Being "Anti" Education In Mountain Home, Idaho

Ms. Lauric, you as a tax payer do NOT pay for debate. we recieve very little money from the district. My freshman year when Mr. Petti was a brand new coach/teacher our parents paid for students to go to tournaments. What we do count on the SD for is transportation to our tournaments. That's it. If the levy fails, we will not have transportation.

"The youth of today have more options (in most cases) for "electives" than most of us ever thought of when we were in school." --I agree that too many elective credits and not enough core credits are required to graduate. Half of my credits are elective classes that I have taken 2-4 times in the last 4 years. However, when we register for school we pay fees for those elective classes, i.e. if you have art there is an art fee added on a registration. Please do not take all of the credit for my education.

Also, this isn't just about cutting the 'fluff,' (academic and athletic competitions) This is about the teacher pay cut, the amount of experienced teachers that will all retire/quit within a year. Those are the things that will harm our education.

"Should an athletic director make more than a teacher?" -- I actually don't think he should.

"Few want to talk about what higher taxes mean for this community. Higher taxes could make our area less attractive to businesses that may want to come here. Higher taxes based on services provided could make this area less than ideal for residential development." -- Because businesses and residential developers are going to want to come here after half of our students transfer to other states/districts? Why would people want to move their family here as oppose to Nampa/Meridian (which will have athletic/academic competitions) when we have NOTHING for their kids to get involved in? The higher taxes you pay for services such as a successful education system or a recreation center will add value to homes, and make this a more desireable place to come. If we have nothing in this community to attract FAMILIES, the homes will be worth nothing. One of the first pieces of information posted on ALL realestate listings is the SCHOOLS. It is a factor that is very important when a family is deciding a home. Same with a recreation center. These things would not be listed if they subtracted value from the home. They add lots of value to homes. It's worth the higher taxes... which by the way people pay less taxes this year than they did last year.

Rebecca is 100% correct Miss Lauric.

Now can we please discuss why you oppose the other 89% of the savings made in the budget?

I agree fully that the athletic director position is a joke. Perhaps we need to take this up heavily with the district administrator?

First of all, Becca, I am not sure where you get your facts as far as taxes. I paid more and so did just about everyone that I know.

As far as people paying nothing for debate. We pay for the teacher to teach it do we not? Are the judges paid or volunteer (I do not know which is why I ask)? We pay the transportation costs as well...which means that we pay to send you kids on the road. Nothing is free and someone foots the bill. I do admire the fact that you do raise funds for the program. I think that is important.

I am not against education for you kids, I am really not. I do however object to the way the district spends MY money. As a result, the students are caught in the cross-fire. If the MHSD made better decisions, few would complain about how money is spent. You young adults are obviously pretty smart. I am sure you will all go on to do great things and be productive members of society. However, as a member of the public and a taxpayer I have the right to object to spending which I feel is out of line when the MHSD has their hands out during one of the worst financial situations this country has seen. They need to scale back. It should have been done when enrollment started to drop off (and that has been for many years now). They should have improved what they had and cut back. Had they used forward thinking, our district would be in better financial shape. We would have been ahead of the game (so to speak). When I read the MHSD Minutes with respect to the land, my blood boils. It is ok for us as taxpayers to lose our butts on our homes/land but not the MHSD----who wants us to pick up the tab. Some of these pay schedules are nuts as well (like the athletic director).

My point was, that I am not against education. Education is important but so is fiscal responsibility and accountability. Without that, a 5.6 million dollar levy (2.8 million for 2 years) is not going to help anything. I am sorry that the students are caught in the middle. Put pressure on the school board for their acts/decisions. They need to be accountable. The MHSD should be run like a business. Funds are not endless and $20.00 a month is a lot to some people which some of you fail or are unable to understand.

If you want the public to support you or the MHSD, telling them (the taxpayer(s)) how to spend THEIR money may not be the best way to make your point. Do not assume that $20.00 is not a lot of money to some people no matter how badly they support the MHSD and this budget crisis. Do not assume that everyone spends on garbage and fun or things that are not a matter of life and death. And even more important---do not think for one minute that any part of your education is "free." Scholarships are funded with someone's money. Grants are tax dollars. Nothing in life is free. No matter what, someone is paying or making those funds available to afford you your education.

I would like to point out that we have people that live here that moved from Boise because it don't cost as much to live here as it does in Boise. Some of these people work in Boise but own or rent here.

Also if the levy doesn't pass and teachers quit their jobs, there's always someone who will gladly want that job if they have a teaching degree and qualifications. Going from no job to a low wage job for a couple years, might look inviting for those that are without a job.

The 5.6 million levy is for 2 yrs, so does this mean we will be better off in 2013-2014?

@OpinionMissy

After spending a few short days reading through the blogs on the Mtn Home News website and comments on various articles, it is very clear to the reader that you have strong feelings about the job done by(past and present) the Mountain Home School District and the school board. Have you ever considered running for the school board?

Thanks!

I agree, that the athletic director position is a waste of time and money. Give me the program, and I will volunteer the time to arrange the athletics and the buses and the coaches and the teams to make sure that the kids get to play. However, I may make mistakes, and we will have to work with the other districts to make it work, but, keep the sports programs in place until we can support the athletes outside the school system, and give our kids an opportunity to grow in athletics, in ADDITION TO THE SCHOLASTIC opportunities that they deserve! Entitlement has nothing to do with it, our kids, even though I will not longer have kids in the system, are ENTITLED to a well-balanced education. Athletics is part of that system, just as music, drama, the arts and so forth! Atheletics builds teamwork, leadership, stamina and determination: It's everything a kid needs to try to succeed in today's economic environment. Do it! Thanks for your time, Terry Ratliff.

idahoalltheway. 1st you cannot just become a school board member . you need to wait until a BM retires or is up for re-election. you also must be in the same residential area of said person, so no matter how we feel if the person from area "1" is up for re-election 'we' cannot do anything unless 'we' reside in the same area I'm sure lots of people would love to replace ALL the board members.

@Stinger

Thanks for the civics lesson, Stinger!! :-)

I know how the process works I was just wondering if OpinionMissy has ever considered throwing her hat in the ring.

I think it is everybody's responsibility to vote if you are over 18 year's old, student or not. As a homeowner I'm leaning toward voting yes. Here are a few concerns and why people are suspicious and upset, they are valid concerns. People that vote no are not anti-education or hate kids so please stop accusing people of it. I have also read a lot of good points from students and as the debate student should know there are two sides to every issue.

1. Fact - The school board (district) has a bad reputation of wasting money and/or misleading the public when it comes to spending.

2. The SB needs to be seen as meeting the public half way. Sell the land (there is confusion on the SB's own website on this). Cut the athletic director or have an asst. principle do it. There are other good ideas.

