How would a levy failure affect YOU

Wow, this sounds like a scare tactic to me. Even today the Board fails to be open and honest. They have said a $2.8 million levy is needed, then in fine print you find out that the $2.8 million is for EACH of the next two years. That adds up to $5.6 million in my calculator. I guess the MHSD uses a different calculator then I do. Be open and honest is not in any text book that the MHSD board has read. At least that is my opinion which I am entitled to and you are entitled to disagree with. I have no facts to back it up either.

Do a little search on this very web site. Put in School bond. Read the history of all of the "sky is falling" antics of the MHSD. Read about what they attempted to sell the public on and the "facts" they used to try to prove their less than factual points.

Most in this community have faced job loss and HUGE reductions in income. Many in this community have to make the choice between food or medication. Medication or heat. Pay the mortgage or keep the car.

Your reasoning on this issue is poor, very poor. Now, in one of the worst economic downturns in US history---the MHSD WANTS more money. What about all of the people who CAN'T pay this? What about all of the other tax increases down the road that will add to this burden? What about the fact that the MHSD Board flat out LIED to the people at that meeting the other night? They represented a 2.8 million dollar levy PERIOD. Not a 2.8 million dollar levy for this term and another 2.8 million dollar levy for next term. What about that? If you want voters to vote for something or buy into it the last thing you do is cloud the truth. Do all of these groups take their PR lessons from the WECRD? This is why people do not vote for things like this.

OG, I seriously doubt it is a scare tactic, and I beg you not to test it. And the ballot and resolution clearly state 2.8 for two years. Yes, it adds up to 5.6. But that doesn't change how much you'll be paying monthly for it.

"What about the people who can't afford this"

If you can't afford to pay $10-$20 bucks a month, you should think about maybe cutting out a little frivolous spending. The logic in that argument is seriously flawed and unrealistic.

I feel the impacts I've outlined are very reasonable, and very realistic. It's simple economics.

Lil,

Then why has the MHSD presented it as a $2.8 million levy? To my simple mind this is like saing we charge under $50 for a service, the acutal price is $49.99. One thing this older fella learned in stats class is that you can make stats appear promising while the next person can make them look bad. I fully understand that the monthly amount will not change, but it surely changes how long I might be paying that amount. I say do some research on how long you pay for a home mortgage if you only make the minimum payment versus making an extra payment a year. The results might surprise you if you have never looked at it.

lilmiss:

I find your assumptions on my spending to be pretty ignorant. Do not assume that everyone has an entertainment budget or spends on crap. I had a 23% pay cut this year and had my work week increased. I still have the same bills.

I will just say what many are thinking. I pay enough and have no kids in school. I pay more than my fair share. Your sense of entitlement is interesting and mirrors much of how your generation feels. If you do not like your public school education have your parents buck up and send you to a private school. Your folks can pay through the teeth and you can have all that you want from education...and your parents can pay for it. Sucking the life out of tax payers for anything and everything is going to come to an end pretty quick.

Schools are in the business of education---reading, math, science, etc. When our schools cannot pass the basic tests then maybe there is not enough focus on education. Quit your little brat temper tantrum and put on your big girl pants. If you do not like the education afforded to you here then get your parents to send you to a nice private school. Your education is what YOU make of it.

Will the school district still get money from the Federal Government to off set the cost of the Military Family's attending the schools?

Everyone old enough to vote in Elmore County can cast their vote, however it's only property owners who will get taxed?

There was absolutely no need to personally attack me, Miss Lauric. I have been respectful to you. I had no choice but to attend MHHS. My parents cannot afford to send me to a private school.

There is not tantrum going on here. This is trying to protect the the fantastic educators we are lucky to have. I'm sorry you took a pay decrease as well. But from what I have perceived from your posts, you live a pretty comfortable life style.

You obviously read the first three sentences of my blog then chose to attack me, and as a civil person trying to make a civil point, I did not appreciate that. It's tactless.

Yes, it is the job of the district to educate, but look at the facts and figures. Education comes with ECA's, because it gives an incentive. Many students, after getting their scholarships, end up very smart students with a college degree, maybe a college sports name, but pursuing careers they may have never pursued. But ECA's aside, there is a bigger issue.

Ms. Marylin, the district is supposed to get federal funding every year for dependents. Unfortunately the money received is ten years behind.

And believe me, this won't put a damper on my schooling, but it sure will effect the economy.

