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Read comments (45)Monday night's board of education meeting was the first opportunity for board members to discuss together the outcome of the Sept. 9 ISL vote.
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Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt asked the board for direction Monday in whether to have another vote, go through the board resolution process, or do nothing.
With the change in Iowa law, school elections are restricted to four times a year. In the odd years, such as 2009, the only dates that would work for a potential ISL vote would be Feb. 3, and April 7, 2009.
"That would be if you would try to have an election prior to certifying the 2009-10 budget," Wendt said.
If an election were pursued for February 2009, the board would need to start the process at their October meeting.
"You could wait until the November meetings and that would bring you to an election the first Tuesday in April," Wendt said.
He also advised board members that state law reads a petition for an election must be signed by 100 eligible voters in the district, or 30 percent of the people who voted in the last school board election, whichever is greater. Using the 3,817 votes from the Sept. 9 election, it would take a little more than 1,100 signatures on a petition to overturn a board resolution and force an election.
Board member Patrick Murphy noted that petitions need to be signed post-resolution to be valid.
"There is nothing to petition until the board passes a resolution," Wendt said. "If there is a process going on now, it's all invalid."
Wendt said Plymouth County Auditor K. Kae Meyer noted that officials check the date signed, along with the address to determine district residency, on the petition.
Board member Dan Smith indicated he preferred the November date for making a decision.
"We made two budgets last spring, it can be done again," Smith said.
Murphy too, indicated his preference to wait for the November meeting.
"If our student body count is even stable, we're going to have more difficulty in establishing a budget for the next academic year," he stated. "There are some things, including textbooks, that we must add into that budget. The income we're going to get is the same as or less than what we have this academic year."
In addition, he said, the school board will have to negotiate salaries with teachers.
"If we don't proceed with the ISL, and if it's not successful, we must go through another round of reductions in general fund budget for the next year," he said.
Murphy told Wendt he needed to present information on possible cuts to the board and board members need to be contacting Wendt "about the things we're going to cut."
"Are there spots where we could, considerably, make cuts that are less painful?" board president Mark Stelzer asked.
The board, Murphy said, needs to be apprised of any other form of revenue available, including the Cash Reserve Levy, which would be an additional property tax to bring in money for the school.
Implementation of the Cash Reserve Levy is by board decision, with no vote by district patrons. For several reasons, board members noted that this option in not ideal.
"We need to at least discuss that," Murphy continued. "We have a fiduciary duty to the school district and the students. I do not want to be a part of another bloodletting like we were last spring (with budget cuts), so we're clear on that."
Newly-seated board member Mark Hemmingson said he's heard from people wanting a comparison of the ISL and the Cash Reserve Levy and how both affect the taxpayer.
While the ISL has a small amount of state aid in addition to the property tax and income surtax, the Cash Reserve Levy is all property tax.
"With going to Cash Reserve levy to generate the same amount of money (as the ISL would bring in), it would have been about $1.20 per $1,000 valuation," Wendt said.
Stelzer said he would rather the district patrons have a voice in the decision. "I don't believe we're ready to decide on what the best way to approach this," Stelzer said.
He opened the discussion on the ISL by saying the comments he received had individuals saying "We were close, don't give up."
Stelzer said he wanted to hear the specific concerns of those who voted "no" in the ISL.
"Last time, I think it was the variability," Stelzer said. The ISL allowed the school board the freedom to determine whether to levy for 0-10 percent of their program costs.
Wendt suggested restricting that number in the next potential resolution.
"We could ask for only 5 percent and that would be a little more concrete if the flexibility is a concern for constituents," Stelzer said.
Board members Cris Collins responded he too had heard the "open check" argument.
"Putting a limitation on it might help," Collins said.
Board members agreed that they needed more information on the funding options and potential cuts if adequate funds cannot be generated.
Murphy directed Wendt to keep the ISL on the board's agenda each meeting; to give the board information on funding sources, both ISL and Cash Reserve Levy and the effect on the district; to present a timeline at the Oct. 13 meeting for a potential resolution and election.
He also asked Wendt to confirm new and renewed ISL votes across the state of Iowa and the district's position within the state on the funding issue.
This story is an old one but I just wanted to say that I went to Clark and I have nothing but good memories. So good that I will be sending my children to Clark in a few years as well.
Isn't it a zoning issue to where the kids go to school? Like people in the North and west parts of town would go to Clark. And the people in the south end of town would go to Kluckhohn?