3. Fact - Home Owners will be taking the brunt of this, not the local businesses or people living on base or renters. Most renters have a lease and their rent won't go up for this, at least not right away. All arguments about we will all pay are false, unless everyone that does not own a home donates $20.00 every month. Would be better to charge a onetime registration fee of $200.00 per child when they register. This would put the responsibility on the parents and not a homeowner that doesn't have kids pay for someone that has kids and not a home. This would be like having someone that doesn't drive pay to fill someone's car with gas every month and then watching them drive away.

4. Fact - a lot of homeowners are barely holding on. A lot have lost jobs, had hours cut, or like me and the teachers took a pay cut. Their pay cut is 4% (teachers) and 6.5% (administrators), mine was 8.5%. Try and be a little more understanding with homeowners just trying to keep their homes from being foreclosed on. I'm sure this will be the straw that breaks someone's back so to speak.

5. Kids - try to be a little more respectful to the elderly on here, I know some people haven't been as nice as they should be but take yourself above that. Just think about all the opportunities you have today they didn't. I know for me I didn't have all the sports and activities available to me that you have today. These things seem unnecessary to other generations that didn't have or require them. I do understand the need for them to be competitive today but my father went to a one room school house 13 kids and he turned out pretty smart. Even though when I was a teenager I thought he was the stupidest person in the world, each year he got smarter.

6. Fact - You can guarantee that this 2 year levy will become permanent. Either the economy won't improve in the next two years (I don't see it happening) or the SB will get used to the money and it will claim disaster if it is not renewed. The temporary levy in other districts have been extended or even expanded. So this two year 5.6 million levy will end up being more. I haven't had a tax go down or go away yet. Stick around in two years you will get another education.

7. Most people that have questions about this are getting misinformation, usually from their kids innocently twisting the information that teachers rant about it in class (I could give teachers names). This is wrong and I don't feel that teachers or administrator should discuss this in math class.

All I want is accountability, honesty, and to see that the SB is trimming the fat from the budget. What we have gotten in the past isn't that from the SB or the other local taxes (see WECRD). I'm willing to vote yes but I understand why and can respect the fact people would vote no on this issue and it is not because they are anti-education.

Personally I don't have a problem with education. If anything I have a problem with the sitting school board. Put me on the list Stinger referred to that wouldn't mind seeing the entire board replaced. I don't have any confidence in the abilities of one single board member, and would not vote to re-elect my district representative, the superintendent or any directors. If I was given a voting choice between any of these people and a naked mole rat -- I would definitely pick the naked mole rat. One thing I would like to see is some of our seasoned, level-headed teachers seek some of these board seats.

That's just my opinion. I don't know of any naked mole rats considering running for elected office. But in our case, I can only hope.

Here is a great idea, let everyone vote on owners of blue cars pay a tax. Then everyone that drives a car other than blue or doesn't even own a car can vote for it forcing it on the blue care owners. Is it just me or does anyone find a problem with this logic. This levy is the same as the above scenario.

Vic,

You are precious!! I love the way you can spout platitudes, call names and condescend, be challenged, then squirl out by saying that serving on the School Board might interfere with your "career path"--that is rich!! Sounds like you just can't man-up. You conclude by saying someone else should run for the Board in your place. Why? So you can have a new target? You are the expert, aren't you? I guess being critical of others is your specialty, especially when you think you can hide.

So much for hiding, Vic. I challenge you to a debate. I think a good place would be the Lloyd Schiller Gymnasium in front of all who would care to attend, and judged by our high school debate teacher. Let me know when you are available and I will be sure to be there. Bring all your "facts", and I will bring mine. (Remember, rumors aren't facts) Heck, we might even use our real names!! We will talk about decisions the Board has made, the decisions the Legislature has made, federal government, NCLB, special education, current law, and anything else you feel you need to straighten us out on.

I can't wait to hear from you, Vic. Don't forget your pet naked mole rats!!!

Of all the comments posted on here, I would first like to tell the kids that I am happy to see them involved in the process, and as educated as they are on the situation. The best thing that I have heard come out of the discussion is to charge a 200$ fee at registration if your kids are to be involved in any after school sports program. If the parents can't afford it, then Johnny better cut some grass, and earn the right to play sports. Like it's been said on here, school sports is not a entitlement....

Well, Vic, you mention how you think having teachers on the Board would be a good idea. While I don't disagree that teachers are a valuable resource, I do have to point out that Idaho Code (33-507) spells out that any employee of any school district can't legally work for that district (conflict of interest) if they are a member of the local School Board. That isn't my language, that is Idaho Law and it cannot be ignored.

I know that you want to help, but if you aren't informed, I feel it is my duty as a Board member to keep the crap from piling up, and I feel that people who have strong opinions should step to the plate. Who knows, maybe you know something that no one else does.

Vic, I respect your opinion of what the district should look like, as long as you are informed. Quite frankly, in order to enter into these discussions intelligently you should read Title 33 of Idaho code and SB-1418. These statutes might help you understand the basis upon which many decisions are legally made.

As for management of money, I know of no one who is satisfied with the money situation anywhere in Idaho. Maybe you can dig in and find some solutions where no one else has. It would help if you could specify exactly what your angst is about, because platitudes just don't cut it for me. You say that this didn't happen over night, but from a managerial standpoint, it did. Many contracts and projects are begun far before anyone knows that a crisis is going to occur. We can't control what the state is going to do, what our student population will be, or what other new laws we will be dealing with. We can't control when the Governor of Idaho is going to work to abolish M&O from property tax or when there is going to be a world financial crisis. All of these things tend to add to each other: for instance, did you see in the news where state tax revenues were up $15 million in March, just to be down $50 million in April. Do you think that will impact our community?

I can only hope you have all the answers we are looking for.

Have a pleasant day

It's not the elected, it's the hired help. Consider the "Peter Principle" (google it if you're under 50 yo.)

Every employee tends to rise to his/her level of incompetence.

Members of institutions are promoted so long as they work competently. Sooner or later, they are promoted to a position for which they are no longer competent. In time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his/her duties.

The work of the institution is carried out by those who have not yet reached their level of incompetence; however, the workers will be managed by those who have no idea how to get the job done.

One more parting thought.

The MHSD wants and extra $150.00 per year. Police and fire may want another $30.00. We will need to increase the funding for roads by say $50.00 becuase we have more roads. Food has gone up 20%. Fuel is on the rise. Still have to get to and from work so to not use the car is not an option. With all of the natural disasters, insurance has gone up. It is all of the "little" things that go up and add up fast. These are the things in this day and age that force choices in everday life for regular folks. Once again, it is not a matter of not wanting to do this---it is a matter of being able to do this and still be able to pay your bills and feed your family. Crappy choices but choices none the same. So, our only $150.00 tax increase to support our schools will not be the end of it.

