The mentality I continue to see throughout the public sector is that money grows on trees. It isn't from someone's hard-earned paycheck or retirement funds. While logically we know this to be false, it begs to be reminded.
When the school board talked about giving up a trip to Starbucks to cover the levy, they couldn't have been more out of touch with the current state of finances in many homes today. Rising prices on gas, groceries, and utilities have many people trimming costs everywhere they can. It isn't about a luxury like a stop at the coffee shop.
Many people are starting to wonder how they can stay in their homes when property values are increasing at such a rapid rate. And almost 50% of property taxes are paid to the school district. This levy may be "just" $77 for the average homeowner, but that may be the money needed for food on the table or gas in the car for some.
When 60% of the money is expected to be used for technology (namely 1-to-1 ratio Chromebooks), that seems like a luxury in comparison. I support funding education and students, but I can't support a broken system. The district has benefited greatly from the property value increases in our area and redevelopment of certain areas generating a higher tax base. Why haven't we seen improvement in the education of our students with those funds?
We must ask the question "How Much More?" will it take for their greed to be satisfied.
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