I am greatly saddened to hear that anyone in this community thinks it is a good idea to cut programs of any kind. I have children in this school system and they are getting a great eductaion. They are all in sports and one in choir. As a parent, I am willing to spend more in taxes and do fundraising to keep those programs. Our kids are only kids for so long and we don't get any do-overs in raising them. Can't we as a community think of things to do to help other than cutting back progams? I have purchased more cookie dough and chocolate than I need. But, it is for the kids. And are we really thinking about how all of this is affecting the kids? I can't afford more taxes any more than anyone else. But, for the money it will cost me, I can cut back on other non-neccessary things. It is called sacrifice. In reality for most of us the dollar amount that we would be spending in taxes would be equivilent in one meal of eating out or a night at the bar. Put it into perspective people. A child's eduction is priceless. I am not saying that our school board should have a blank check, but lets be a little more creative in figuring this mess out.
ConfusedParent
My "ears and eyes are open" waiting for your fund raisers which will replace the ISL. Why don't you post them? My prediction is that you have no intention on following through or we would have heard of your ideas by now. We're waiting to hear from you and your friend.
First of all I'd like to start out by saying those kids that do go to Clark now have the opportunity to learn the Spanish language, kids at Kluckhohn aren't receiving that sort of special attention. Kids from the High School Spanish Club go just to Clark on Cinco De Mayo (May 5th) every year, to celebrate a Hispanic day. Now I know for a fact that Kluckhohn doesn't get that. So you tell me who's getting singled out and offered more opportunities. And what about Franklin? They are just stuck in the middle. I'll end by saying that every Elementary school in the district (Kluckhohn, Franklin, Kissinger, and Clark) are all very good schools with highly educated teachers that don't deserve to be scrutenized (sp?) by people who think they are less fortunate than everyone else!
It's grammar (with an A, not an E). That's too funny about the levee! I wish I'd have seen some. I would have photographed them and sent them to Leno.
i attended clark elemantary many years ago, and id like to think i ended up alright. i was as equally prepared for middle school as any other student in the district.
swimorsink,
Please inform the people of the added benefits of going to Kluckhohn. My children went to Clark and we had the same opportunities, equally caring and gifted teachers, and my children left there with a good education and were well-prepared for middle school.
swimorsink,
I find it interesting that forgetting an elementary building is an excusable oversight coming from someone so concerned with equality.
Answer these...
1.Would you base this on net worth or annual income?
2.How would you factor in parental support and skills (status doesn't always guarantee success)?
3.How would you fund it (remember infinity)?
4.If family net worth/annual income changes during the year, (divorce,job loss,death) and it throws the economic balance off, is the child transferred to another building immediately? Who is responsible for reporting such a change? How long do they have?
dansmith:
you skirted my issues by pointing out my oversight and then pointing out the fact i admitted to using a controversial statement (that held truth) as a rhetorical device.
duly noted. how about we get back to the ideas.
if you prefer a closed forum, email me at swimorsink1@gmail.com.
really, though, why not try to give kids at clark the same experience as those at kluckhohn?
swimorsink,
Let me correct something on your post.
"so why not bus higher income kids to all FOUR elementary schools and the inverse as well?"
For us low income people...
polemical-
1. A controversial argument, especially one refuting or attacking a specific opinion or doctrine.
2. A person engaged in or inclined to controversy, argument, or refutation.
dansmith:
i want to talk about income! i want to talk about the chances afforded those with lower income. it's what i've been stressing.
my full quote was:
"i hope you listen and join in the discussion in ways outside: don't talk about that income stuff because it makes me uncomfortable to think about incomes and educational opportunities."
meaning don't let your contributions be simply avoiding the issue because it makes a person uncomfortable to discuss. the 'me' was the hypothetical speaker.
that cleared up, i'll admit i'm being polemical by using school board members children going to kluckhohn. i want to stress that we have higher income individuals dictating the education of lower income individuals, who i feel are being shorted. i see no clearer evidence of that than the elementary schools. i could use a different launch point, but i really feel having non-integrated elementary schools primes children to be separatists when they are older.
so why not bus higher income kids to all three elementary schools and the inverse as well?
also, my point was that 10% of a budget to be decided is, essentially, the same as 5% of a budget to be decided. when the budget can be set at any value, that doesn't close the amount a person would be paying through the isl.
swimorsink,
Quoting you..."don't talk about that income stuff because it makes me uncomfortable"
**Your latest post refers to "income" five times.
Quoting you..."children of school board families largely attended kluckhohn".