OM, yes, maybe in years past, extra curricular activities being unavailable did not affect students, but in the world we live in, ECA's (not just sports) are vital to getting in to good schools, because there are a ton of students with good grades. Go on to the college board website (www.collegeboard.com) and search any school. Then look at how heavily they weight ECA involvement in their admissions review.

I have taken a look at my chances without my ECA's. With a 3.6 GPA and no ECA's, I'm getting a 'maybe'. With ECA's I have a 'great chance' at schools with 50 percent of their students having >3.8 hs gpas.

My goodness, Tracy, someone is having a very difficult day.

I am curious, though. I get the impression you are responding to something you think I said. You can help me by telling me what I said to provoke such a nasty attitude. You preach about "this sense of entitlement" and accusing students of not being motivated and not taking ownership and lack of parental involvement. And when did I ever say that students would get pregnant and become drunks without this levy? Are you making things up, putting words in my mouth, or do you have me confused with someone else?

Unlike you, I believe our community has been blessed with great kids (just come to a graduation ceremony and you will see), great families and great teachers, who are also struggling to make sense of this financial crisis. They are taking responsibility as much as possible, but they need help, too. That is why we, as a community, have to bring the issue forward and let the community decide what is best. Even though I support the levy, and will pay my share of tax (if it is successful), I understand if you vote no. That is what democracy is. I only want to make sure everyone understands what is at stake.

Tracy, we all know these are difficult times, but maybe you would feel better if you look at the facebook page "I Support the Mountain Home School Levy". The enthusiasm is infectious. In the mean time, let's try to work together.

So Jim, what can I do for you to "work together" on this? As for the Facebook page, no thank you sir. I still believe that we are in the state we are in due to many, many years of over spending. If we do it right, the budget for the MHSD will be brought into line with what we can afford (i.e. the budget). This has been on the horizon for a long time.

So, no comment Jim on what we as taxpayers are required to fund by law. Are we going to tip toe around that. One more thing. Read the paper today. The MHSD makes it seem like they will only use the money they "need." How do they plan to refund the taxpayers any money they do not use? We have learned through our lesson with the WECRD and the pest abatement district that surplus money does not return to the people. Why did the MHN article make it seem like it would. Once you guys get money---you never give it back.

So, what can I do to work with you on this? What can I do to make things easy for you?

As for you reading my mind Jim, you do not get a passing grade. I do beleive this community has some really great, gifted kids. I work with them often (not that you would know). However, throwing money at people who have no budget/business plan is not the answer. The more we throw, the more they want. That is the problem not the solution. If we do not get spending under control no amount of money is going to help. Obama is the heart of that lesson.

Let me know what I can do to help you out.

I think we need fresh blood bloggers! I see the same old bloggers every SINGLE time! BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH!!!!!

Tracie, going to the dentist is sometimes painful last week he did pass on this Public website for me to peruse, Our Idaho.com

Which 4 sports are being cut regardless?

Ashly, the students are actually not saying much on the sports. Go back and read student posts (vandalwriter, yo,b, sunshinechristy, and myself are the students). You'll find that it's the adults making the comments.

"Also some students who have been posting blogs on here are just proving why people shouldn't pass the levy. Saying things like "$20 a month isn't a lot" and "people should change their spending habits" is ignorant to say."

Have you read the student's blogs?

Have you been reasonably thinking about our posts? In all honesty less than 1 percent increase in property taxes is really not a lot. And we were merely suggesting that those who are mildly concerned about this should consider other alternatives if they're having a hard time. You are making insinuations based on maybe three posts out of the hundreds.

As for the fairness/unfairness of the situation, it will be all or nothing if the levy fails, but as a part of the cost saving strategy. According to Jeff Johnson, nothing's definite yet. Everything is on hold currently.

Vega, the four programs are color guard, dance line, golf, and freshman basketball.

Please stop any students you see tagging cars, as that is vandalism.

I actually wrote 'vote yes' on my car. I feel it's important to spread the message.

And whether or not you think this is a scare tactic (yeah, a whole eleven percent of the 2.8 mil is the scariest thing in the world) the levy should be passed for a host of other reasons.

We are thankful for a school, ashly, don't assume we're not. But a school is useless without a quality education, and the roof falling down.

I have trimmed the fat at my house and lets just say I no longer eat out in restaurants, go to movies, no extra money to attend a sporting game. My dogs don't get their teeth cleaned, the gas heat gets turned down, lights are turned off when not in use. Going green is good! That doesn't bother me. However any extra money going for more taxes does upset me. I no longer donate to Charities like I used to, March of Times called this morning and I had to say NO.

I have had 3 sons go on to college without scholarships. They worked their butts off to go to college. 2 got their degrees one dropped out

If you want the community of Mountain Home involved then lets get everyone involved....... everyone not just home owners... If you say all non homeowners are going to donate or not donate then let all homeowners donate or not donate..

I am all for education and everyone helping keep the teachers in their jobs, and buses running for the kids and etc. However this will not work for me when I look inside my pocketbook and turn the lining out, nothing falls out. It is dryed up ! :(

Doncha think landlords will increase the rent charged to their tenants when the taxes are increased on the landlords rental property?

So, those who vote for this levy can then turn around, and if they qualify, get the "circuit breaker" and not pay a dime? How about that?

US Potal Service food drive is this weekend (May 8). If you can spare some canned goods, pasta, rice---it sure would help some hungry people. The $20.00 that some of these young people seem to think is nothing fills a bag with some pretty good food. It is the difference between eating and not.

lilmiss,

"And whether or not you think this is a scare tactic (yeah, a whole eleven percent of the 2.8 mil is the scariest thing in the world) the levy should be passed for a host of other reasons." 11% is a pretty nice sum! I am not sure what they are teaching you in school but money really does not grow on trees. There is not an endless supply. The MHSD would like people to think that if they do not need all of the money they plan to get that WE will get it back. Not true. IF this levy passes, they TAKE it all.

Where is Mr. Jim Alexander now (aka MHSD School Board Chairman)? You never did say what you wanted me to do to "work with you." When there is more factual info put out then maybe I can side with this levy. Until then, pretty much not.

reallycurious,

The Twenty-fourth Amendment prohibits both Congress and the states from conditioning the right to vote in federal elections on payment of a poll tax or other types of tax. The amendment was proposed by Congress to the states on August 27, 1962, and was ratified by the states on January 23, 1964. Later the Supreme Court extended this prohibition to state elections.

In 1966 Harper vs. Virginia Board of Elections the supreme court ruled in favor of Ms. Harper. The Court noted that "a state violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution whenever it makes the affluence of the voter or payment of any fee an electoral standard. Voter qualifications have no relation to wealth

http://supreme.justia.com/us/383/663/cas...