My "assumptions" are not ignorant. Yes, there are plenty of homeowners who do waste money on silly thrills. Those are the ones who cry about a less than 1% increase on tax to be HELPFUL.

OG, I tried to use the mortage calculator on excel, but it looked like it all really depended on the loan agreement the property owner had and the time period. I know, however, that my home (valued at a bit over 200 000) will be payed off in 30 years, because that's what our loan agreement states, and the 20 percent won't change that. Perhaps you could point me to a place to find the national or state averages? I am genuinely interested.

I'm getting rather tired of this issue. It's simple: a $20 dollar raise in taxes a month to educate tomorrow's tax-payers/leaders/whatever else and keep our youth from engaging in risky behavior. Honestly, I'd think people would care a little more about their community, instead of being so selfish. Even with a reduction in salaries as some people are talking about, twenty extra dollars a month (on a $200,000 property, so if yours is worth less, it's less than 20 dollars) is not that big of a deal. That's less than a one percent increase in property tax to keep educators and other school district workers in a substantial paying job and such.

The school bond, I'll admit, was frivelous spending. But in all honesty, our district is in a financial emergency. We need this to keep the school even operating, essentially. And even if this is putting $5.6 million into our school district NOT just one INDIVIDUAL school, but several, the fact remains, you personally will see less than a one percent increase in taxes.

By not passing this levy, you don't punish the school board. You punish students and teachers for something they had absolutely nothing to do with. Essentially, you punish America, as many youth, like myself, will not be able to go to college without scholarships earned through activities and sports. If your vote is for ignorant young adults, by all means, vote against it. I'm prepared to back my case all the way to May 27th.

Oh and PS: It's not even the school boards fault things are so bad right now. Look to our government voters themselves put into office, who cut education funding by one million.

Ms. Lauric,

"Your sense of entitlement is interesting and mirrors much of how your generation feels. " -- We are entitled to a sufficent education. A levy failure will teach us simply that our community does not care about us, therefore... why should we care about the community? A levy failure will cause us to hire LOADS of BRAND new teachers, which if it's balanced through out the years doesn't harm us as much as if we hire almost all brand new teachers in one year. They do not have the experience to teach us what our teachers do now. The only reason MANY students from MH attend college is because of their scholarships. I am recieving a debate scholarship next year to BSU. Our students earn hundreds of thousands of dollars in academic and athletic competition scholarships. If the levy fails, get ready for an increase in welfare in the future! Ms. Lauric, we are NOT asking for the 'fancy' new school, we are asking to keep our teachers!

@junkyard dog

"When school administration loses, it's necessary for every employee to suffer equally so management can stay intact."

From what I understand, the administration will take a minimum of a 6.5% pay cut with teachers and teacher's aides taking a minimum 4% pay cut. From what I read in the article in the Mtn Home News (not the online "blurb") the cuts will be deeper (for all school district employees) if the levy does not pass. Did you find info somewhere else contrary to that regarding administrator pay cuts?

the fact sheet available on the website supports what idahoalltheway has said.

@junkyard dog

I'm not entirely sure what your question is. Who is the "failing general"? All administrators?

I was simply pointing out that from what I have learned from reading the paper is that ALL administrators will receive a pay cut.

Thanks.

@MsMarylin

"Will the school district still get money from the Federal Government to off set the cost of the Military Family's attending the schools?"

Here's what I found in the school board notes from the April 13th budget meeting. "The anticipated Impacted Aid will be greatly reduced by $1.2 million because for the last few years, we have been paid Impact Aid based on phantom students because of the new housing projects going on base." Sounds like the feds are reducing the amount of money the school district usually gets.

"Everyone old enough to vote in Elmore County can cast their vote, however it's only property owners who will get taxed?"

From what I understand, to vote in the levy you need to live in the Mountain Home school district zone which includes the city of Mountain Home and parts of Elmore county (city limits approximately south to the river, to Hammett and north to Featherville and Pine). You DO NOT need to be a property owner.

Gonna put my 2cents here.... aka @20 tax increase. I support High School students being involved in what is going on around them. Really I do, but when you say

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I'm getting rather tired of this issue. It's simple: a $20 dollar raise in taxes a month to educate tomorrow's tax-payers/leaders/whatever else and keep our youth from engaging in risky behavior. Honestly, I'd think people would care a little more about their community, instead of being so selfish. Even with a reduction in salaries as some people are talking about, twenty extra dollars a month (on a $200,000 property, so if yours is worth less, it's less than 20 dollars) is not that big of a deal.

