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Goat Rope Facts MHSD Style...Posted Thursday, April 29, 2010, at 8:56 PM
From a March 25, 2009 article in the MHN:
(Link http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/13... "The school district built the current junior high in 1998 with the plan to expand it into a high school within a few years. However, enrollment rates in the district declined and the school board delayed completing the building." "Enrollment has since increased, forcing the district to pursue the bond now." "With the change, the high school would become a junior high and house seventh and eighth grade students. Hacker Middle School would contain fifth and sixth grades and no longer would be overcrowded." "The overcrowding at Hacker is one of the driving forces behind this bond issue proposal," Supt. Tim McMurtrey said." "We've got to stress what this means to the future, that we're not just looking at the next two or three years, but 15-20 years down the road. We're designing this so we can expand in the future. This is a facility that will last our students a very long time." From an April 9, 2008 MHN Article "The bond will add 28 classrooms, a performing arts wing with an auditorium, a professional technical building and a new gymnasium complex." From an April 16, 2008 MHN Article "Completion of the high school will add an additional classroom wing housing additional english, math and science classrooms (28 classrooms total), a professional-technical building for the expansion of welding, carpentry and auto mechanics skills, a 500-seat auditorium/classroom, a competition gymnasium, completed parking lot, and sidewalk, and curb/gutter on 18th Street. If approved, the project would allow the district to consolidate grades 9-12 in the high school." "The district anticipates an increase in enrollment for the next five to ten years." Why house grades 9-12 in the completion of the high school? "We see a great disconnect from 9th grade students between MHJHS and MHHS. Students in 9th grade actually are earning credits toward high school graduation. Some of these 9th graders do not fully understand the necessity to maintain good grades, etc., and that the loss of credits will affect their graduation later in their schooling. We believe that if they are in a 9-12 building they will understand more fully that they truly are in high school." "Nationally the drop-out rate for students is highest in 9th and 10th grade, again having the students in one building will help lessen the drop out rate and increase the district graduation rate." "If grades 9-12 are housed together the district can better utilize staff and provide credit recovery and other class offerings for students. This grade configuration will also allow the district to address not meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals that have been established by the No Child Left Behind legislation." Why consider completion of the high school when two schools are closed on base? "Enrollment has steadily declined for the past six years on base. This past year we closed a second school (Liberty Elementary) when enrollment was again declining. We have been informed that negotiations with the Royal Singapore Air Force are on-going and we could see increased enrollment in the schools." "We cannot ship non-military dependent students from town to attend school on base." "The fact that enrollment has increased in the "town" schools is what is driving completion of the high school." So, we needed to vote for the bond when it was proposed because enrollment, according to the MHSD, was up. Funny, when some of us checked the state web site during the bond issue, that was just not true--it was on the decline and had been for some time. Now, they admit that enrollment has indeed been down. Where would we be had we all just taken the MHSD at their word (not done the research and obtained the facts) and voted for the bond? Clearly it was not really a matter of life or death to education here in MH. They said Hacker was overcrowded yet those portables they just had to have have gone away and are in use at one of the other schools. So, where are all of those kids now? When we checked the facts on drop-out rates in the local schools, the MHSD was also a bit off with respect to their facts. So, here we are now! How much of this is fact and how much of this drama is fiction. The MHSD held a meeting this week. In that meeting they very clearly stated they were after a 2.8 million dollar levy---NOT a 2.8 million dollar levy for two years. This is why voters in this community have a hard time voting for anything that increases taxes. The facts are the facts when it comes to the MHSD. If they want people to support them then they need to be more factual when dealing with those who pay. They have a history with this community and it is not in honesty. Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
Str8 Talk  - Archives - Blog RSS feed ![[Feed icon]](http://www.mountainhomenews.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon} - Comments RSS feed - Send email to Tracy Lauric - Login I have lived in Mountain Home for over 11 years now. I love to be outdoors in wide open spaces (as long as it does not involve camping...in a tent and an out house). I dislike Government waste/abuse of tax dollars and "sky is the limit" spending by those that we elect to represent "us." I value free speech when what is stated is factual (as opposed to lies, gossip and un-truths). I love the Chicago White Sox (I never said I was perfect) and the Broncos are okay too! I am 38 years old and married to a guy who is active duty USAF (and a Cubs fan...he is the "perfect" one). I am anti-nuclear and against further desecration of our planet with waste that we can do little to nothing with. If you dislike blunt, this is not the blog for you. Enjoy!