I hope this helps

William Murray

Just a thought if the levy goes through the landlords will not only increase rent to pay their share for the levy but could possibly increase just a little more to cover the next thing that could happen. These days we are living month to month not knowing what the next day is going to bring

@ WilliamMurray

I do understand what the law states, but everyone has to ask themselves, is it right? Not all laws on the books are right. I find it very difficult that people that do not pay property taxes for one reason or another voting on something that will greatly impact those that do pay.

Most people in Mountain Home do not own a home and the few fortunate ones that do are at the mercy of those that don't on this. Do you really want someone else telling you how your money is going to be spent if you do not agree with this levy?

And while I am on it, do you really think this levy is only going to be for 2 years? I highly doubt in this day and age this property tax will ever go away in today's economy, the government usually does not give back what it has taken away. In fact I will bet another gets added before this one even reach its end, maybe not for school but for one reason or another.

Mountain Home is a victim of it's own bad decisions in the past. I have been here 7 years and year after year businesses want to come in and are told no do to other businesses already here. Every business that is told no are future property tax dollars going somewhere else. I would ask, how many businesses here currently have been given a tax break or free from paying taxes for many years to come, this is money that could be funneled into the school system, fire dept, law enforcement, etc.

These are the reasons that many property tax payers are up in arms about this. If you can give businesses a break, why not give John Q Public the same break?

If someone can lead me to a site that lists what the school system has coming in money wise and what it has going out and the reasons for the payment, I would be greatly appreciated. As I think many others will be as well.

The MHSD has made some bad decisions in their past, and are doing little to help themselves in this dilemma i.e. the property they own and do not want to sell (or can not) do to it may lose money, the 79K a year Athletic Director's position and I have heard rumors that the School Superindent makes just north of six figures, not sure that is true, I have not been able to find anything that shows that.

I have not been able to attend any of the meetings do to work, and yes I have a son that attends MH High School. If it will cost me more to send him to school, please let me know what the cost will be and I will pay it. I do not expect someone else to pay for his education.

Mr Murray, I understand you are on the school board and I respect your position on this. I just ask that the MHSD as done EVERYTHING in their power before they ask for this levy and put many that can not afford this added tax in a very touchy situation.

Thank you for your time serving on the school board, not many can do it and it can be a thankless job.

@reallycurious

I have a couple of questions for you.

1 - Do you know what the job of activities director involves? If so, do you believe 79K too much for that position? If you don't know what the activities director does, are you making the assumption that the job is nonessential?

2 - Do you know that all school district employees salaries are public record? If you would like, you have the right to call the school district office and request the information.

3 - Do you know what other superintendent's at comparable districts and districts in the area make? Again, public record, and I will tell you from my reserach MHSD's superintendent makes less than many, more than a few (Glenns Ferry and Bruneau/Grandview) but appears to be in the range of what other superintendents make.

4 - If salaries for activities directors and superintendents (and teachers, coaches, para educators, bus drivers, receptionists, school counselors, etc. for that matter) in other districts are on par with Mtn. Home School District employees, are those districts making bad decisions also?

Thanks and I look forward to your responses!!

I would like to see a list of items that this levy is intended for.... and I would like to know why all of the sudden these are an issue.

Schools do not fall apart overnight. Who is responsible for keeping the school in good working condition and why were they not doing their job.

@reallycurious

Per the school district's website:

Athletic Director salary: $58,000

Miss Lauric you STILL miss the point.

Stop talking about sports. That was the point. I don't care about them at this point. But there is a lot that I am "entitled to" that is covered by law.

I got the 11% figure. But regardless. The ONLY point was THERE ARE BIGGER ISSUES AT HAND SO STOP MAKING SUCH A HUGE DEAL ABOUT SPORTS. That's the point. The only point I was trying to make to ashly208.

idahoalltheway,

so from what you said, i got... the school district is led by those with blinders on. How in the world could you not see this budget cut coming. Otter has been very verbal about what needs to happen to keep this state within its own budget.

I have had to change my budget to accomandate the change in cost of fuel, food and other necessary items.

I am certainly with others when I say, reading, writing, and math are among the meaning of education. When is football, track and other sports education, they are entertainment.

When our wild west was developed did we have sports as part of our schools.. NO we did not. Kids went to a one room school and then went home and did chores.. Guess what our founding fathers did ok without football as part of our education and I believe our kids will be fine without it also.

American up and do what you can to build this country back up. I would hate to have seen some of you during WWII on ration stamps.

Workingbee:

"I am certainly with others when I say, reading, writing, and math are among the meaning of education. When is football, track and other sports education, they are entertainment."

The passage of the levy will not only protect athletic programs. Did you look at the proposed cuts?

I will gladly pay an extra $13 a month to:

*keep a 5 day school week so my kids and other kids do not have to attend school for 9 hours a day

*allow kindergarten students to attend school every day for a ½ day vs. a full day every other day

*allow the school district to continue to pay teachers and staff relatively competitive wages.

**preserve student contact days

Do you consider these things to be "entertainment"?

When you switch from a stable, dedicated funding source (property tax -- remember Governor Risch's "property tax relief"?) to a variable, less stable source (sales tax) then the burden falls to local communities (compare your property tax statements for 2005 and 2009, I would be willing to bet you have seen considerable "relief") . Districts all over the state are being forced to make difficult choices and taxpayers all over the state are supporting students:

Wilder: http://www.idahopress.com/news/article_b...

Pocatello: http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=1...

American Falls: http://www.kidk.com/news/local/92838634....

Richfield: http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/ar...

Sounds to me that your suggestion to this crisis is to vote no and to send our kids back to the days of the wild, wild west. Not thank you -- I will be voting yes. When the going gets tough, the tough don't stick it to the kids.

(And let's not forget the cut in federal impact aid. According to the Mountain Home News, the district will be receiving approximately $1.2 million less in federal funding.)

@MsMarylin

"Lets not make home owners exclusive for the continuing education of our children. Lets open up this club so everyone can become involved with this crisis."

Do you have any suggestions? As far as I can tell from my research on Idaho code, a levy is the only legal way for a school district to generate revenue. By law, they cannot enact a sales tax or a "user fee" (where only students and families of pay). What other options are there? The state legislature had the chance to deal with this (lifting some sales tax exemptions, for example) but they chose to put it back on local communities. Declining sales tax revenue and Jim Risch's 2006 "property tax relief" have been disastrous for public education.

I do not disagree that everyone should pay their fair share. But how can this be done within the constraints that exist? If we don't want this burden to fall entirely on property taxpayers, then we must demand that our lawmakers change how schools are funded.

Tracy,

I had no idea you would miss me so much! Contrary to popular belief, I don't consider blogging the best use of my time. You have your beliefs and I have mine, so good luck. As far as working together, trust me when I say that you have helped more than you know.

Like everyone else, I'm wondering why you don't just answer Observer's questions, and set us all straight?

