Ballot measure 4A, to retain and attract quality teachers, is a thoughtful ask of our community.
In preparing this measure, the school district took great care to ensure the voice of the community was heard as best it could. Many elements to which the community previously objected where removed (buses and technology).
Surrounding districts were surveyed to find salaries that made RE-1 competitive, not the top, again to be respectful of the taxpayers.
I have been impressed by this conscientious approach.
I also heard about creating a sun-setting (time-capped) mill levy. Sun-setting creates a short-term sense of security that puts the schools and the community in a dilemma down the road. By setting the determined mill ahead of time and not going this route, the leadership was looking out for both the community and the district.
Taxation is always hard. It affects all our property owners and farmers who worked hard to be such. Over the years, the district has chased every grant that would benefit our students to find out that it is not sustainable in creating lasting effects. Increasing mills is one of the only ways a district has to generate the funds needed.
No measure is going to be perfect in what it is asking or how it is presented. I believe that the district is making a sincere effort out of respect for taxpayers.
Jason Wayman
Cortez