The vote was 5-0. Election day will be August 3rd. One school board member noted that the district has an opportunity to build one school now with state financial assistance - or build one or more schools later without assistance.
UPDATE: Guest #1 raises a good point in the comments. There were 12 members of the public at tonight's school board meeting, and a few of the 12 were school district employees.
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.
ReplyDeleteWell, no snowstorm to hope for to keep people away from the polls. So is the strategy this time just not to tell anyone except for school parents again and hope that the only reason people came to vote last time was because there were contested primaries to vote on?
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, a future school board member commented "Mommy, I'm hungry" tonight and showed no concern for the future of GCS. Oh, the travesty!
I wonder how many of the people that complain here about the board and or levy showed up at the meeting tonight?
ReplyDeleteWhy should the public show up at the school board meeting? It very obvious that the school board could care less what the public thinks. If anybody is ignorant to argue this point, please refer to the results of the previous school levies
ReplyDeleteAmen.....as i say to my kids...NO means NO...stop asking...
ReplyDeleteAll we have to do now is fail it one more time. Then maybe they will put a end to all of this bull crap.
ReplyDeleteSome of us have better thinks to do with our time than to waste our breathe at the school board meeting saying what the public has made very clear already!
ReplyDelete9:28 ... i have been to two school board meetings. Each time there was something controversial going on in the district. The board gave the public the opportunity to speak, and nobody came forward. Maybe the board should interpret two losses as a message not to go forward. Or maybe they don't understand the opposition because nobody ever showed up and talked to them about it.
ReplyDeleteThis is the last chance for the state $$$. Even if they thought they only had a 2% chance of passage, I would support the decision to go forward at this point. And actually after February, I favored sitting one out and going again in August. So here we are!
They wouldn't listen to me back at the first one. Always had reasons it had to be done this way or no way. So, why should we keep arguing---just vote "no".
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why people complain here but will not go to a meeting and complain.
ReplyDeleteI doubt they are mind readers and they have no way of knowing what you or anyone else think if you don't speak up in some manner.
The are too many anonymous people. get involved and make your views heard. do not be surprised when the pundits turn on you. It is easy to be negative-harder to be right.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the board is all "on board" this time. That is step number one in getting this bond issue passed. Step number two is to be united with a plan. They need to be actively involved in its passage. I believe they will this time.
ReplyDeleteNow, for those of you who say "no": What is YOUR PLAN? Have you seen the buildings? If you have, you would know they must be replaced. So give us your plan. The way I see it, we have an opportunity NOW to receive some help from the state. If we fail this in August, we lose that help, and we STILL NEED A NEW BUILDING. Do you want to say yes now, and receive help, or build the building later, with no help?
LL, we have given alternatives. You are first in line to not respect alternatives to your position.
ReplyDeleteTo think a 4-0 vote was a major reason of failure of last two levies is not dealing with the reality of affordability for the voter and lack of forward thinking by the board of education.
This has been shared directly with board members and administration by myself and others on more than one occassion.
Many of the "no" votes support a new facility. However want a holistic plan identified to assure wise use of financial resources.
You have to respect the persistence of the board. The unwillingness to make modifications may be indications of spiteful stubborness.
How does one find out when a board meeting is taking place? I believe if there was more of a notification of an upcoming school board meeting there would indeed be a bigger turnout. I work during the day, do not subscribe to the paper and do not have cable or even a cell (all to save money). Perhaps they should have posted it on the sign at Memorial Hall stating public welcomed. Some meetings are just for board members. As for a solution to a levy-charge the families per child a fee to attending a school. It's for them so why not let them pay for it.
ReplyDeleteI am beginning to realize there are too many"secret" being kept by the school board. The land was bought without our knowledge. Money came up missing for yearbooks. Was there anything in the paper about the "drug bust?" I believe these secrets is what turns people off about the board and what they do and don't do.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if those of you who are complaining about it going up again remember that we would be giving up $8.8 million dollars (if the levy doesn't pass in Aug., we lose all of that money)? These buildings need replaced & the other alternative is that 100% would have to come from us. It would be absurd to not take every opportunity to take advantage of that amount of money.
ReplyDeleteLL and LGB, why don't you two go away? No one has to summit anything to you. All the people have to do is vote. You and the BOE don't want to hear from the community, unless the thinking is the same as your thinking. You and LGB have been so arrogant, you two have done more harm for the levy than good. Its a total turn off reading yours and LGB comments. You both come across with the attitude that you are so superior than anyone else. I have voted yes the first and second time, but I really need to quit reading your posts before I vote no.