Idahoalltheway

Years ago I was a school volunteer that honored her commitment. I did seat work for 3 2nd grade classes over at West and also listened to the 2nd graders read to me once a week. I did this for 2 or 3 years, it was so long ago that I can't remember if it was 2 or 3 :) I signed up with the secretary and the teachers walked me through what my job was. They showed me how to use the equipment for printing out the seat work and each morning when it was my day they had a note left for me as to what I was suppose to do. They didn't do back ground checks then, so I don't know what the cost would be in doing one.

Back then everyone who signed up to be a volunteer honored their commitment

I bet there are plenty of parents who would love to help out....

William Murray

I seriously doubt that the school district will give money back the 2nd year. With the way the economy is going that money will be used. If the economy is still in dire straits after the 2 yrs will the school district ask for another levy to pass?

William Murray

What I was saying in my post was I believe that the way the economy is going the 2nd year money will not be given back, the school district is going to need that money. That's why I said I doubt the school district will give money back the 2nd year

I was not doubting your statements

Read again :)

I seriously doubt that the school district will give money back the 2nd year. With the way the economy is going that money will be used.

William Murray

I apologize also for not making myself more clear. When I am tired I have a problem with getting out my thoughts . I have Lupus and years ago it attacked my brain taking me 2 yrs to get over it. I still struggle with my issues...

With that said and moving on....... I know you don't have a crystal ball to predict what will happen in the coming years. I thought maybe you and the other board members might be kicking around some future "what if's"

I am still back and forth on vote NO or to vote Yes.... I seen on the news channel 7 where Meridian is closing schools 1 day early this year and saving $65,000 in transportation costs, is this something our school district could do?

The School system has created the situation they are in. We have a responsibility to educate not splurge on rediculous administrative salaries. Also the school system works harder to keep kids out of school than they do to keep them in. We pay to educate not regulate and make demands.The education system in Idaho is greatly flawed!!!!

Actually, Novia. The school system did not create this problem.

It was created by the state when a vote in 2005 took the burden off of property taxes to fund public education.

Senators like Mr. Corder opposed the legislation, warning that a scenario much like the one we find ourselves in now could occur.

The school districts had no way of knowing that they would be needing to save this much money to offset when the state decided to put the burden back on property owners.

Workingbee, according to some of the teachers at East Elementary, they may not even have enough toilet paper to make it to this year.

MsMarilyn, I'm curious as to where you heard the money would be given back? I'd like to know for the story we're doing on the high school paper.

Before this gets out of hand and I hear that the school board never gave money back like they promised.

I copied part of the article from the Mountain Home News website

"But district officials say that while they intend to seek the full $2.8 million this year, in order to clear out the district's red ink, "we'd only levy what we absolutely need" the second year of the authorization, according to Supt. Tim McMurtrey.

If the legislature were to restore school funding back to levels prior to this last legislative session, "we wouldn't need the full $2.8 million," he said. "We don't believe in levying for any more money than we need."

I made a similar statement as Mr. McMurtrey on this blog; no one said we were going to be giving money back.

William Murray

Anyone want to make a $1000.00 bet that they will get the full 2.8 mill every year. Once they are given something they are not going to give it back. You need to stop drinking the koolaid if you think different. I'm betting in two years they will be asking to renue or raise another levy. They Federal, State, and Local goverments need to cut education and other services to pay for free heathcare, free phones, free food stamps, free money (either unemployment for two years or welfare). I'm probably voting for the levy but not happy only a few will pay, and the corruption and waste in the goverment.

midea and workingbee,

I read your posts about "janitors throwing away supplies", so I investigated this morning, and this is what I found:

I found no custodians who knew anything about any supplies being thrown away by them. What they told me was that toward the end of the school year students tend to throw things away that can still be used, especially at the High School. They said that they regularly retrieve such things as notebooks, ink pens, pencils, paper, etc. that kids throw away when they clean out their lockers (rather than take them home). These supplies were not issued to these students by the school, but the custodians pick through the garbage and retrieve much of what is usable.

If you know of anything different from this please call me at 587-3346, and I will gladly investigate further.

Hope this helps.

Curious to know how they would do this, if the 2 yr levy gets passed >>

Read below

But, if the legislature restores funding, district officials say they would not levy that full amount the second year, only what would be needed, if any. according to Supt. Tim McMurtrey

Mr. Murray:

You have a MHSD attorney at your fingertips, why not use your tax payer paid resources. Oh wait, allow me to do your research for you.

Here is the levy law:

http://law.justia.com/idaho/codes/33ftoc...

It is from Idaho Code.

I would hate for you to have to research for yourself Mr. Murray and try to come up with the actual facts. Let us do the work for you, we are used to it.

Like everyone else, I'm wondering why you don't just answer Observer's questions, and set us all straight?

Idaho:

No, I have not. I have my eyes on other things.

Pale Ale/Observer-the info was posted on the BB some time back when tax bills came out. I do not have the time to sort through all of the posts but the info is out there and as you said, public record. Please feel free to take your time (as opposed to mine) and research what is already out there. I will not waste my time to chase down what I already know to be fact. However, you can both feel free to do so in your spare time.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Mr. Murray:

Here is just what you said:

Before this gets out of hand and I hear that the school board never gave money back like they promised.

I copied part of the article from the Mountain Home News website

"But district officials say that while they intend to seek the full $2.8 million this year, in order to clear out the district's red ink, "we'd only levy what we absolutely need" the second year of the authorization, according to Supt. Tim McMurtrey.

If the legislature were to restore school funding back to levels prior to this last legislative session, "we wouldn't need the full $2.8 million," he said. "We don't believe in levying for any more money than we need."

I made a similar statement as Mr. McMurtrey on this blog; no one said we were going to be giving money back.

William Murray

-- Posted by WilliamMurray on Tue, May 11, 2010, at 2:58 PM

Mr. Murray, sometimes it is the things you neglect to mention that are the problem. Here are some facts. The MHSD Board is already asking for more money than what they "need" from taxpayers in the form of a levy (according to that nice little "fact" sheet that was handed out). So, now you want those of us with an ability to reason to believe that this same Board will only levy us for what they need.

Boy, if I did not know that you won your seat in a coin toss not that long ago, I would think that you had been on that Board for at least 10 years. You are tight where you belong---you think just like them and speak just like them. Welcome to the club Mr. Murray. I am sure you will have a long career right along side the rest of them.

Mr. McMurtrey say a lot of things. It does not make what he says true. Shall we go through the history of that...again? Okay, lets.

Enrollment is up, we need a bond. We need the gym proposed because it is mandated by law. If we do not get this bond we will not be able to educate the youth. If we do not build now, the costs will only go up.

Yep, I trust you guys! Keep up the good work Mr. Murray. You fit right in. Did you sell used cars in a past life by any chance?