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Yob/Christie I know you are currently in the school. you are going to be leaving ..soon.. but FYI no matter how many times you blog about it, no matter how many times you shove it down everyones throat..the correct information is 'that no money will go to teachers' salaries whatsoever' they will not get adime or step grade increase or anything... go get your information right..so ask where the monies are going?
"Whatever. It was never a secret who I was. If you had 1/2 a brain it was pretty easy to figure out. "
--But it WAS a secret until someone else posted your name and you owned up to it. And are you so vain as to think that I could just figure it out based on your postings? 1/2 a brain vs a brain infected with psychosis??? I'll take my 1/2 brain anytime, thank you very much.
As far as my "painting project", it hasn't "went" anywhere; it is not my "project". (Are you really going to try and compare my civic endeavors with my opinion based on your rhetoric, again??? pretty selfish I must say,,,and pathetic)
The "project" is, however, an endeavor undertaken by a very worthwhile group of people in Boise to improve the self esteem and sense of pride in home ownership of those who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford the painting of their house or structure, not to mention improve the appearance of neighborhoods.
I digress, I am not responsible for any projects--I simply evaluate the homes to ensure eligibility and order the supplies. Those responsible for the "projects" are the team captains and their volunteers; they actually do the prep work and painting. So if you see any of them in town around June 12th, give 'em a pat on the back, and thank them for their worthwhile efforts!
Ya see, OB, I would rather focus my free time on efforts that can enhance the community, rather than try to be a false savior to all of those who need a "leader" such as yourself.
Interesting Miss Lauric...I wasn't even talking about you. But now we know you worked for the district, not that it matters.
MM:
Whatever. It was never a secret who I was. If you had 1/2 a brain it was pretty easy to figure out. Hope your painting project went well.
"As for the rest of your comment Hmmmm, until you have the guts to sign your name you just are not very credible.
Unlike some, who gloriously sign their name; ONLY after someone ELSE posted their name--not voluntarily signing their name until after the fact.
Hmmmm:
I was not fired from the MHSD, I quit after a male student, who was involved in a fight on the playground, hit me when I got between him and the other child he was beating the heck out of (the same young man by the way continues to make the police blotter in the local paper). The MHSD allowed him back to school because they felt if they removed him "the family would go after them by filing suit." So, instead they allowed the violent young man back in school. So Hmmmmm, you are not correct. I handed my keys and name badge in the day the young man returned to school. As for the rest of your comment Hmmmm, until you have the guts to sign your name you just are not very credible. I am glad that the MHSD discusses employee matters (unless of course you are the P. who is put on 2 months paid leave) with the public. Did the MHSD also tell you that the young man put me in the hospital for nearly a week because when he punched me, he lacerated my liver? Once again it is intersting the spin the MHSD chooses to put on things when it shows them in a less than perfect light. Loose lips sink ships. So, what did they tell you I was "fired" for Hmmmm? This should be interesting. And who gave you this info that you profess as truth/fact and encouraged you to post it on a public forum? My, this levy issue must not be going well for the MHSD if they feel they must resort to this. It appears we have a violation of MHSD policy here. Hmmmmmmmmmm indeed.
Tracy Lauric
To the fine patrons of the Mountain Home community: I have been following the rather interesting blogs for many of the articles posted in the newspaper, especially for the levy.
A few things to ponder about one of the bloggers who feels the need to make negative comments about anything anyone has to say that is in favor of the levy, rec. district, teachers, administrators, and anything in general that has to do with Mountain Home, he/she used to work for the school district and was fired. Therefore, everything this person says, you can discredit, because he/she of course is ticked off at anything the district is trying to do to make it better. Even going to the extent of telling lies, if need be.
A person like this, and I am going out on a limb here, would probably be diagnosed with some type of personality disorder, and there are many of these. Of course again, I would not be able to know for sure until I had them in my office, but you can tell a lot about a person, by what they say. I'm sure you all have recognized that.
As far as the other people out there that want to bad-mouth teachers, administrators, librarians, etc...I would love to hear the other side of the story, there are always two.
Before some of you sit down to slam me on this blog, and tell me to crawl back into the hole in which I came from, it's none of my business, (I have already been told this and much worse in my line of work)there truly is not one thing you can say to make me mad, or regret posting on here. I have nothing vested in Mountain Home other then having fantastic visists there.I have visited Mountain Home many times, and have met many wonderful people and youth who live there. A lot of these young and old,people come from various fields of work, yes, including the school district. Every community has there problems, but I can see with Mountain Home, even with their issues, they are there to stay and work hard to make it a wonderful place to live.
To those of you that are in support of the levy, don't give up on getting the word out there on how important this is to the youth of your community. It will pay off in the end!!