ReplyDeleteThe Board of Education didn't listen to the several thousands who voted against the levy in the first two elections. So it appears no one who voiced a opinion against it would be listened to this time.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 6:50, first of all, thank you for your yes votes the first and second time. I don't mean to sound superior to any person. My passion about this issue may come across too strong, but it's because I see our time is running out. Passing this bond issue would help our kids, but also it would help our community. Greenville has so much going for it. We live in a beautiful town. But our schools are sorely lacking. When people refuse to acknowledge that fact, and vote no -- sometimes out of spite for what happened years ago -- then I tend to get hot. How can we share the facts of this campaign in a way that is positive and fruitful?
ReplyDeleteHere here 6:50. I totally agree with your comment. Enough is enough~
ReplyDeleteso, we lose ALL that money, we still cannot afford to operate fully. How are you going to??
ReplyDeleteIt is like,: well, I get a rebate check back if I buy furniture, But I cannot, afford it, but since I get money, I will go ahead and do it,
If you don't have the money, then don't spend it!!
You don't think that the government, is going to have something else for schools, that this is the last money ever???
School board memebers: It is not that the people don't want a school, they(meaning citizens of greenville) they do not want the property taxes to increase, we cannot afford it, what don't you understand.
Why can't they make it a personal sales tax and everyone pays?? Put that money into an account for a building??
People cannot afford another real estate tax increase!
Retired citizens who live on interest income have had their income cut more than half the last few years. CD interest rates fell from 6% to 2.5% and lower. These rates are great for home buyers, but they do hit retirees hard. They also will have a change in property taxes (probably up) when the new county-wide property reevaluation is applied to tax bills.
ReplyDeleteThe analogy of children who just don't accept reality is apt but in reverse. The people of this school district are too ignorant to realize what's good for them (they haven't arrived at the place they are in life because they've made GOOD decisions--why should this be any different?). Despite that, the School Board should still give the pestilent children every opportunity to do the right thing and help themselves. It's a complete waste of time but I'd do the same thing.
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect DJ 9:33pm The board gave the public the opportunity to speak... I think they have twice now. This is a 30 some year levy for one of 3 schools they plan to build. And if this one will raise propery taxes roughly $100/for a $100,000 house then we may just figure that for every one of them. $300 per year for school levys alone. Then whos to say these schools will last (in the school boards eyes) 30 some years. And what happens when they find out they cant afford to operate these schools. Will they want to tack on another levy for that? Cause thats whats going to happen. And for the younger people moving back home to start a life will they say "I just cant afford to live in Greenville"? Remember this ones 30 years and that puts a 18 year old at 48 before its paid. 8 million is a lot, but not when its going to take the property owners 30 years to pay off the rest. How many home loans do you see with a term of 30 years anymore? Common sence says bad idea.
ReplyDeleteWould taking pictures of the schools that other districts within our county and neighboring counties have built within recent years, put these in a ad in the newspaper, and show that these commuunities have supported their schools, help give the levy a new propective? Those of you who have voted no, take a drive by the new Eaton High School and the adjoining site where they will soon build a new elementary and middle school. The Eaton School District passed a new levy just this May for this new project to proceed. These buildings show pride in their community. This community is willing to make the sacrifices necessary to pay additional tax dollars to build and yes, paying more taxes means sacrifices for most. They are supporting their schools. Somehow those voting no on the building levy need to realize the consequences of continuing to vote no: 1) Property values will most certainly continue to decline. Why would reasonable people move to a community that does not show community pride and support of their schools? 2) Those additional and needed dollars from the state will be lost. 3) The buildings that need replaced will continue to decline and the replacement cost will continue to increase.
ReplyDeleteAs a senior citizen, I know that others have sacrificed for me in my youth and for my children in their youth to enable them to have pride in their community and schools. These buildings need replaced and though times are difficult, when will there be a better time?
I am suprised the school board didn't want to put this election on during the week of the Great Darke County Fair.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I do not live in Greenville. All you people want to do is argue with the school board when you should be looking at the education of your children. If you dislike Greenville schools so much, take your kids out and home school them.
ReplyDeleteNo means No! How many people in the Greenville School district are just trying to keep their house. Unemployment is very high, no jobs in this area even the temp agencies have laid off. If you put more taxes on my property I will have to let it go and more away. The bank will then have to struggle to get someone to buy it. With only one person in my household working and 3 to feed what is a person to do. How many properties does the Greenville School own? Hoe about pay cut to the Admin. staff we all have. Admin staff makes more then the 3 in my household did when we were all working. No is NO! How does Harvard still have such a good school and how old are those buildings? What about the City Building up town, it looks great because they take care of it. Why does the maintenance staff let our schools rot? or is it the Admin. that tells them to let things go. If we said No we mean NO! And how much will this special election cost again???