Midea,

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply, I have been working overtime and gotten in very late.... But anyway, Yes. Midea. Never used supplies not at the high school but at the elementary schools.

Boxes and boxes of teaching material, my husband threw away when he worked briefly as a janitor for the school district.. Yes he quit because anytime he questioned or made suggestion on how to save money he was treated like he was creating waves in the current system. He has integrity.

Mr. Alexander, do you really think that a current employed janitor is going to tell you truth and expect to remain employed, especially with your current regime.

Midea, great ideas, maybe you could attend a school district meeting and ask others to go and support you. Everything that is discussed is recorded, therefore if your idea is dismissed you have it on record your help wasn't needed.

How do Mr. McMurtrey or Jim Alexander feel about the idea? Would you both care to comment? I know that you are both interested enough to read and make comments on this forum, so it would be nice to read any ideas/feelings you have regarding the suggestions.

There is a board meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 PM at the district office.

There is a time set aside during the meeting for public comment. You just need to get there before it starts and get your name on the list. It's public comment, not Q & A.

midea:

I may have read your post wrong but I thought you were giving the district ideas on things they could do for supplies. I did not realize that you had donated your time for such an effort. The MHSD is really quick to tell us what we can do but they seem to think their only fix is to raise taxes. I thought your ideas were good ones. Good luck.

Here is another cut that could be made. Instead of shelling out money for people who already have insurance at $400.00 per month pay people a portion of that to NOT take the insurance. That would save a bunch of money considering the number of school employees who have Tricare available to them. Just a thought.

@OpinionMissy

You sure know how to make lemons out of lemonade, don't you? ;-) It kind of reminds me of the story of the little red hen. No one wants to put their money where their mouth is and do the dirty work(except for those of us would would gladly pay an extra $13 a month to deal with the budget crisis the state and federal governments have left us with). We are all great arm chair quarterbacks, backseat drivers, whatever you want to call it but no one wants to roll up their sleeves and jump in. Complaining on a blog and asking accusatory questions doesn't count as "help" in my book. You're just stirring the pot and adding fuel the fire. But maybe that's your intention. So who wants to head up this charity event? Or do you expect the district to do it? Is that then not charity? And since when is it OK for our kids to be charity cases? Maybe we should do something similar to fund social security or medicare increases, garage sales or bake sales or something. Why should I have to pay for the increases? I'm not a social security recipient or a medicare recipient. Oh wait, I will be in the future just like all of us were public school "recipients" in the past.

@MsMarilyn

"Will they tell how the money will be spent at the meeting tonight?"

Do you mean the money collected if the levy passes? It's posted on the school district's website. They have provided a list of items and programs that will not need to be cut if the levy passes. There will be no new programs created with the passage of the levy. It is only intending to protect what is already in place. If you want to know what the district spends it's money on (basically, the yearly budget submitted to the state) you can request it from the district.

"The HS has been in need of repairs for many years and I don't understand why more attention was not paid to the HS when the district had money..."

This is EXACTLY what I am talking about. Do you want an answer to your question or are you asking the question to say, "See, here's ANOTHER example of the school district wasting tax payer money" or "Here's another example of the school district trying to hide money", or "here's another example of the district lying to us", etc, etc, etc.

If I were in your shoes and wanted to know the answer to this I would call someone who might be able to answer my question. The first place I would start is with someone within the district who has been involved in that decision making process, the superintendent maybe. If I were unable to find an answer that sufficiently answered my questions then I would call my board member. After speaking to at least those two individuals (plus others, if necessary) and doing any other research I felt necessary I would then post the information on the blog.

@MsMarilyn

My point is, why don't you ask someone directly? As patrons of the school district we ALL have the right, and the responsibility, to question board and the superintendent.

I cannot be at the meeting tonite, I have a very special meeting that I cannot miss for one of my kids this evening, and we have company from out of town who will be with us. I am sure the SD meeting would be interesting though.

@MsMarilyn

"I think it wouldn't hurt them any to address everyone with questions they might have. If they want the levy to pass they need to be more open with the citizens of Mountain Home.

Tonights meeting from what I understand are only for comments not questions??

I could call one of the board members and ask my questions, however I would be the only one who knows the answers that were given unless I publish them or each person living in Mountain Home calls someone on the school board to ask their questions. Get my drift?"

I completely get your drift. You said it yourself. "When I mention the HS needing repairs for many years I am going way back before they built the Junior High.... It was more of a statement >> me wondering why those repairs were not done way back when...,.."

You asked your question not really expecting to get an answer to your satisfaction then you could say, "Oh there they go again, not answering my questions."

So you perceive that the district is making bad decisions with our money but rather than taking the initiative to find the answers to your questions by asking those who can answer your questions directly you pose a question that's not really a question, but rather a "statement" (again, your words). What do you hope to accomplish? Do you want answers or do you want to point out that you have been lied to, misled, wronged in the past and so now the district must work extra hard to convince you to do what is best for our kids. If you have a beef with how things are done with the school board and how decisions are made, get involved in the process. And if you perceive that something has been mishandled (repairs to the high school) find out what the story is. Now you have my interest piqued. I might just make some calls tomorrow. But if I were to hazard a guess I bet it has something to do with the timing of projects and repairs. I recall that the high school gym roof was repaired last summer and that the year before that or the year previous the Hacker parking lot was paved. I want to redo my bathroom floor, it's functional but the vinyl is bubbling in places but I have to buy a new dryer first. I have a two year plan to get both done but the dryer must be replaced first, I can deal with bubbles in the vinyl but with two small children it's not practical for me to be without a dryer.

The meeting tonight is a regular board meeting, held the third Tuesday of the month. And like every other board meeting there will be time for public input and like every other board meeting it is not Q & A.

@MsMarilyn

Thanks for the personal attack on my parenting.

My question is, do you want answers to your questions? Either way, I will find out tomorrow and get back to you.

@MsMarilyn

So you're going to get an answer to your question? I'm interested to hear what you find out. Or should we turn this into some sort of duel? Who can get the best info the fastest on the blog? Oooooh - I love competition!!! :-)

And thanks for the dryer tips, you were being sarcastic right?

Midea I agree your kids should come first and now I have another question maybe Idahoalltheway knows the answer (or when she makes her call to a school board person)don't School board members get paid?

Mr. Alexander,

No I was not at the meeting. I was AT WORK.. yea that is the thing that pays the taxes to the county and school district... I can not believe you posted your "get a life comment"... you poor fellow.. you love the title though don't you.

You realize if Phil Raney and Stephanie hadn't treated my husband like he was nothing more than a stupid janitor when he suggested time and cost savings I might just call you or attend a meeting. Past that I got a life...

this whole levy is irresponsible on the management of the Mountain Home School District. I made adjustments to my budget but the school district can't it just keep asking for more and more... I will vote NO not because I am anti-education but because I am pro-responsibility for the actions of the school district employees who have let our schools get into this situation...