Please define "largely" in this context.
ConfusedParent:
i'm sorry, but i see no reason to be quiet on how our children are separated effectively by income (yes, there will be exceptions, but broadly) in the school system. next, i think it is important to note the children of school board families largely attended kluckhohn. as such, the school board members have close(r) ties to those families, those children and their needs.
then when families with lower incomes (who attend clark more than other schools) are the target of budget cuts by the school board, i think we need to reevaluate the socioeconomic diversity of our schools.
but feel free to keep your heads in the sand. i just think this discussion can be had responsibly. and needs to be had.
and it should be irritating and uncomfortable to discuss the effective discrimination felt by lower income families.
so i'll keep talking. i hope you listen and join in the discussion in ways outside: don't talk about that income stuff because it makes me uncomfortable to think about incomes and educational opportunities.
so let's chat. feel free to email me... swimorsink1@gmail.com
this is very entertaining :)
In My Opinion
Actually Yes I have been working on a few things with a friend I made on here! So keep your eyes and ears open for when it happen!?
Because when I say I'm going to do something and I make suggestions, I don't act like a baby and pout until someone does my work for me! I think things through and make sure they are a sure thing let alone a WIN for the kids!
It may not be a pot of gold for some to want to do, but that is the difference with most people and me! I'm willing to jump in and help out and I'm more then willing to use the time I have in setting an example for the children!
So if you get the urge to help out and stop with the negativity, send me an email and you can hear the ideas your self!
confusedparent@live.com
As for you, Have you written any checks? Have you made any LARGE donations? So that we no longer have to hear whining about the ISL not passing?
Oh Sorry did that sound snotty?
Maybe next time instead of being a smart *** maybe you should think before you speak!
Also some of us do have lives to still live and figure out other ways to keep busy! I'm focusing my energy on my children and my husband. I'm trying to keep my business afloat, and making sure my education also is getting taken care of!
I do believe that sometimes in life we have to remember we have families and lives out side of this site! That we do have allot of things to attend to and that QUICK FIXES as I have said before don't happen over night!
Also "swimorsink"
"Kluckhoun" is not just a rich kids school. My kids go there and believe you me "WE ARE FLAT BROKE 3/4 OF THE TIME! but that's because we pay our bills and do everything we possibly can to be GOOD parents and not SPOIL our children!!! So I agree with those 2who say STOP with the which school people go to stuff!!!
I wish some people would learn to SHUT THEIR MOUTHS!
As I posted earlier...
********
"If enrollment stays steady at around 2183.
And the State follows through with it's 4% increase in funding which would add $220.00 per student.
We should see an increase in State funds to the tune of $480,260.00 for next year.
At the Board meeting last Monday Dr. Wendt reported preliminary count taken on Sept. 15 that put us at 2190 students or dollar wise $481,800.00 in new money for the General Fund.
These numbers can go up or down though before Oct. 1.
Please watch the numbers with us and hope for the best."
********
oldone1,
If the $481,800.00 comes true it is actually more than we were asking for with the ISL last spring.
Maybe polite was the wrong word, let's use your words instead..."Please be fair with me and I will do likewise."
"With all due respect", how "fair" are these quotes from you?
*..."Mr. Smith"..."At this point, your non answer speaks volumes."
*..."Mr. Smith"..."With all due respect, I am still waiting for my answer."
*..."Mr. Smith"..."Please don't avoid this."
Off to work.
I think the teachers should get a raise. I bet the cost of living has gone up by more than 3%. Geeze, its tough for everyone. Skipping their raise seems wrong....
Mr. Smith,
I am not against you as a person. Nor am I being mean to you. All I am asking you to do is to be a good steward of the money that I give you. How you and others manage that money is a huge concern of mine. Is it so wrong of me to ask you to balance your budget?
You are attempting to force me to give you more of my money. Did you think that I would not have any questions about it? Please be fair with me and I will do likewise. There is no gray area with this subject, people are either for or against it. It is not up to me and others to change our minds, it is up to you and others for it to convince me and those who think like me that we are wrong. So far, I / we are not convinced. And in my mind, I believe that I am being polite. Finally, it is not over. If you continue to bring up a vote for this ISL, I will respond.
oldone1,
You finished your response to my first set of answers with...
"There are plenty of other things in life to discuss. I would hope that this is no longer on the radar."
I thought we were finished.