ReplyDeleteEven if you showed up in hoards at the school board meeting, just know you have to be on their list previous to the meeting to be (recognized)allowed to speak. You also can not be in the minutes of the meeting.
ReplyDeleteAs a past school employee, You also have to let them know prior to the meeting on your topic that you are going to discuss!
i agree with tigerballonline.
ReplyDeletethe reference to the city buiding is outlandish. it is used by a fraction of the people that use our schools and is newer than most of our schools
ReplyDeleteto anonymous9:43 as a past employee you must know that the board does listen because they are elected by you and can be replaced by you.
ReplyDelete@ 902AM
ReplyDelete“If you put more taxes on my property I will have to let it go and more away. The bank will then have to struggle to get someone to buy it.”
It sounds like if you’re that close that an additional $118 per 100k of value is going to force you to abandon your house, then you’re most likely going to do it anyway. This increase is so relatively minimal that if you can’t absorb it, you probably won’t be able to maintain a home at any rate. It’s harsh to say, but I feel that if you look at what I’m’ saying objectively, you’ll agree.
“With only one person in my household working and 3 to feed what is a person to do.”
Carve out an extra $10 per month per 100k of prop value from your budget. Perhaps consider finding a cheaper housing alternative?
“Hoe about pay cut to the Admin. staff we all have. Admin staff makes more then the 3 in my household did when we were all working.”
You realize that the admin makes pay that is equal to others of their profession? Also, that cutting their salary will not come close to the millions we need to build a new school? Of course the admin makes good money, because they have good paying jobs and the skills to fill those positions.
“ How does Harvard still have such a good school and how old are those buildings?”
This is so laughable, it made me almost disregard your entire post. Harvard has good buildings because they have maintained them through MILLIONS if not BILLIONS of dollars in donations from alumni over the last hundred+ years. We could renovate our current buildings, but it is literally CHEAPER to build new ones. If we had the benefit of deep pocketed benefactors, we could afford to update/upgrade the current facilities. But, as you point out clearly, the economy of Greenville isn’t build to do that.
“ What about the City Building up town, it looks great because they take care of it. Why does the maintenance staff let our schools rot? or is it the Admin. that tells them to let things go.”
It takes a lot of money and time to maintain buildings that are used as heavily as these over such long periods of time. The city build is like comparing apples to oranges. The school holds hundreds of students each day, coming and going, using every square inch of the place. The district does not have the money it would cost to maintain these buildings. The issues are results of 100+ years worth of issues. Could some of these have been prevented? Maybe. But the fact of the matter is that they are what they are, and we have a chance to do something about it now.
“If we said No we mean NO! And how much will this special election cost again???”
Supposedly, the first special election was approximately 25k-30k, but I cannot substantiate that claim. Regardless, that amount is well worth another shot at taking advantage of $8.8 million in state funds that will just go to another school if we fail it again. The risk associated with the cost is insanely justified.
Jack L. What about the the levy you passed and renewned several times to maintian the buildings?What happened to this money. The extra propert tax is just a beginning. You will want more tax every year after to take care if the funding does fall through which there is NO way to state for a fact this money will come through, it is just possible. I work with funding and it does fall short. When will are pockets be empty. This money has to come from somewhere. Our pockets where do you think the State gets it from???? So we pay twice!
ReplyDeletejust want to know if this is the truth i'm hearing if it fails again in August the school board is saying sorry about your luck to the community because they will have the state come in and condemn the buildings and then we'll show the community there taxes will double. it that really they plan? i'll wait to see the answer on the front page of the advocate.
ReplyDeleteHere we go again! The school board spends more money to put it back on the ballot - wasting more money. Another bad decision. And some people wonder why that trust in the board is not there? Good grief.
ReplyDeleteDOES ANYONE KNOW THE $$$DOLLAR AMOUNT that it costs for election ballot entry?
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering, and how many times does this make, in reference to wanting a new building ,any building.
Just more government employees telling you what is best for you! If you get rid of the teachers unions, get the federal and state government out of the school systems and let the private sector handle it you would get better teachers and smarter students and probably make money doing it. Yeah, I know, right wing speech, but, it is time to shut anything government down and start over. VOTE NO!
ReplyDelete"Just more government employees telling you what is best for you! If you get rid of the teachers unions, get the federal and state government out of the school systems and let the private sector handle it you would get better teachers and smarter students and probably make money doing it. Yeah, I know, right wing speech, but, it is time to shut anything government down and start over. VOTE NO"
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly a practical idea isn't it?
