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Commentary
Both sides of levy issue have merits
Published:
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Election time is upon us, and with it, another proposed levy for Independent School District 742.
With the city seemingly divided over the issue, what stance is one to take? To look at the facts, it would seem to be a somewhat foolhardy venture to raise property taxes for a school district that seems to keep going through whatever money it gets, only to ask for more the next year.
According to the those against the levy, more money is not the answer in the first place. The spending habits of the district are under scrutiny. If the levy passes, ISD 742 will receive $500 per pupil for the next four years. With what is being proposed by the pro-levy group, this sounds like a rather small amount with which to accomplish lofty goals.
Now, a look at the other side of the levy debate; those in favor argue that the levy should pass because children are our future and their education is a good investment.
It's hard to argue with that; we agree that children are our future and that education grants, when properly applied, are a good idea. But the money never seems to be enough. Every time an election pops up, so does a proposal to grant more money to a system that has been fiscally irresponsible in the past.
We suggest a thorough inquiry into expenditures in ISD 742's budget and how revenue generated by past levies was spent. Then, outside help (from perhaps another district) would be sought to make sure that this money does not go to waste.
In an era where schools everywhere seem to be coming under siege in one way or another, it's easy to say that more money would be an easy answer or the quick fix. But there is no quick fix for this situation. The trust between the district and taxpayers is shaky. Perhaps a successful application of grant money would ease whatever mistrust that has built up. Only by working together can both sides of this come to some sort of solution that will remedy the problem in time.
We would like to vote for children's education because it is important. But only wise fiscal decisions in the present can guarantee the willingness of people to donate more in the future.
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