I'm going to the football game.
oldone1,
The teachers are union and some things in the contract are not negotiable. We had no choice so we cut programs and classrooms to balance the budget. We have a balanced budget now and will have next year too even if we have to cut more.
I am out in the field away from the internet.
I am trying to stay polite.
Why don't you give it a shot?
Enough with who and where people went to elementary school! Kluckhohn is a fantastic school, which I attended, years ago and it doesn't deserve to be singled out for being the one with more students having wealthy families, non-sense!
Mr. Smith,
With all due respect, I am still waiting for my answer. How can you give teachers raises and then turn around and ask the taxpayer for more money when your own budget is not balanced? Please don't avoid this. This is very important!
At this point, your non answer speaks volumes.
swimorsink...
When I am mystified, and at risk of being silly, I ask a direct question.
How does infinity enter into this issue?
the school board being mystified mystifies me.
---------
"Last time, I think it was the variability," Stelzer said. The ISL allowed the school board the freedom to determine whether to levy for 0-10 percent of their program costs.
Wendt suggested restricting that number in the next potential resolution.
"We could ask for only 5 percent and that would be a little more concrete if the flexibility is a concern for constituents," Stelzer said.
---------
the voting public are not silly people.
10% of an open-ended sum is infinite.
guess what...
5% of an open-ended sum is also, surprise!, infinite.
you can't re-slop a sloppy measure on the public and expect it to pass.
since i'm talking, i'd love to see socioeconomic integration of the four elementary schools. further, i would like to ask again: what elementary schools did the children of school board members attend? dollars to donuts says there's going to be a hefty kluckhohn population there.
please, lemars, realize low income people are getting shafted by those with much more comfortable incomes.
Mr. Smith,
Thanks for responding.
My take:
All wages should have been frozen. These are dire times, yes dire. Handing out raises when there are those hurting, does not make sense. On one hand you say, our budget is shot and we need a cash influx. IE, taxes. So why give out raises?!
My previous comment outlined things to look at in terms of cuts.
On the other hand, I feel a bit insulted that it seems there are those in this town that attempt to force this situation into a class warefare.
Leverage the system to hurt the less affluent by cutting "certain" classes. T&I for example.
I am going to say what most do not want to hear: REALLY, REALLY, look at sports and generate some savings. I mean ALL sports. Boys and girls, varsity and junior varsity. Travel distance, and perhaps conference realignment. Yes, that bad!
You ask us to think outside the box and embrace new taxes. I ask you to think outside the box and make do. I know that we can agree to disagree.
What I would hope is that this ISL dies and you balance your budget. I only want you to do what I have to do every week when I look at my wages versus my expenses. Everyone know what happens when you "borrow" for the future. You either go broke or look for a bailout.
We all know the option the LeMars School board chose. There are plenty of other things in life to discuss. I would hope that this is no longer on the radar. Our government is still in turmoil. I hope that they and we get it right. No new taxes.
oldone1,
Fair questions, let me try.
1. Maybe we should have had a red light go on two years ago when we lost the first 30 kids. We thought it was just a blip explained by from what I remember was a largish graduating class and small kindergarten enrollment. The 80 student loss was unpredictable as far as I can tell. At least I remember being wide eyed about it. Gun shy after the last two years we expected the worst and guessed wrong again...maybe.
2. I am old enough that I don't assume anything anymore. I kind of thought it would be very close.
3. The teacher's contracts have a device built in which increases their salary automatically for two things..1.years employed...2.hours of continuing education they earn to better themselves.
This device is deserved by the teachers and will cost the District a minimum of $125,000.00 in next year's budget.
Dr. Wendt froze his salary for this year otherwise everyone got a 3.5% increase (lowest in 10 years or so).
I may have missed the point in the last brief comment, but I do think fundraising is a good SUPPLEMENT to any tax supported system, especially in the case of the schools. I write a check to both the Athletic & Music Boosters every year because I CHOOSE to, and I am much happier doing that than paying my property taxes since I have some control to direct my money. I commend the T&I Boosters for starting their program and I plan to support that as well. I do not have kids in ANY of these programs, but that does not mean they don't deserve support people are able and willing to offer.
HOWEVER (here's the part some won't like), I do not think the ISL should be spent on any of the extracurricular programs. I'm happy to pay my fair share of this tax if it is used to improve the ACADEMIC EDUCATION of every student. I do not want to see it pay for non-mandated programs just because they are "cool" to offer. This is why I am glad to hear that the school board is considering taking a look at the 10% maximum if/when they work on the next ISL resolution.