And to those who are not in support of the levy or anything to do with the district, it is truly sad!!!
I wish the district the best of luck, because your children today have the opportunity to be the leaders of tomorrow. God Bless
Well thank you PA. I do not know many students who have 90K to go to school right out of HS...unless of course a person has a silver spoon...which I did not. At least I finished school and do not live off of the system like a good percentage of this nation. You are a true gem PA...a true gem.
Irony:
I still pay for 2 student loans even.
You should not spend what you do not have.
Sorry Om I meant to put my post on another blog guess I haven't had enough coffee yet lol !
To me it makes sense since the most common languages spoken here are English and Spanish to have to push 1 or 2 for your language. We have many people that live here that speak Spanish and not all of them come from Mexico
Back when I was a young girl going to school in a town in Wisconsin and it was in the 50's For some reason we had many familys that were Jewish and the kids were excused from attending school on each and every Holiday they celebrated. We didn't get those days off, however the Jewish kids not only got their Holidays off they also got our Holidays off.
I was to young to think anything about this arrangement and now that I am old I still don't feel I was wronged and I still don't feel because I have to punch 1 on the phone to get someone who speaks English is wrong !
Leandra-really? Shall we go line by line on what the MHSD says they will do with that money? Really? I can do the math. I am a college grad. A college grad that had no sports. A college grad that had no funding for college other than loans. Imagine that! Working my way through college. I still pay for 2 student loans even. I also went to a school where we did not have enough books to go around. Our parents, at the start of each school year, purchased workbooks (soft cover). They were ours. Our parents paid for them at registration (an added fee---those who used the schools paid---what a theory). We did most of our homework from these workbooks. Ideal? Maybe not but the budget did not allow for books for each student and we could NEVER take the books home. We had to have those workbooks.
As far as your feel bad list---when times were "good" what in the heck was the MHSD doing with all of the money? Why are we in the shape we are in? Why can we not seem to grasp that we need to ONLY SPEND WHAT WE TAKE IN---and not through "special" taxes.
Teachers are important. I never said they were anything else. Educated kids are important, they are our future. But where does all the money really go? Why does the MHSD own land that is of no benefit to education? If you want a Mercedes but can only afford a Honda...you may need to "settle" for the Honda.
None of this is ideal or good. I did not want a 23% pay cut this year. I did not want to lose my pension plan. However, it meant that I kept my job. Times are tough. Kids need to be educated. But let us look at how the MHSD spends OUR/YOUR money. At some point they need to cut the budget and live within their means. The fact that these kids say that $200.00 is nothing and we need to cut out our fun is offensive. I work hard for what I make. I pay more than my fair share of taxes. Sorry if I do not fall into your "yes" vote. I deal with budgets and money a good part of the day. You should not spend what you do not have. More taxes are not the answer.
OM,
I've been reading your comments for a few days now. I stand exactly where Vandal, Sunshine, yoB, and Melmo do.
"You make my point for me, thank you. If the MHSD cannot make it on what they have---there is something wrong. And there is no way that the MHSD can say that there is NOTHING they have that they can't do without. What is good for the goose...Obviously."
We can do without our teachers? Our ECAs? Our food? Our textbooks? Our lights? Our bathrooms being clean? There's something wrong with needing to be able to pay for these things?
I have 4 textbooks checked out currently.
Each are roughly 60 dollars.
Say we have roughly 1,000 students at the high school.
Well, we have between 40 and 50 teachers who use textbooks. In my english class alone, my teacher has enough of each book we use for a student to have one at home and a classroom set.
She teaches roughly 130 students. Do the math for that class alone. More money than you thought, right?
The cieling outside the music room is warped and falling apart. When it rains or snows, trashcans and buckets are all over that area. But we don't need to make repairs on that. I mean, it only rains or snows from november to may.
VandalWriter is right. We don't need these things. Because surely you don't need intelligent people in charge when you've retired. Right? You don't need people with college educations. We don't need someone running this country. You don't need someone defending you should you be convicted of a crime you had nothing to do with. You don't need to feel safe knowing that a murder is in jail because people got the evidence that nailed them. And surely you don't need people with the education to develop the technology that helps protect our country.
So really, that's what your implying when you say "there is no way that the MHSD can say that there is NOTHING they have that they can't do without."
At least, that's what I interpreted.
Once again you baffle me OM. Any intelligent person would know that there is a difference in spending between a single person and an entire school district.
However, I do concede to your point that MHSD could cut back on unnecessary things.
We don't need teachers. After all, who needs to be educated.
