if you don't have the money for it DON'T BUY IT!
The school claims that they built the new gym and the old one opens more classrooms and more space for teaching! Yet we were having issues last year being able to keep teachers! So explain why do we need more classrooms if we are letting more teachers go or sending them here and there? MONEY doesn't grow on trees and the example you are setting for kids right now, is that is does! Just as long as we keep begging for it when we make poor choices in spending!
I just feel this is ridiculous and that maybe someone teaching at our school should learn to manage money a tad bit better!
Pay teachers more, they deal with our children, they sculpt and mold our children's young minds for the real world! Give them respect and help them out but why in the world is it necessary to pay our superintendent that much money? Why must the school try to keep up with the Joneses?
It's not a popularity contest if there is no money there, then fund raise, learn to put it to proper uses and take a little responsibility for where it goes!
In our church we don't have money to do allot of things with the kids so we find other options then to ask for a hand out! We fund raise and get EVERYONE involved so NO ONE feels pressured into doing something that they aren't comfortable with!
As For Me I Am NOT Comfortable Paying Anything Extra Out Of My Hard Working Pockets! Nor Do I Feel Comfortable Letting Anyone Try To Guilt Me Into Other Wise!
We Learned To Pay Our Bills, You Can Do The Same!
My Answer "VOTE NO"
You know we all complain about the school but when the City Council is spending out money wrong we don't bring it up. Should we be complaining more about what the city is doing wrong rather than complaining about helping out our chilsern?
ConfusedParent,
Lots of positive in your comments.
I will take issue with one thing you said though..."But without those degrees I am NOTHING in society!"
You sell yourself short.
If you are passing your beliefs and uprightness on to your kids you are a leader in society.
I can tell your children are on your mind a lot as much as you spoke about them.
If they go to Community,and I hope they do,keep engaged with their teachers.Tell them your desire is that your kids go to college.Teachers love parents who want the best for their kids,because those are the kids who seem to show up ready to learn.
Best wishes to you and your family.
As a student of LCHS, I have seen how these cuts are affecting my education this year. Many classes have too many kids in them for the teachers to effectivly work with us. My grades are starting to SUFFER because of this. No joke.
I understand that some of the things that are being cut include sports, music, and other programs that we could survive without, but, These programs are what make LCHS such a great school! Why do you think some students from surrounding areas come to LCHS to participate in programs that they wouldn't have had the opportunity to be in at the other schools? Please consider this.