Editor:
Lets not kid ourselves that a shiny new building will actually improve education. The school district is on the state watch list because it has been badly run for years. Without fundamental reform, its policies will continue to fail the kids. A recent newspaper headline quotes the district as hoping the new building will improve test results. So, this $22 million bond, which will actually cost $37 million with interest, is based on hope and empty promises. The district also does not have actual plans for the new school design the cost estimates are mostly guesswork. Given its record of running things, including the now-abandoned Calkins building construction and the lack of maintenance of existing buildings, what are the odds the new project will come in on budget?
The immense cost of all this falls, as usual, only on property owners. Indians, who represent 30 percent of the school enrollment, will pay nothing (per the school district) because there is no property tax on the reservation, and our federal taxes dont even cover the current cost of their education. Nor is this the end of new taxes. The superintendent is already talking about more bond issues for other buildings. Unfortunately, taxpayers stand alone against this organized, well-financed push for more taxes.
The school district has consistently failed in its job of properly educating kids. Why reward such failure with more money and responsibility? If those who support the schools really want to help, they should demand accountability and education reform from the district. Results matter, not good feelings.
Then again, I suppose those who dont mind failure and empty promises, will also be putting their checkmark next to Obamas name.
Steve Jennings
Pleasant View
Via email