We don't need janitors. After all, who needs a clean school?
We don't need cafeteria workers. After all, who needs to eat lunch?
We don't need new books. After all, who needs legible reading materials.
We don't need a new roof. After all, who needs a dry head while they work?
We don't need art or music classes. After all, who needs creativity?
We don't need sports or extracurricular activities. After all, who needs to learn team work and social skills, or to earn a college scholarship?
We don't need PE. After all, who needs to be fit?
We don't need computer classes. After all, who needs to run all the technology of our world?
So I urge you, OM, vote no, because I surely don't need any of these things.
VandalWriter:
Your words:
"OP, if you have $4,000 worth of bills and only $2,500 you're obviously doing something wrong. There's no way that you can say that there is NOTHING you have that you can't do without."
Yep, I did do something "wrong." I took a 23% pay cut so that I could remain employed in an effort to try to pay my bills.
You make my point for me, thank you. If the MHSD cannot make it on what they have---there is something wrong. And there is no way that the MHSD can say that there is NOTHING they have that they can't do without. What is good for the goose...Obviously.
@ Amused MtnHomey
You are totally right. It's so frustrating. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the fact that some people can't agree with simple logic.
For those of you who are new to the amazing, all knowing, done everything Opinion Missy. Don't bother trying to respond to her ranting. Those of us who have followed these forums for a while realize she is not a rational person. You can not have a rational conversation with an irrational person.
With so much agreeing going on, I can only hope we're nearing a resolution.
OM, never fear. I utilize my journalism, debate, and lunch period, when we are encouraged to utilize the school's computers. Better to use them and fight for a cause than to lit them sit, still using energy.
I fully agree the athletic director is a silly position that could easily have it's duties passed on, or could take possibly a larger pay cut.
I fully agree that we need to do something with our sitting land.
and I fully agree that MHSD has some very unwise tactics that have landed them in a bad spot.
@VandalWriter
No wonder I didn't remember the claim...lol
Well, I think you attacked her points pretty well...but in all likelihood, she's going to stick to her guns, regardless.
OpinionMissy, I have been following these levy blogs and I have come to the conclusion that I agree 100% with Lilmissmelmo, SunshineChristy, and yoB. At first you seemed to be an intellectual person who simply had a differing opinion. However, you quickly stooped into personal blows and all respect for you was lost.
In one of Melmo's blogs you posted, "I find your assumptions on my spending to be pretty ignorant. Do not assume that everyone has an entertainment budget or spends on crap." You seem very hypocritical to me OP. You say that assumption is ignorant and yet you have been assuming quite a lot about the young people of this town.
"I will just say what many are thinking."
I didn't realise you were a mind reader.
"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."
You assume that this girl has two parents, which may very well be true. However, I ask you, since, from your previous posts I gather that you can barely support yourself, how do you expect someone, that may possibly be in your exact position, to have enough money to send his or her children to a private school just so that they may have an adequate education?
"Sunshine, someday, when you pay property taxes and have to worry how you will pay $4,000 in bills with $2,500 bucks...you will understand. Until then, you do not get it. Hmmm. To eat or pay the electric bill? Pay the mortgage or pay for the car? Every penny counts right now. I guess they do not teach that in school anymore."
How can you assume that she does not understand these things? Do you know of her home situation? I know plenty of young adults and teenagers that have no homes and must work for a living. I find your assumptions on our understanding of financial resposibility to be pretty ignorant.
OP, if you have $4,000 worth of bills and only $2,500 you're obviously doing something wrong. There's no way that you can say that there is NOTHING you have that you can't do without.
As for YoB's 2K mistake, yeah, if she were in a position of importance and had this fact wrong someone might actually care. However, because we are conversing on a blog and YoB was merely attempting to inform someone there's really no reason for you to attack her on that point. Also the 16K versus 16,250.. really? You're going to criticize her on her rounding?
Lastly, the computer comment. All I can really say about this is that you are obviously running out of semi-intellectual responses.
@ SunshineChristy
While you did in fact claim that OP was online all day, "...you still have nothing better to do than sit on the internet all day..." she really should have had enough sense to know that you were merely exaggerating and did not literally mean that she spent 24/7 on the computer.
@retirementcanbespelt
Hey thanks, at least someone is teaching us something legitamately useful about this stuff.
A 2K error represents a percentage of
7.1428571428571428571428571428571e-4
of the 2.8M levy.
Mx. Lauric - pay 4K mo. in bills with 2.5K? How'd a wiz like you get in to that? You were absent the day they covered "every penny counts", huh?