_________________________________________

And

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If you can't afford to pay $10-$20 bucks a month, you should think about maybe cutting out a little frivolous spending. The logic in that argument is seriously flawed and unrealistic.

I feel the impacts I've outlined are very reasonable, and very realistic. It's simple economics.

___________________________________________

I start to get a bit heated. I mentioned in another blog that I'm already down to bare bones, and work 2 jobs to "make ends meet" ...I don't go to fast food joints, I don't have cable/direct TV, I pray I only need one 20-25$ tank of gas a month to drive back and forth to work. I worry endlessly (as a single person who owns property) if I'm gonna "make" it.

Let me go back a few more years. I took an almost 50% pay cut, and had to cut wayyyyyy back to be able to save my home. My HOME! The HOME my children grew up in, and that my Grandchildren come to stay the weekend. MY HOME!! I've managed, but I've had some sleepless nights, that didn't matter, cuz I still had to get up and go to work in the morning, and then go to the 2nd job later. All to go home and have another sleepless night. It's worth it to me, because it's MY HOME.

You're right, it is simple economics. I wonder what else I can cut?

Please do not presume to know what that is like. And don't presume to assume that 20$ is simple. Yep, I can do it. Can you? I'd like to see a committment from those of you that say we're selfish. Seniors have paid taxes for you for years, can you help them now? It's only 20$, no problem.

AND______ Money for anything is not going to keep kids from engaging in 'risky behavior'. I've said that before too. That comes from a long line of parenting. Parenting is sorely lacking in many families from what I see. And I do see it. I'll throw it out there again, there are free organizations out there that don't use expensive buildings and have GREAT volunteers who do an excellent job. Use them.

I still applaud that you're being involved, but really, there are things beyond what you could possibly know/have been thru. I do/want to support you, but use a bit of caution when talking to those of us that DO pay taxes.

Jessie Miller

@jessiemiller

I come from a welfare family, and even they can handle it. I speak with the experience of what others have told me, and do my research. Just because I haven't gone through it on my own doesn't mean I don't have a clue.

We students are well informed, even if we don't have all kinds of experience.

Miss Miller.

I appreciate what you have done to keep your home and your children and grandchildren comfortable, safe and happy.

There are some stories like yours, and I honestly don't know what I could tell you. maybe you qualify for the circuit breaker? From the (very little) research I've done on that, it appears its not just for seniors, but also for homeowners falling in certain categories.

I can't say that if the levy passes, all will be wonderful and pleasant. But I can see very clearly the consequences of a failure. And those heavily outweigh the consequences of it passing.

My family had lived paycheck to paycheck up until 2008. I know it's not easy, and it's worrisome. But this really is for the greater good.

This is directed at Opinion Missy and any other individual who feels compelled to personally attack my daughter (Lil Miss Melmo) and the other young people who post on here. How dare you! The name calling and personal attacks stop NOW! However immature or uninformed you may find these youth's posts, there is absolutely no reason to attack them on a personal level. SHAME ON YOU! You should be embarrassed to actually act so immature with your attacks and name calling. You're acting like an idiot. I wonder how many people who tended to agree with you have now lost respect for you. I know you lost the respect of my daughter. You're acting more immature than the teens who are on here trying to make a difference. This was my fear when I found out her name is on here. Do it again, and there will be consequences-I will see to it that you are kicked off this site.

I am QUITE proud of my daughter and the other young people who research so diligently and try to be involved with the community and things like this. I never had half the courage they have. Melodie and these other youngsters are quite informed, more so than many adults who are old enough to actually vote and make a difference. It's sad to know that probably no more than 20% of eligible voters will even bother to go vote. Opinion Missy (and others who share her position), if you choose to vote no, so be it. But be grown up enough to be open minded and realize that there are those, older and wiser, as well as younger and wiser, who do NOT share YOUR OPINION of how things should be. Just wanted to share MY OPINION, Missy!

Wow Little Miss Mommy:

Name calling and a threat all in one post. And I am the "idiot." If your child's education was that important to you you would send her to a private school. Guess I hit a nerve. Oh well!

Tracy Lauric/OM

Lauric,

You yourself said times are hard. Are you so ignorant to believe that our parents can honestly afford to send us to private school?