Mr Murray Thanks for your response to my question, does that mean you don't get paid not even when you show up for a meeting? I know of other boards like the mellen water district who get paid when they attend a meeting........

It is a volunteer position and I know many SB members personally and as much as I have read these blogs lately the personal attacks on mothering (idahoalltheway) and (Myself) and people who sacrifice there time for the kids (volunteer SB members) are unbelievable. They are defending a few thousand kids and the ridicule is shocking. Something else I can't understand is how if all of you NON levy people can recall your own Homecoming, football games, plays, dances, bomb fires, basketball games, letterman jackets, scholarships, laughter and friendships. I bet when you all think about those times it puts a big smile on your faces. Your parents, elders, grand parents, neighbors and community helped pay for those memories. Now when our kids are asking us for the same memories and opportunities you turn your backs on them. What if in your younger years your community turned its back on you. Would you be were you are today?? Honestly would you?? I know for one I wouldn't be. I grew up in this town and so did my Grandmother one of the first to graduate out of the Annex at Hacker when it was built as a High School), Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Niece, Myself and Hundreds of Friends. Someone paid for my Grandmothers education, my Mothers, Father, numerous aunts and uncles, sister, my niece myself and hundreds of friends. My family has had Quarter Backs, Marching Band members, Drama members, Homecoming King, Homecoming Queens, Homecoming Duchesses, Cheerleaders, Softball players, Basketball players (both girls and boys including my grandmother), Class presidency, Students of the months and Honor Society. We have had Tiger Spirit running through our blood for almost 100 years and if my Grandmother was alive today and I asked her what her greatest memories of High School were I know what she would say. She would say it was those times of playing her favorite sport and taking the Basketball and running down the court to make that winning point with her Tiger pride showing. It would also be her friends and dances and bomb fires. It would be how the town showed their Tiger pride as small as the town was at that time. When I talk to my parents the answers are the same along with everyone else it is the "TIGER PRIDE". My family has always supported the town and with supporting the town comes supporting the youth. Our kids need us and I can't understand why anyone would argue with that. Have any of you NON Levy people talked to the children about how they feel? Or do you just want to argue about the past and have you forgotten that someone paid for all of your memories?? I refuse to be a hater, complainer, and negative person. I pray that the children won't have to face a memory of not having the things that make school and learning fun. You NON Levy people never had to worry about that and neither should our youth. The Youth are pleading with you and I have read it on these blogs and as they plead the disrespect they get is heart wrenching. One of my pet peeves in life is when children or youth are treated like there opinions don't matter, they don't matter, and there cause doesn't matter because it does. They matter above any finger pointing, or anything that has happened in the past. I love this town and I hope that this town loves our youth because to think any other way to me is impossible. 100 years of my family having the support of the community and why would it change. I pray it doesn't. So, lets add a twist and all of you Levy Lovers let us hear about your fondest School Memories and what the heck lets see if the NON Levy Lovers have any that they would like to share.

LOL. "BON Fire" thanks for the point out and I am sure that will not be the last Point out I get from someone. So can we all say TYPEO because we all have them. I didn't see your happiest memory posted though. Do share.

Bravo proudmom3, I was only a lurker on this blog until your post inspired me to comment. Note my user name :)

My husband and I are business AND home owners in this town, and we are voting YES to the levy. The trickle down effect of removing these programs from our schools would be devastating to this community, and to the children who live here. If I were looking at prospective places to start a business, or to raise a family, the quality of the public education system would be a top consideration. If this levy doesn't pass, I'm wondering how many of us will leave for greener pastures. It's a consideration in our household.

The prior suggestion that parents and/or students pay a tuition of 200.00 to participate in the extra curricular activities is a valid one.

I would be more than willing to pay such a tuition to keep opportunities available for my kids, and I'm quite certain that most of the parents reading these blogs would agree with me... even if it means giving up a luxury item like a cellphone or a dinner out once a month.

I have no problem paying additional monies for my children to participate in the extra curricular activities. I think what is getting the negative responses in regards to this levy, is the fact that the burden is being placed on the property owners only and that it would be more acceptable if all community members that will benefit from this levy help to financially support this levy. If there was an extra curricular activity flat fee of (for example only) $100 per child to match the tax burden, would that not pay for the levy within one year only?

As I have said before I have had 3 boys go on to college without scholarships.

It was their goal to go to college and they did it by working. It took more than 4 yrs for one son to get his degree but he never gave up.... I asked one son what he got out of school in Mountain Home ( I raised 5 boys) (my boys graduated from MHHS) he told me and he is one with a college education, that only 2 teachers influenced him, one was a elementary teacher and the other a HS Science teacher. I never went to school here so don't jump on me I am only the messenger as to what he told me.....

With that said and since you have brought up Social Security I receive $151.00 a month and out of that comes $110.00 a month for Medicare so I don't get no win fall there :)

If the levy passes it passes if it doesn't life will go on. The sky isn't falling yet. I seen on the news Caldwell's levy of 2.75 for one year passed, so this could be a good sign for Mtn Home. And yes I know we are different city's

When it comes to Medicare and Social Security I am stating it is needed and I pay it whether it is there when I reach that age or not. It may only be $100.00 or $200.00 but it helps doesn't it? Great for your boys that they could go to college with out scholarships but that doesn't work for everyone. If you were to ask them also if it would have been easier to go to college with a scholarship what do you think their answer would be? If we can help one child with $15.00 a month then that was well spent money to keep that one teacher or maybe even 2 teachers that helped them and made a difference. Also, if keeping the academic and athletics going helps a handful of students go to college through scholarships then we have made a difference. It may only take one teacher to make a difference but it takes a village to raise a child. No the sky isn't falling........ yet and I hope it never does.. Pay it forward as our parents and "village" did for us.

I have read her comments regarding her working for the district and it really makes no difference to me. While some people may take offense to her approach of a subject, she does make many valid points and she puts it out there on the line regardless of what public opinion may be because of it.

I don't know if she is angry or not. And, I won't assume to think that this is all about "sour grapes" just because she used to work for the school district. Fact is, I don't know her at all. Maybe some feel she could be nicer but, then again, we all probably could be nicer to those with a different opinion than our own. What one may see as blunt, another may see as mean. And, for all the sticks and stones out there, she has had plenty hurled her way as well.