There's a lesson to be learned there, students.
haha Ms. Lauric, if you look at the time of any of my recent posts... none of them are while I am at school or work. I simply do not have time this year to watch MHN 24/7. But other students like Melodie and Christina seem to be posting during their lunch hours at which time we are allowed to use the computers. Also, I am sorry for being off by 2K. I have so many things going on right now, it's hard to remember exacts. It's not like I was off 10k.
The facts are, it's 10:30, and you're online with nothing better to do but bad mouth a couple high schoolers. I didn't claim you were online "all day" but you have been on a good deal of the evening.
Perhaps you should look at the options "Food or Internet?"
You can use this luxury at the library, easy as that. And then you can cover this HUGE $15 rise in your monthly taxes.
Sunshine, someday, when you pay property taxes and have to worry how you will pay $4,000 in bills with $2,500 bucks...you will understand. Until then, you do not get it. Hmmm. To eat or pay the electric bill? Pay the mortgage or pay for the car? Every penny counts right now. I guess they do not teach that in school anymore.
As for me being on the net all day. Not true. When I am at work, I am not on the net. Fight with facts, not tales.
OpinionMissy:
Our debate class studies politicts closely. And since this is a political issue, we were allowed to do research on it durring our class period. And yeah, our education system is failing due to lack of funding. Get off your high horse and realize that there is something bigger at work here than your precious tiny wad of cash.
And if what you've said is true in your other posts, it's been a pretty hard knock life for you. How did your work hours get extended and your pay cut, and yet you still have nothing better to do than sit on the internet all day and bash high school students for standing up for their teachers and themselves?
yoB, you are incorrect with your "facts." The athletic director is paid 58K with 16,240 in benefits. These figures are on the MHSD web page. Details, details. What else are you not reporting in a factual manner.
It is nice to know that while you are at school, you are on computers, on a blog. Yet another good example of our tax dollars at work and one more reason why the MHSD does not need another dime of MY money. If you have time to mess around on a computer all day...our education system is failing.
Julygirl: This is NOT just about athletic and academic competitions. This is about the quality of our education that will be lost because of a large number of experienced teachers leaving the district if the levy fails. This is about the impact on the economy that will come because none of the remaining employees at the district (which is the 2nd largest employer in MH) will not have any money to spend let alone survive every month.
Reallycurious: The levy will not provide for any new spending. The levy will pay for a deficit that the district is incurring because of STATE budget cuts to education. If the levy fails, it wont be new text books that we are missing out on. It is the athletic and academic competitions, its is the teacher's salaries, it is the 8 receptionist positions that will be cut and it will lead to a 4 day school week with longer hours.
The athletic director's salary is 56K and he recieves 16k in benefits. I agree this could be cut. I have also mad suggestion to get rid of some of the LARGE area of grass at the HS to be turned into a parking lot to save on maintence costs. I agree, no doubt, other cuts can be made.
@reallycurious
"I read somewhere that the school district was losing money due to those that live on the air base because they do not pay a property tax, if that is the case can they be asked to pay more for their child's education? And that goes for anyone who as a child currently in school. The brunt of this should fall on the parents that have children in the MHSD."
That's not how public education works. Taxpayers, whether they have kids in school, fund public eduction. This is part of the Idaho State Constitution. So even if you are philosophically opposed to public eduction being funded by the entire public, the Constitution mandates it (Article IX, Section 1). If only parents bear the brunt of public eduction, when does it cease to be public?
http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/stcon/art...
@idahoalltheway,
I will check the site out, thanks for the info. I do not treat anyone with disrespect no matter what their age or beliefs. Not a great way to do business. I understand where they are coming from, but I also understand the price of education....mine cost me 40K. No one should lose their job, but I also believe that you have to make changes when changes are needed no matter who it affects. I read somewhere that the school district was losing money due to those that live on the air base because they do not pay a property tax, if that is the case can they be asked to pay more for their child's education? And that goes for anyone who as a child currently in school. The brunt of this should fall on the parents that have children in the MHSD. I am not looking for taxpayers to pay for my child's education, I just need to know how much it costs. I do not make a bunch of money, but have the means to pay for whats important and not have to rely on others. I would love to those families that have students pay the whole bill for their education. I know it is a pipe dream :). But that is nothing different if someone whats to attend college or trade school, if you do not get any aid then you pony up the money to go.
@reallycuroius
"My point is, the great folks of MH are not just going to sit back and give any more money unless they understand exactly what it is they are giving it for, some will though. I hope that something can be done in addition to asking for this levy, but I would really begin looking at how things will be without it."