And of course you hit a nerve. Are you a mother? If not, I doubt you can imagine the rage you sparked in Mrs. Lettkuman. Mothers are protective of their children. You show no respect for ANYONE in your community. I am shocked and appalled at your behavior, and if that's how adults act, I'd be ashamed to be one and don't care if I have to suffer disrespect and false assumptions the rest of my life.

I just keep thinking about this and the marble keeps rolling around in my head. How will I vote? To tell you the truth -- I don't know. I understand most of the programs and their benefits but I also understand the money situation. If you cannot pay for it how can you have it? My current question is; Why does this have to be paid for through property taxes? Non property owners have a right to vote however, they bind (by their positive vote) property owners to higher taxes. Is there a way to add ... hmmm, a one cent sales tax that would go to the school district to continue these programs?

Just a thought. I know this would be complicated and not an easy thing to do but it does address the property owners objection of being the only people would would actually Pay. Maybe just another marble... hmmmm.

To be honest, bob, I'm not sure. My advice is to show up to the open meeting on May 12th at 7 and ask these questions for yourself.

@bob8492

Regarding your question:

"Is there a way to add ... hmmm, a one cent sales tax that would go to the school district to continue these programs?"

I think SunshineChristy offers some great advice. This would be a good suggestion to make to the board; I'm pretty sure they'll be having a special meeting soon. I'd suggest checking out the school district's website to see if there's any info on this. But I don't know if the school board has the authority to ask for a sales tax increase. Are you thinking a local sales tax like city or county? I wonder if the city or county has the authority to do that. Or if they can even give it to the district. Interesting idea.

What I do know from following the Idaho Statesman's coverage of the Idaho legislature setting the school budget that is that when the legislature declared a statewide emergency for all school districts part of the legislation did allow districts ask voters to pass a levy to meet operating costs.

Sunshine:

So, your parents cannot afford private school for you yet you feel that the people of this community have unlimited funds to lend toward your education. Perhaps the "welfare" that your family obtains makes it so they can afford the extra money each month. I on the other hand do not have the luxury of public assistance for food, heat, housing, etc. By law, here is what you and your pals are "entitled" to:

http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/rules/idapa08/0203.pdf

Happy reading.

OpinionMissy:

I'm tired of you tapdancing around this question:

Is what will happen to the teachers, custodians, secretaries, and administration FAIR?

You won't answer it, and I've brought it up many times. Are you afraid to?

I know you don't give a darn about kids, or about the fact I can't go to college if this doesn't pass, or about the fact my family has four children to provide for, but do you at least care about the adults employed at the school?

Is it fair? Answer me.

You think I'm only in this for myself. I could care less. I want my TOWN not just my school but MY WHOLE COMMUNITY to be a good place for all.

Do you care about these people? Nope, only

looking out for number one, huh?

There is a song by Frank Sinatra, good ole Blue Eyes entitled "Hey, Jealous Lover". He says to this woman "I am just as steady as that clock on the shelf. Maybe you're accusing me of what you're doing yourself." This is the case with you. You're accusing us students of being selfish, and really, you're the one slamming us for looking out for ourselves AND our teachers AND our familes, while you stopped caring past you, you YOU.

You and I are different people, Lauric. Don't get us confused. I'll keep fighting for the best solution for all adults, students, and seniors in this town, and you keep fighting to keep you extra $15 a month.

Miss Lauric, I invite you to come meet me on the twelfth. I would love to discuss you where you can not hide behind the computer screen.

I do not appreciate the comments you made towards my mother. Think of your own- how would you feel if she was insulted in such a manner.

Your behavior is appalling, and you fail to address any other issue than "I don't wanna pay for these whiny brats to play sports"

FINE.

We get your opinion on extra curricular activities.

Now what is your opinion on all the other fiscal impacts. Finish reading this blog. Take fifteen minutes to calm down and think about the realistic possibilities in it (without adding your own opinions) and then REALLY post what a civil person would post.

And by the way, my mother is a very smart woman and a wonderful mother. That wasn't a threat, it was a promise. I dare you to make the sneer at her face that your post was filled with.

Sunshine:

I do think it is fair. It is the same position that most of this country is in. Teachers are not exempt. Anyone who has a job at this point is lucky. And, if you think this is as bad as this economy will get...you are wrong. We are in for a long, hard ride.