Fundraising is a pain for any organization, and the school related ones are no different. I commend anyone who steps forward to help organize these groups. Now, it's time for me to enjoy a Gehlen chocolate bar and make some cookies for a bake sale (fundraiser)!
To the ConfusedParent
Done any fund raising lately? I thought that was your answer to the ISL.
Mr. Smith,
This is not an attempt to put you on the spot, but, you do take an interest in adding to these blogs. So I will ask you: you, as a school board member are asking in behalf of the school board and teaches, etc. for more funding, yes? This is in the form of a levy for a period of (x) years at (X) percent. To perhaps be augmented by another property tax if necessary. Am I missing something or is this correct? If the student population stays the same, or even lowers, why should we as tax payers provide to make up that loss?
1. Did you plan for the possibility of a net loss in students?
2. Did you assume the general population would just authorize a raise in taxes?
3. Have you explored the idea or putting a cap on wages, hiring freeze, increase co-pay for insurance, pay cut across the board, cutting jay-vee sports or other items?
Truly, I do feel your pain. And I mean that in all honesty. But, we also feel pain. All the more so with this national election, money squeeze, ongoing war and on and on.
Let me be clear: I have no agenda for Gehlen School or agenda against LeMars Community.
My home value has been raised by 30% in the last 10 years. Inflated by more than it is worth. I am not a rich guy. But my property value was raised for the taxes it would generate. Not fair!
Sir, I have had enough.
To be fair, I am not blaming you. But, I want you to understand where I am coming from.
To hear that this is for the kids or that one school hates another, maybe a small part of it. But plenty of folks feel like I do.
There is only disappointment in how the money has not been utilized correctly, not the board or members. For the most part, all concerned are good people. But, ramming this down our throats because you can is not right either.
If you could make this tax say %5 at 2 years I might be for it. What I am against is us having to pay up without you tightening your own collective belts. This should be fair for both parties. That, I could live with.
Thank you...
Another thing to note...
If enrollment stays steady at around 2183.
And the State follows through with it's 4% increase in funding which would add $220.00 per student.
We should see an increase in State funds to the tune of $480,260.00 for next year.
At the Board meeting last Monday Dr. Wendt reported preliminary count taken on Sept. 15 that put us at 2190 students or dollar wise $481,800.00 in new money for the General Fund.
These numbers can go up or down though before Oct. 1.
Please watch the numbers with us and hope for the best.
The good news is, the school board is finally listening to the public. Check out these comments again:
***************
"We could ask for only 5 percent and that would be a little more concrete if the flexibility is a concern for constituents," Stelzer said.
Board member Cris Collins responded he too had heard the "open check" argument.
"Putting a limitation on it might help," Collins said.
***************
If they had changed the resolution to 5 years at 5% maximum the second time around, we wouldn't be looking at addressing this again in April. Most likely, it would not have even come to a second vote. No one is AGAINST the schools, no matter what the other side says. Times are tough and people just want to know that every dollar they pay in taxes is treated with respect, not as a free-reign entitlement to the system.
Go for the 5% for 5 years with the next resolution. Bank the SILO money for the next phase of the gym project--it will hold. Let's use the 5% ISL money to get the ACADEMIC scores up to the 90% range so that we hear, "LCS has a great EDUCATIONAL program. Those kids are really ready for the next stage of life when they graduate!" Once we excel on the academic side, then we can build the extracurricular programs. Be positive. In the current economy, we can't have it all at once. Take it one step at a time, go back to the basics, and build a school system that is admired not for the success of its football or basketball team, but for the quality of education our kids receive.
If you first don't succeed "TRY, TRY OUR PATIENCE!!!"
That's All I Can Say! I Know Crazy For Some To Read But Truly I Am Speechless!
My Husband I Both Agreed I'm A HUGE Nag But By Far I Believe Officially We Have Found A Larger Nag Then I!
"This Darn ISL!"
Why if we are declining in students, new buildings/fields? Why not cut some athletics? Are we there to play sports or to learn? Why not make pay cuts starting with Wendt himself? Why must "GM" be critical of a misspelled word? Sore loser? Why not freeze wages? Other facilities to include the govt does this occasionally. Why ask why? Need more solutions than questions!! Agreed?