Did you check out the Mtn Home School District's website?
http://mountainhome.id.schoolwebpages.co...
I looked through the stuff in the "Supplemental Levy Information" and it has a lot of good information regarding the levy, especially the "Levy Cut Options". It outlines where the cuts will be made, if the levy passes and if it doesn't. From what I understand, all the items in the "blue" box are planned cuts, regardless of the levy passing, totaling 1,033,028 million.
I commend you for treating the students who are posting with respect. They obviously care very deeply about their school and it's nice to see them treated with some respect!!
Thanks!!
lilmissmelmo, sunshinechristy, and YoB,
I have enjoyed reading your posts as well as all the others on the levy issue. I commend you all for the passion you show toward your education. I have finally read all the posts on the many threads that have been created on this subject, but I am really curious about a few things.
First asking for tax payers to pony up even more money than they already do should be the last option out there. I read in a couple posts that the school district is sitting on some property that has yet to be sold (or wont be sold) to help with the lack of funds the school board is currently experiencing, if that is the case....not good.
Second, what has the school board actually done to help with this issue besides the teachers taking a pay cut, that is never good when our teachers have to suffer, but I think there are other avenues that have yet to be looked at. (i.e the $79K your athletic director is getting. That is a large amount for such a small athletic program. (I would venture to say this could be something a current coach could accomplish and save the $79K. I am sure there are other positions that could be combined as well.
Third, has there been a reorganization plan created that may help lower costs to a point that the money coming in matches the money going out?
Fourth, Mountain Home is not a wealthy community by no means, so to keep asking for money and not having each dollar spelled out as to where it is going is not going to win you any fans, and from the sounds of it your school board lacks money management and the ability of any financial forecasts. This is the one that seems to have put them in the situation they are currently in.
It is unfortunate that the government and state funds have begun to dry up, but this is something that should have been planned for many years ago to help divert what you are currently going through (I would say they have a weak business plan) and yes education is business. I also read that a free education is something everyone gets (maybe wrong words, but same point) not true, there is no such thing as a free education, the bill is paid by someone and in most cases it is not paid for by the person or the family receiving it.
My point is, the great folks of MH are not just going to sit back and give any more money unless they understand exactly what it is they are giving it for, some will though. I hope that something can be done in addition to asking for this levy, but I would really begin looking at how things will be without it.
Julygirl, I'm a student. And the calendar listing the sports schedules means nothing about this levy's most important issues. It simply means that besides education, not much goes on. It also says whether the HS is on an A or B day. It doesn't note that the other schools are in session. Does that mean the HS is the most important item in the district? Not necessarily.
And while I am (only..?) a student, I am an observant and informed student. As a journalist, it is my duty to know the facts.
AS for msmarilyn's question:
The cutting of (well deserved) pay increases would not have offset the cost of repairs.
julygirl, my source for the maintenance being cut back as well comes from the levy scenario sheet passed around at the SB meeting, which is available in the supplemental levy information on the district webpage, as well as a direct quote from the superintendent in this week's mhn. ECA's being cut won't prevent this.
Also, julyGirl
I see from an earlier post you are voting yes. Be what you say you are, if you truly mean to support this. Clearly, people won't listen to us students. But perhaps they'd care about you? Just take that into consideration, if you really think we deserve this to pass as well.
Hello there julyGirl.
I would like to first point out that this levy is truly not to keep sports going, although it will keep some sports in operation, that's not what the money is primarily for. It's so we can continue paying our teachers. Honestly, you make it hard for me to sympathize with you if someone votes you out of a quarter of your paycheck, or even your job. Vote no, and that's what you're doing. Everyone is telling us students to "buck up". Thanks, been there, done that, but here's the deal: My parents can easily aford a .01% tax increase but can hardly afford to send me to a private school, and without this levy, I will never go to college.
Before the cuts from the government, our district was already in poor financial state. This has put us into an emergency, so they have carefully devised a solution.
I am shocked and appalled that voters are not willing to support fellow members of their community. Even if you don't at all respect us students (which it appears many don't), do you at least respect and support your fellow adult townsfolk? To name a few influential people you'll be hurting,
Jim Bird, Blake Olmstead, John Petti, Tanya Page, Leah Watkins, the Urquidi's, Jennifer Strohm....
the list goes on and on.
So if you truly want to reak havoc on your towns economy, and really want to lose people jobs and enormous chunks of their salary, as well as ruin hundreds of very bright future (those of the students), then go ahead, and vote no to the levy.
But if you care about this place where you live, respect people, want to see improvement in the education system, and want to overcome ignorance...