That is great and the majority of collage students do not get scholarships but a lot do. I know of a lot who did get a scholarship and finished top in their class so lets let them make that decision. We are just providing them the help they need and showing them we have their backs. It is a Community supporting the future whether it is in scholarships, teacher support or volunteering. If it makes things easier for someone to succeed the only answer to me is Yes. If someone were to come to you and say, "Please, Please help me with my future" would you look him or her in the eye and say "No". That is what I see in the eyes of our youth and administration, teachers and town. I can't say No to someone in need

CuriousParents, I do see this as sour grapes and I have to wonder if Ms. Lauric has children attending school in this district? Maybe I missed that somewhere? It appears to me these numerous opinions, or rants rather, offered by Ms. Lauric are really nothing more than a personal vendetta against a former employer. I can thank her for one thing, she's inspired me to take time off work next Thursday to vote YES for the levy. I've also decided to convince anyone who will listen to me to vote YES as well.

How you see it is up to you. Doesn't necessarily make it true though, now does it?

I don't know if she has kids or not. I have children in the district. I support them as well as the other children in the district. However, that doesn't automatically mean that everyone who doesn't have children should share my opinions.

proudmom2 I am well aware that Ms Lauric can defend herself :) I was only pointing out that if you think she has some hidden motive when writing her blogs that you could take care of your concern by not reading her blogs...

Going back to when my kids were in school and none of them were in any programs that would give them a scholarship I could say No.....

Not being able to ride the bus to and from school I could still say No because at that time they didn't have bus service in the area of town we lived in. They walked to school even their baseball practices and games.

Less teachers more kids in class rooms. I could still say No..I think back when my kids went to school there were more kids in class rooms then there are now, at least that's what I think however I cannot be certain

A few of my kids worked in the lunch room so they could get a free meal and not have to walk all the way home for lunch if they didn't bag it.

The teachers won't be alone if they have to stand in the same line as others are who lost their jobs or took big pay cuts and lost their homes

It seems no matter what your job is, economy knows no bounds

I don't like the situation any better then any one else does. We are all going through rough times and the uncertainty of whats going to happen tomorrow is on everyone's mines.

People that vote No aren't voting No because they are against education, they are voting No because they either don't have any extra money to give, or if they do they are trying to hang on to what they have for the next melt down. Some are against it because of past handling of the schools funding..

Some will vote No because they don't believe everything will be better in 2 years time... Some will vote No because they feel it shouldn't be up to just property owners to foot the bill...

Like those who will vote YES Those that vote NO have their reasons one way or the other

It's a lot to think about and I don't think which ever way you are going to vote should be done in haste.

My pocket book will tell me one way or the other how I should vote.....

MsMarylin thank you for your reply.

I started reading these blogs to educate myself as to why anyone would oppose this levy. I will no longer read or respond per your suggestion :)

Ms. Lauric was not successful in swaying me to understand her viewpoint, in fact, I'm digging my heels in deeper and will vote YES on Thursday.

She doesn't have children because in one of the blogs she stated she doesn't have children nor has she ever wanted children. As I see it children are the rainbows and butterflies of the world so for her that makes me sad. But anyways Msmarylin I respect how you raised your children and all the foster children. Your way worked for you but that does not mean that is the only way. Children will still have to work to go to college and survive we are just the reinforcements giving them a boost. It is not that we are asking for the sun just a little light to guide them along the way.

Winyin,

I am going to assume you are asking me this question. My last name is Murray, but I haven't seen a Murphy post so I think my assumption is safe.

If I recall correctly, the question that prompted my statement was,

"Are we going to need a levy 2 years from now?"

The response you have listed was my response to that question. Yes we can budget for the next 2 years, but I can't say today whether we will need to ask for another levy in 2 years. It all depends on how much funding we receive from the State and Federal Government.

Hope this clears it up for you

William Murray

The Tiger softball team is playing right now at the state championships in Pocatello, and they won their game against Hillcrest 12-1 this morning and now they are up 1-0 vs. Kuna. Go Tigers !!!!!

I posted this information for my niece, a proud member of the MHHS softball team, and an incoming senior for the 2010-2011 school year.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW STATE CHAMPIONS!!

Our Mountain Home Lady Tigers WON the Idaho State softball championship last night in Pocatello in a very close contest against Kuna.

Don't take sports away from these kids...

Vote YES to the levy.

I agree, teachers should be the primary concern. I don't understand why the Mountain Home School District is never willing to compromise. It is either all or nothing with them. I would be happy to agree to a levy to help keep the teacher's salaries from dropping further. I would also be happy to pay for my student's extra-curricular activities in a pay-for-play situation. Other districts in the Boise area are doing this exact thing, so why can't we? Why must the district say that all activities are on the chopping block unless this levy passes? Why have there not been any other possible solutions to keeping these activities other than this levy? I never considered this levy to be a threat or scare tactic, but I do now.

CP exactly right, but now this levy has passed the teachers will not receive any money. How many people understand that teachers will have a double whammy as also with their pay cut they also have to pay an increase in taxes, nothing is sacred here, but the powers that be will find money for Basketballs, footballs etc. so how does that work again ?

LRL:

That is life. We all deal with that kind of crap at work. For what he does, he is very well paid. And, I am sure that the attorney who said he would have done it for free would have done a fine job. Pardon me if I do not cry for the guy that makes as much at his job as 2 people in this community who work 3 FT jobs. Your post makes me want to puke. We should be ashamed of this. This does nothing for the quality of education in this community and God knows it does nothing for a balanced budget. But who really cares---we can always raise taxes some more to give the children what they feel they are "entitled" to.

In Answer to OpinionMissy

Well, we don't all deal with that kind of "crap"(your word, not mine) but many do.

The AD's longetivity speaks for itself.

The persons working three jobs probably never worked and paid for or spent 5 years in college, if they had, they wouldn't have to work 3 jobs. The other people, I'd have to compare hours with hours. I didn't mention our AD only has July off unlike the teachers (they don't get paid enough for what they do, but they are taking a cut also)and he has a cell phone attached to his hip at all times so he can be reached by the school, even during July.

You're wrong - I've seen kids who would have ended up in jail come out a good community member because of sports and the mentors like our AD and Coaches.

The schools are working and doing their share of cutting their budgets. Someone paid for our education so now it is our turn to pay a little forward. I am retired on a fixed income, own a home, pay taxes and I'm not complaining. The levy passed by a large number who agree with me so this issue is done. I'm done blogging this one

Obviously you have some ax to grind so PUKE away!

We will see how you all feel in about 15-18 months when the MHSD is in even worse shape and hits all of us up for even more money. If you think this 5.6 million is going to make them figure anything out---well, you are just foolish. They have a money tree, why would they have to budget---ever?

MM, I would rather be able to tell you I told you so...which is just what will happen. Look at the deal over the bond. I was "crazy" then too and not being factual when my numbers indicated enrollment was down and had been for years. Now look! It is all the district can talk about. Never mind that they tried to lie to pass their field of dreams. Keep your 50.00 bucks---donate a textbook to the schools.

"We're way too soft on these punks."

Hear hear!