To GM/ALL:
I cannot speak for anyone else other than myself. I have nothing against Gehlen families or LeMars Community families. This is not pitting one school versus another. This is about more taxes and being responsible with the money already given out. For the record: I am against the government bailing out people "who cooked the books" and made 10's of millions of dollars at taxpayers' expense. Again, a different debate.
This community has a shrinking tax base. If more students leave, the revenue from the state will be smaller. The school board and administration has to make do with what they have to work with. Someone mentioned the word "fluff". There is no fluff, but there are things that must be done to balance the budget. Put a freeze on wages, or think about a pay cut across the board, to include administrators. Increase classroom size. Increase the co-pay on insurance. Freeze hiring for the time being. Cut junior varsity sports. Look at travel arrangements for sports and other activities. Be creative. I have to do in my own life. Who bails me out when I am short of cash?! The answer is no one. We all have to make decisions. There is no money tree. I wish that school board and administration would grasp that concept. I am tired of paying out, just because. There has to be a limit and now is the time! Final note: at no point did I say fire staff. This is about being creative in an honest way to survive. For all.
Glad that the bailout was mentioned cause this whole topic runs along those same lines...isn't the ISL just a smaller scale bailout for LCS?
Regarding the gym, even though those funds were from a different account, wouldn't the electricity, maintenance fees, etc. for that gym come out of the general fund taking dollars away from the school? Just seems like unnecessary spending to those on the outside looking in.
Wish the school would cut athletics before academics.
I don't know if I would be talking about grammar too much. Notice how some of the "vote no" signs had it spelled "levee", as if we were voting on building a dike along Willow creek or the Floyd river.
As far as the roads and gyms go - its not as if only the Le Mars Football Program benefits from the new road around the stadium. The new road and parking lot is much handier for picking up the kids from middle school, and I'm sure the bus drivers appreciate it. It also gets used when Gelhen has home football games, and also when the YMCA has flag football and other events west of the football field. So it benefits the whole community.
As far as the gym goes, it is long overdue. I went to a school about the same size as Le Mars. In their middle school gym, there were two courts - enough room for both boys and girls to have PE. And this was about 30 years ago.
I agree that the potential bailout of the banking system is going to be a problem. But the local taxes are peanuts compared to what we already pay in federal taxes, let alone what we might be paying for this bailout. Plus we know that the local taxes would directly benefit the local school and community. The money would stay here instead of going to Washington DC. I'm a transplant, so I guess I just don't understand what you all have against Le Mars Community Schools.
Let me put it this way: We have right now enough taxes! I can't hardly wait to see how this nearly 1 trillion dollar bailout affects all of us in the future, that is, however a story for another day. Back to this ISL. Small and large businessess in this community WILL pass on the tax that hits their business. This is called a rate increase or price adjustment. This tax will not only hit you at home, but just about everything that you buy locally. And to csh51031, who so mean? Besides, I have read what this all means and the ramifications of voting for or against. The person before you asked a question, using very logical grammer. More that what I can say for you and your comments.
suzieq for lack of better term ur dumb that building came out of a different fund the ISL has nothing to do with that building or the funding of the building open your eyes and read a little bit more before u jump to open you mouth like so many of the pathedic tipical lemars people
I'm not savy to all the goings on of the budget or the laws pertaining to it, but if I understand the building fund is seperate from the general fund and can not be used toward the general fund because of the law.
Why not get the lawmakers to change that so it can all be in one, then make the school live on a budget and be responsible.
Also some of the upper wages may need cut to stay in line with reality.
When you just keep overspending it will turn out just like the economy and noone wins because someone has to pay for all the mistakes.
Just a thought.
This "do over until we get what we want" is absurd. Possible the vote would have gone with a YES vote in the first place if the district hadn't chosen facilities over teachers and books in the first place when we spent $500,000 for a building we have lived without in the past and roads and gyms. Sometimes you need to make choices and LCS seems to always cry after the fact.
So, the people speak very clearly they do not want to pay more taxes. The only option is to raise a different tax totally contrary to the voters wishes just so they don't have to have a "blood letting" like last spring. Does the voice of the voter even matter? I give up.
I second that notion (Mr. Wendt passing on his raise)!
Maybe Mr Wendt could pass on his pay raise this year. He almost makes as much and the superintendent of the Sioux City School Disrtict
Maybe they could try it again and an influx of cash for teacher pay will show up 1 day after the election. I have a way better idea. Let's start over with a new superintendent and board who are fiscally responsible.
Let the comments begin................