I urge you, vote yes.
Not about sports, really.
This is a link to the MHSD Calendar
http://mountainhome.id.schoolwebpages.co...
I'm sorry lilmissmelmo, I didn't get your connection to the school district, are you a student or a member of the administration? Could you site your sources when you make your claims about not being able to maintain the building after cutting ECA? I want to review them. Thanks!
Lil
As the years went by and schools needed repair, why weren't they taken care of instead of giving out pay increases?
YoB said in one of the blogs that she paid $5.00 so she could park in the HS parking lot, but sometimes she couldn't because the teachers took her spot and she ended up having to park 2 blocks away. I think that is horrible! Do the teachers pay to park in the parking lot?
JulyGirl, the funds were not needed until the state gov. pulled funding. Without the levy, even with ECA cuts, we will not be able to maitain the building. That means if heaters break down, we will have to do without.
The problems were being taken care of, unfortunately we could only afford to wait until the problems hit a crisis point. That's why the roof that had asbestos was taken care of so late in the game. That's why the roof that will probably fall will not be fixed. Until you have taken a little tour around the schools in the district, and until you and the other taxpayers realize THIS IS BARELY ABOUT SPORTS, we will never make any progress.
I disagree, the funds that were cut from the government just brought the problem to light. A school doesn't fall apart over night. Why weren't these problems being addressed when times were good? Where did the money go then?
Yes, there were people out of work and having hard times when I was young, there always have been and always will be. But I believe these times are just a little worse and more widespread than we have faced in a long time.
That is fine that you will vote yes, I will not.
julyGirl,
Things are never wonderful for everybody. People struggle all the time, when you were in school, there were still people out of work and living on a fixed income yet they still supported your school and the fluff. Now it is your turn. I will vote yest because it was done for me when I was in school and I will do it for the kids now. It isn't because the school over spent it is because the funds were cut from the government.
I or my parents paid and fund-raised for extra-curricular activities but they were also to some extent subsidized by the School. When times are wonderful that is okay when times are not so wonderful that doesn't work. Immediately cut the fluff and use those savings to fix the roof and buy new texts. I am happy to pay for the essentials of a good education and also happy to a "certain degree" to pay for the fluff, but not this year or probably next year. Will some students not have the opportunity to do some of the extra activities because they are no longer subsidized by the school, yes. Is life fair, no. If the School District had all along been paying for the essentials and fixing the leaky roof perhaps I would be more inclined to vote yes.
Instead of our wonderful students appealing to the citizens to raise taxes I think their talents would be better spent appealing to the school district to get their priorities in order and to take care of the students.
What about the land that is owned by the district? It may not be sold for what it could have been a couple of years ago but times are difficult and a lot of people have sold and gotten less than what they would have a few years ago.
This is a life lesson for our young people, times are not always going to be easy.
JulyGirl,
It is not just for sports and competitions, it is also to fix the water leaks in the roof, to pay the utility bill, to pay for text books, to pay for supplies needed to educate the students. If you went to public school, taxpayers also paid for you. Maybe you should find out how much and send your parents the bill since it is their job to pay for it. If you went to private find out how much they recieved and government funding since that is also tax dollars and send that bill to your parents.
Will Richard McKenna get levy money?
Hard times are here, the schools are not entitled to my $20 a month for their sports or competetions. I chose to pay for my "frills" rather than for your "frills". It's not my job to keep a child in school, it's their parent's job. Buck up, it's a cruel world out there.
Lauric,
In all honesty, why would YoB take your word on anything when you've been so disrespectful to us students? I'm sorry, but since when is it considered mature to tell any human being to "stop throwing their little brat temper tantrum"? You've been nothing but barbaric to us kids, and thus, we do not trust you.
Hmmmm. The paper said it was a 2.8 million dollar levy, with no correction...the proof is what is in print and directly under your noses. YoB, until you do the research on that meeting since you did not bother to attend, I would probably not comment on the matter since you do not have your facts. The MHSD web site also indicated to the contrary of what was said in the meeting. Just like the land issue. That entire board agreed they would not sell. Then, in the meeting the MHSD Board indicated that the minutes were misleading. Who prepares those minutes? None other than a MHSD employee. Once again, the proof is in the print (which I am sure has been changed by now).
I read that it would only need 50% plus one. I'll go hunting for the link tomorrow.
@Pale Ale
Good to see the numbers. Thanks for including the article. The article states that the bond required a super majority (67%). I think for the levy to pass it's 50% plus 1 vote. Anyone know for sure?
Thanks!!