Lilmiss, I am shocked that your mother would make such a threat on a public forum. And from the sounds of it, the apple does not fall from the tree (your comment). I am out in public all of the time. I do not hide behind a computer screen. I am one of the few people who sign my name to what I write. I am not hard to find. I spoke at the MHSD meeting. If your mom would like her shot at me, I am not hard to find. Boy, the meeting on the 12th should be fun. We will see how many of you show up. It sounds like they may stone me in RR Park. Oh well.

Tracy Lauric/OM

Excuse me, but with these cuts, teachers will be payed less than MCDONALDS WORKERS. You, OP, once again never cease to amaze me with your limitless selfishness.

It is a promise: there will be legions of us, OP. many teams are REQUIRING their students to go, and they're glad to do it.

((Lilmiss, she is out and about a lot, but still, we'll see if she's brave enough to tell you to your face that you are a whiny little brat))

It was "little brat temper tantrum" Sunshine. Read the laws on education for the State of Idaho. You are not nearly as educated as you think you are on this topic. What you are "entitled to" as opposed to what you "want" are very different. Some of these things that you view as life and death are a luxury---NOT mandated by law.

Do you kids/young adults not have economics in 9th grade? Do they not teach you about balanced budgets and profit/loss?

Really? McDonald's workers? You are really going to go there and present that as fact? Really? 4% of 33,000 is not even close to your little theory. Really?

Actually, I know it's not a big difference but I'm a TENTH grader. Oh, and your facts are wrong. If the levy passes, it will be a four percent cut. But if you have it your way, they will have anywhere from 18 to 30 percent of their paychecks cut. Our conselours are paid minimum wage, and, therefor, will have less pay than your McDonalds workers, so my "little theory" is correct. You have no idea how ignorant you are looking to be right now.

And you didn't even finish her blog. It was not a little brat tantrum. We are outraged at the mistreatment of others. I believe I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Go against the Constitution, I don't care, that's your ignorance, not mine. We are outraged that people that don't want this levy passed want our teachers to suffer. We're outraged that our governer cut education funding one million. We are outraged that every town in ID has had similar levys, or will in the near future, and yet our town has SUCH a big problem with it. In fact, I don't even know if it's our whole town, or just you.

Actually, Ms. Lauric. One of my teacher's spoke to an individual who works for the SD as well as McDonalds and the individual informed my teacher that if the levy fails that person would be better off just working for McDonalds. I am assuming this was either a maintence or cafeteria employee. Not sure.

Miss Lauric, you are not seriously THAT terrified to lose your blogging privileges, are you?

And as for the "name calling", you need to go back and re-read. "acting LIKE an idiot".

My mother and I will definitely be at the meeting. Can't wait to see you there.

Please, can we just discuss the other aspects of levy impact scenarios?

I have been reading these blogs for a little over a week now, and now feel compelled to comment, because Sunshine's comment on teacher/McDonald's employee pay is in fact, based on fact.

Of course, McDonald's salary depends on position held, longevity and job performance, however as a member of McDonald's management, I can say that my base salary is more than the $33,000.00 cited by Opinion Missy in her post.

Add to that just the benefits that are available to all levels of employees, such as a 20% health care kick in, paid vacation and stock purchase plans, and total compensation begins to add up. Then you have to add the room for advancement, (and there is always room for more management in this career field) and the benefits offered just to management, like monthy profit sharing plans.

I can easily see how I would earn more money than some teachers, and I can easily afford a small property tax increase for this levy.

And in reference to the SD employee who would be better off just working for McDonald's, I can say that we have had PT employees over the past couple of years who held the position of Para-Educators for the SD, and I was schocked at how little these individuals were paid. Not cafeteria or custodial employees, people who work in the classrooms. These folks were bright, motivated people and had they had interest in a career change, would be members of my management team right now. However, they believed in what they were doing, regardless of their pay.

In addition, I can also tell you that over the past few years, as teacher pay becomes less and less, I have heard more than a few teachers ask about summertime employment when we host their school for a McTeacher Night. Yes, some of these comments are made in jest, but not all. After all, where do you think those bright and motivated Para-Educators came from?

I would like to end with a compliment to the students utilizing this blog. I commend you for being invloved, doing the research and getting your opinions out there. Please do not forget that even if your programs are eliminated and there are no scholarships to help you through school, you can work your way through. Maybe at McDonald's. :)

Are you tired of waiting to know the fate of two fine Doctors at the Elmore County Hospital? ah yes! that issue has been brushed aside now that the SD is in crisis. As with the SD the Hospital Board is also dismissing the questions we, the public ask. they figure if they wait long enough we'll all go away or move onto another subject. WE the taxpayers of this community do have a say in everything that happens here. It is apparent our voices are not loud enough and certainly when we ask questions we are dismissed .Folks it's time we take back our town. We need to find a person who is available to run for office, and be a leader. who's up for the job?

