Update on Budget and Poll Results

Based on conversations in last night's Board meeting, it does appear that a vast majority of School Board members support the administration's recommendation regarding the proposed $1 billion budget and a declining student enrollment.  It appears that a vast majority of the Board supports all employees including the Superintendent and Senior administration to receive a 5% raise.

While I believe that we need to remain competitive in teacher/employee pay in order to recruit and retain employees, I also must consider the burden placed on those whose pockets the money is being taken.  I am always aware that the funds being used come from the taxpayer and I take very seriously that fact. 

I can't forget that many citizens have suffered over the last year.  Businesses have closed and people have lost their jobs. Parents have had to sacrifice financially to be at home with their kids or to pay extra day care costs because our schools have been closed.  Housing costs/assessments have increased and put a higher burden on citizens to pay their property taxes. 

​I pray that we can sustain this level of spending and that it is not a future burden that will be harmful to students.  

The results from my poll are below.  Unfortunately, I received a low response and we only had a handful of speakers and messages on the budget issue over the last couple of months.