Letter: Stick to the real needs

After reading Stu Rodman’s opinion I feel I must respond:

Who asks for $367 million when they only can identify $217 million to spend?

Yes, let’s give credit for academic progress in a state that unfortunately ranks 48th. Any improvement is important.

Growth can be accommodated by the district’s schools of choice policy. Getting 300 to 400 new students does not automatically mean a new school building. These new children will be of various ages going into several levels. New-home building permits does not necessarily mean school age children will occupy those homes.

The tax reduction offered is purely discretionary — not a guarantee. In 10 years of tax collection, do you believe taxes collected will be rebated or spent? No debt will be paid down.

The district has already spent the majority of its capital projects money without replenishing it back with taxes collected. That’s why they are looking for new revenue.

Most importantly, read what this money is being spent on. Example: Two air conditioned hot dog stands. Two gyms for multiple schools. A new administration building. There’s a lot of pork disguised as “necessary expenditures.”

Vote your conscience, but remember the school district can come back in the spring with a real-need referendum.

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Letter: Stick to the real needs."