Normally I do not blog about things but I have read the blogs on the levy and feel the need to put my two cents worth in.

I am a home owner and I have never had children by choice. I know that education is very important for all to have but I do question the statements made saying that without the extra programs that college was out of the question since there would be no scholarships. I don't really understand that. I have not done the research but I wonder how many of the people in college now and in the future will or do actually have scholarships for college? Students might want to do research on grants, student loans and working part time to help pay for college.

I wonder if the parents that rent rather then own would be willing to pay the extra money that the home owners will have to pay. I mean really shouldn't they carry some of the burden as well?

I don't like the idea of extra taxes of any kind but I also know that the economy is taking a toll on everyone even the state and federal government. So the money has to come from somewhere and I guess taxes are the only place it can come from. It would be easier to swallow if the property owners were not the only ones that have to take a hit and I agree with the suggestion that sales tax increase might be the better solution.

As for someone being selfish because someone does not want to cut back on what some call frivolous spending, and it might be just that, these people have a right to be selfish. They have paid their dues and work hard for their money and should be able to spend it on whatever it is they want. I don't work so that I can give the world my paycheck I work so that I can pay my bills and have extra to have the American Dream just like everyone else.

Again maybe the parents, homeowners or not, should be paying this extra 20 a month for schooling for each child. It might help the SD ask for a smaller levy.

I am sure I probably offended someone with this blog but between what I pay in federal, state, sales and property taxes already my paycheck is getting smaller and smaller. I also wonder if the students that work or get allowances would be willing to give 20.00 a month to the SD for their own education.

Winyin,

The district is asking for the amount it is because that was the amount taken away by the state.

As for college, I'm not talking about scholarships. With my 3.6 but no ECA's, I wouldn't have a shot at even being accepted.

I know there are some who can't afford this, and I understand that some do have a good reasons to vote no, but the majority don't.

And the individuals who advocate the levy (as far as I remember) never called the nay-sayers selfish.

Why should educators suffer? Why don't administration take a huge pay cut? Why does administration need to have salaries that triple what educators who actually get the job done get? The school system is flawed. Why isn't sports a volunteer effort I am sure there are parents who would volunteer their time to coach and do fundraisers as a productive citizen should. The school system has no right to make demands and make threats they should try to find a solution without bleeding the good citizens of Mountain Home to death!!!

Administrators are taking a 6 percent pay cut regardless.

Novia, there are not threats or demands. This is how public education in Idaho was funded until 2006. The state decided in 05 to take the burden off of property taxes. It's really just going back to the way it once was.

But your suggestions on sports are excellent. Perhaps you could speak to the board about them?

Lilmissmelmo

This sentence came from one of your blogs-"Honestly, I'd think people would care a little more about their community, instead of being so selfish." So when you say "And the individuals who advocate the levy (as far as I remember) never called the nay-sayers selfish." You might want to remember what you wrote since it was you that called those who do not agree, with the levy, selfish .

I also understand why this amount if being asked for because there is just no money for everything the state has to pay for. Since the State gets their money from the taxpayers you have to considered that the taxpayers are also in bind.

I find it hard to believe that those that play sports, or go to drama after class would suddenly quite school just becuase those things are no longer available. I bet a good majority of the students at the school are not into after school activites.

Another thing you and the other students might want to consider is that high school might also be a prelude to going out into the work force. Do you think the job you will get will pay for you to get more education? it might and it Might make you pay for it yourself even though it might be required training to keep you job. Do you think your job is going to pay for the extra activities, like the softball team or bowling team or the touch football team, probably not. Also you work day will probably be no less then 8 hours a day and probably more since your employee will require you to do more with less.

Tell me are you going to quite school if you don't get what you want? If not, and I also hope not, what makes you think that others will.

winyin, I did not say that. Just because someone's comment was on my blog does not mean I said it. But okay, thank you for pointing it out.

Actually, over 60 percent of students at the high school are involved in just school-sponsored activities.

Your sentence about the workforce made no sense. Could you please clarify?

And actually, I plan (if the levy fails) on taking online classes to graduate at semester and going to school. I have no incentive to stay if I cannot be involved. And most of the student's I've talked to have already received permission from their parents to go to schools in Boise.