Since the last bond issue was used to argue against this needed levie.....:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Mountain Home News
The bond enjoyed widespread support among voters who cast ballots at the high school (80.35 percent), the junior high (70.45 percent) and Hacker Middle School (71.28 percent), the three schools most directly affected by the bond.
However, it barely exceeded 50 percent among all of the votes cast at the elementary schools, except for the base primary, where voters cast 62.3 percent of their ballots for approval. Voters at East Elementary only approved the measure by 52.88 percent, North Elementary voters hit 53.46 percent, and voters at the West Elementary polling site reached only a 51.04 percent approval rate. The Pine polling site was the only location where the bond received less than 50 percent, with 17 voters casting "yes" ballots and 29 casting "no" ballots (36.96 percent).
http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/14...
Even better. This is why we need to spread this through the high school, I considr myself fairly educated on this subject compared to the general high school population, and still fall short.
Christina, This isn't new money. The money will go to paying for our teachers, the money will go to our athletic/academic competitions. The money will NOT be used for NEW SPENDING. The money will be used to cover a deficit because of state budget cuts.
@ Old guy ((love the screen name XD))
Anyway, I could not agree more that the school board has been wasteful. Where this new money will go, well, I don't know that yet, but certainly not to build a new school. Perhaps to repair the high school ((it's fallling apart)). As well as to buy new text books and pay teachers, admins, etc. I encourage you to show up to some of these school board meetings, if you are truly eager to know. I will probably be there myself.
Old Guy, Next year... even if the levy passes, teachers will recieve a 4% pay decrease and administrators 6.5% decrease. I don't know about any other cuts.
Ok sit down for this one, while I have been askign questions as to what the MHSD board intends to do to aid in reducing costs, I might actually vote YES for the levy. All I have to do is give up one of my vices for a week and I can cover the increase in my taxes no problem. I just beleive that the MHSD has not been fiscally responsible with our (not thier) monies over the past 10+ years that I have lived here. I am just concerned how the district will spend this money since they have failed to spend wisely in the past. I know some of you will say we have to overlook the past, but the past is all we have to go on and the MHSD has mislead and failed us more times in the past 10 yrs then I care to remember.
I learned that we all have a duty to support OUR community but in my eye, the MHSD has forgotten that. Education is second in my communtity heart next to the military so keep that in mind when you start your attacks.
Listen up, Lauric. Our town is not the only one struggling with education funding. Our state government cut funding NOT OUR SCHOOL BOARD. And just about every school district in our little state had to try to pass similar levy's. Most all of them passed, because the tax payers/voters were mature and selfless enough to aknowledge that it wasn't due to any immature mistake of the school boards, but the government.
We're NOT building a new school. You're argument is getting you nowhere there, as it's not even part of the issue at hand. We're keeping people in work, and we're keeping students off the streets.
Tax rises will be nearly insignificant, and a whopping .01 percent increase.
Move on.
"Why consider completion of the high school when two schools are closed on base?"
My former youth pastor explained a lot of this to me. One of the schools is completely unusable. It would need major bond-sized repairs. The other is now the post-office, I assume it is utilized as such to save money on building another.
Has anyone been reading the Idaho Statesman or watched TV news? This problem isn't the fault of the school district, this problem is state-wide. We are in recession, folks, and tax revenues are down, WAY DOWN. The larger school districts are just now making cuts that our district made a year or two ago in an effort to stem the bleeding. Most of those districts still have some reserve funds. We've already used ours.
The governor and state legislature made draconian cuts and told the districts to suck it up.
I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income, but I know how important education is. I don't want to see taxes rise but I see no other solution. Those teachers whose salaries will be cut by at least 8% are going to have to pay that tax too.
I've lived here for a lot of years and remember the outrage and uproar when the junior high was constructed and we all thought it was a new high school. Get over it. It's all behind us and there's nothing we can do about the past. We can plan for the future, knowing we are dealing with a different school administration.
Ms. Lauric, May I quote you? "DO THE MATH!" MHSD operates on an annual budget. The state legislatures cut this budget in the last session. Leaving MHSD a DEFICIT! The state has allowed all schools to declare a financial emergency.... so no, this 'drama' isn't fiction. MHSD is NOT asking for money for new spending, they are asking to cover a deficit.
You are the only person that I have heard talk about how at the board meeting it was 'clearly' stated as a one-year levy. Until I see the minutes for myself and can do the research for myself, I don't think I can take just your word for it. Nor should anyone else.
Also, this is not the bond. Move on! We are pleading to keep our teachers in our schools. Not for a fancy new school, quit bringing it up... it's irrelevant.