Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

Are we in the same boat?

PLSD Taxpayers, again I say read and learn. Other districts face the same challenges as we do. Take the time to read about how they face these challenges, if they compare to PLSD and most importantly how they plan to deal with these problems.



Article published Feb 3, 2006
School levy creates a difficult choice for homeowners
Most voters want to support students, but some can't afford it
By LAURA VAN HOUTEN
Eagle-Gazette Staff
lvanhout@nncogannett.com
LANCASTER - Residents have told Jack Greathouse they support teachers but cannot vote for Lancaster City Schools' 10-mill replacement levy.
The Lancaster High School teacher said other residents told him they support the kids, but they cannot vote for the issue Feb. 7.
''I tell them they aren't (for kids or teachers),'' Greathouse told a crowd of hundreds Monday night at a student-led rally. ''If you're for kids and for teachers, then you will vote for this levy.''
District officials want voters to pass the replacement levy to help with what they say is a financial crisis. The issue would replace a 1977 levy.
Board members have reviewed a list of proposed budget reductions if the replacement levy passes - $700,000 worth - or if it fails - $4 million worth. Reductions are part of a corrective action plan, which must be created when a district is given the status of ''fiscal caution'' by the Ohio Department of Education.
Debi Springer, 52, of Lancaster, said with costs going up in most aspects of taxpayers' lives, they have to say no to something.
Homeowners in the Lancaster school district already pay $808.42 per year to the district for homes valued at $100,000. Of that, $57.47 is collected on the original 10-mill levy. The amount has been reduced to less than 2 mills as property values have risen since 1977.
Owners of homes valued at $100,000 would pay an additional $248.78 per year if the replacement levy passes. That would bring the total amount paid to the school district in property taxes to $1,057.20 per year for a $100,000 home.
''There are people on fixed incomes,'' Springer said. ''Gas goes up, electric goes up - it's a domino effect. But raises and incomes are not going up enough to make up for costs going up. They (district officials) need to cut spending like we have to. We have to stay within our limits, and so do they.''
Springer said she doesn't like that officials ''are using children as part of their ploy.''
''The kids do not have a right to vote,'' she said. ''We're the ones supporting our children. They're using our children against us, and that upsets me.
''They're saying to the kids, if parents don't vote for the levy, then they'll lose this and lose this,'' she continued. ''And that's just wrong.''
Hundreds of students turned out for a rally Monday to support the levy.

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Same Boat??

''I want the same opportunities in high school that others have now,'' said Haley Underwood, an eighth-grader at General Sherman Junior High. ''If it doesn't pass, it may entice people to move. I know people in this community are generous, and if you want a reason to say yes to this levy, then look into the eyes of a Lancaster student.''
Cuts on the $4 million list include reductions in administration, elementary and secondary teaching staff and support staff, a reduction in busing and reductions in core subjects and electives at the junior high and high school levels.
The cost of sports and clubs also would increase.
''I hope I get the same quality of education at the high school so I can follow my dream of going to college,'' said Nolan Flowers, a seventh-grader at General Sherman. ''Having both academics and electives helps shape a person. We need to get this levy passed so the quality of education will continue for current and future students.''
Steve Hoffman, 64, of Lancaster, has voted for school issues in the past. But he said he cannot this time.
''They're asking for more than they should be asking for,'' he said. ''I'm on a fixed income. I would vote for an income tax or a real estate tax that was lower. But now in May they're asking for more money. When does it stop?''
District officials have said throughout the levy campaign they plan to place an income tax on the May ballot if the issue passes next week. The replacement levy would go on the May ballot, too, if it fails Tuesday.
Kristin Hall, a student at Stanbery Freshman Campus, said over the years she's considered different careers - a teacher, a psychiatrist. While the professions keep changing, she knows she wants to help people when she grows up.
''The passage of the levy will help to determine my future,'' she said. ''You (the voters) could be driving the possibilities or closing doors to my future. This not passing could affect you in the long run, so vote yes for your future, for my future and for Lancaster's future.''

If the10-mill replacement levy fails Tuesday:
?• Lancaster City Schools officials will place it on the May ballot.
?• District officials must make $4 million in cuts this summer.
If the replacement levy passes Tuesday:
?• District officials still must make $700,000 in cuts this summer.
?• They also plan to place an income tax on the May ballot. Collection on the income tax, if approved, would start in 2007.

Bloat is elsewhere as well

Having the state run an audit that compares you to other districts has no value if those other districts are as bloated as your district. The state DOE has the same vested interest to expand the educational industry as any local group. An audit by a disinterested party such as a Big 4 accounting firm would bring credibility. Anything from the educational world typically isn't worth the paper it is printed on.