Moving to Boise is a valid option for a lot of our students, and one could expect future military members who move hear to commute. Plenty of them do that already, because they prefer Boise.

With at LEAST twelve people (just the district employees) back on the job market, no activities, fantastic teachers no longer teaching (because retiring or working McDonald's makes more financial sense), and angry bloggers blocking any progress this town has hope for making, this is, to quote another blogger, "going to look like a death sentence".

I'm not trying to downplay the importance of the fact that my "precious" activities will be cut, I'm trying to show you the other reasons why this levy is a GOOD thing for the town.

lilmissmelmo,

this is not a direct hit on you I promise, but I have been reading through your posts and they are riddled with words spelled incorrectly. I just think that when one is defending the need for more money for education, they should be able to prove that education is actually worth it.

Just a few years ago, the Mountain Home News reported something about the school district was losing students. So why are we so worried about the reduction of funding when in fact we have less students than the years prior.

Now for those of you who stated you come from a Welfare family and you could easily budget it in... let's not forget that I am contributing to that budget that allows you to be disposable with that GOVERNMENT CHECK.

You stated that your family is a

workingbee...what words are you referring to?

When I post from home (which is generally where I post) I have spell check on.

I noticed a few trucks and other propaganda with the word LEVY misspelled. Obviously our education is so poorly underfunded we cannot even spell a simple four letter word.

lilmissmelmo

Do you think the job you will get will pay for you to get more education? it might and it Might make you pay for it yourself even though it might be required training to keep you job.

Here is your clarification about this statement. When you get into the work force most jobs require training to keep up to date on newest technologies and procedures needed to accomplish the job you have. Here is the thing the job will require you to take the training but it will be at your expense, they will not pay for it.

Again I understand that educating the young is important I just feel that there should be other ways to pay for it. It should not be up to just the homeowners.

Also as for kids going to school in Boise, do you think Boise is not having these problems also? The housing there is going down in price so the taxes will also be going down which will effect the school system. Meridian and I believe Nampa (Could be wrong about Nampa) is already changing the school day to 7:30 to 4:30 and only 4 days a week.

So there must be other ways to get what the kids need without asking for more money.

"Do you kids/young adults not have economics in 9th grade? Do they not teach you about balanced budgets and profit/loss?"

Kids,

Whatever they are teaching you in school, I hope it has something to do with not getting "up to your eyeballs in debt".

Pale.ale There is an excellect personnel fiance course availble available to all seniors.

People, I really can't believe that this argument continues. Every single person who went through the public school system had their education paid for by the previous generations. The MHSD had their budget cut by the state and this levy is to keep our school system operating at the previous level (barely). Those who say, "I don't have any children in school so why should I pay extra taxes for a school bond?" are ridiculous. That's like me saying, "I've never, ever, used the fire department so why should I pay for them with my taxes?" I could go on and on with that train of thought. The education of our children/future leaders should be a priority. Other districts throughout the state have passed bonds prior to the budget cuts that actually gave their teachers a raise. And here we're quibbling over a bond that still leaves our teachers with a pay cut. Amazing. I love my cozy little town. But if the bond doesn't pass you can guarantee that I'll be among those looking to relocate to an area with a better education system for my children.

Home school people, oh....is that too much of an inconvenience "parents" ? LOL....$20 , well see if its just $20 bucks when I get my statement dear. By the way, are all the schools in MH in compliance by state and fed standards ? I know one school(elementary) that hasn't for years. The schools here are sub par, yet we are supposed to throw more money on the fire. Nice, that will fix it...where have we heard this before ?

Oh, and I don't pay day care. Your logic and argument is simplistic and one sided. How convenient.

I find it disgusting how the teachers have "pimped" the students to vote "yes". how much do they pay in taxes ? LOL, liberals !

"Oh, and I don't pay day care. Your logic and argument is simplistic and one sided. How convenient.

I find it disgusting how the teachers have "pimped" the students to vote "yes". how much do they pay in taxes ? LOL, liberals !"

But costs in one sector rising easily affect other sectors. Simple economics. And the teachers haven't "pimped" anything. The only thing they were really allowed to talk about was the factual information. They could show us the outline available on the district website, and I think the government class discussed it as well.

This is not a "liberal" issue, and those standing for the levy aren't necessarily "liberal", Paul Revere, and the discussion is pretty much over. I'm sure much of the district would not appreciate your statement.