Facts of life: the majority of the people who actually vote in Greenville are homeowners who live on fixed incomes. When they are faced with an additional $100 to $200 real estate taxes every year---for the forseeable future--- that's more than they can handle!
ReplyDeleteA sales or income tax is far fairer---school folks keep saying that's impossible, why?
I wonder if GCS has accounted for the rapidly declining population in the district, wherein properties will not be kept up, and then values will drop, resulting in less money taken in on property taxes, which results in a lower draw on the school tax, which results in amounts collected due to this levy being brutally below what was anticipated.
ReplyDeleteHey, burn the town down for all the school board cares! At least they'd have a great looking building for students to attend, right?
what is the true cost of the election and where does the money come from to pay for the special election? Does it come from the school or do people who support this donate to cover the cost?
ReplyDeleteFunding available -
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osfc.state.oh.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fCC3Gdb05DM%3d&tabid=78
If Greenville does not pass a levy, the school board will hold you hostage by taking away that softball team that everyone is so proud of. It is only a matter of time before that will be their way of getting a new school.
ReplyDeleteI attended two high schools. One was MUCH older than the Greenville schools and always felt my education was just as good as when I attended another school that was less than 30 years old. We had the same technology; and the same problems, kids who don't want to be at school and parents who didn't care if they were there! I personally enjoyed my time spent in the old school where my parents and grandparents went more than that of the new school that had no history or character. My "old" school is gone now, replaced with a "new and improved" school. Those kids are scoring the same on their tests in the new school as they did before the new school.
ReplyDeleteIf you get a new school you will still have 90% plus of the same teachers and the same community. New building does not equal smarter students.
If I hear one more person say why not make it a sales tax, I'm gonna puke. HERE IS WHY NOT A SALES TAX........it is not legally allowed!!!! Everyone says why won't the board listen, well I wonder why eveyone else doesn't listen. This has been said over and over
ReplyDeleteHey 6:25....When you are talking about people not listening? Are you talking to the public about a sales tax? Or the school board about the school levy?
ReplyDeletePer local newscast May 19th, Channel 2, a school district in Dayton is considering reverting back to "neighborhood schools" and abandoning the "mega building". REASON for this.....busing costs.
ReplyDeleteI have long suspected that GCS's budget for busing escalated considerably when they re-configured the buildings 3 years ago. And, I have wondered how many students walked to their neighborhood schools before the re-configuration. It would be hard for someone to convince me that our transportation expenses now aren't killing our school budget numbers!
Greenville poudly supports its police, fire, ems, and social services with no doubt. Why do we not support our children and their needs? We are loosing population because of this. Any church goer knows that when the children of a church stop attending, its the end of the church. Who will be left to take care of us in the nursing homes? The lower class of workers around here scare me.
ReplyDeleteI have been against the school levy all along.
ReplyDeleteNow I am re-thinking. I blow more than $200 a yr. on things I don't need, so why not give it to help our school.
11:01AM, you've got it. None of the other details matter--the school board, the tax rates, the teachers' union, the configuration. With no new school, there is no next generation in Greenville. There simply is no choice. Heck, I don't want to pay any more tax and I could be critical of lots of things about the schools-- the teachers, the parents, the kids, you name it. But, people are severely underestimating the consequences of a no vote. You have to attract young families to a town or it dies--it's that simple.
ReplyDeleteAnon 12:59 pm, that is right. I was ticked about all of that. That is why I voted no. I have thought about it alot after reading posts on here,and the other threads going. I have decided that I am gonna put all that behind me and move forward. The schools are in bad shape. My grandchildren attend, so I have changed my vote to YES.
ReplyDeleteNew school buildings do not bring industry. All corporations are building along interstates. What this county needs to do is get rid of all the school boards and school supers. and let the Darke county school board run them. Less over head and it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteHave you all really looked at the levies. 2 of them. One to build and one to tear down. There goes the infrastructure. I don't support UNIONs, so why should our tax dollars pay for UNION labor? VOTE NO NO NO NO
ReplyDeleteI have 2 kids at the High School and I know there is a great need for new buildings but the sad fact is that we can not pay for the programs we have now let alone incurr more taxes on a city that is finacially stagnant in these economic times.
ReplyDeleteI have to continually fund raise for my kids sporting programs because the admin tells us there is no money to pay for uniforms or equipment for them, did any of you know that our athletic dept budget is broke, as in know money when a few years ago it had a surplus. If this administration can't manage the AD budget properly how can I expect them to control an 8 million dollar school project and get that right.
I'm really sorry for this town because every time the vote comes up everyone has a new excuse not to vote for the new school.What is it going to take a piece of the building to fall on someone or the State condemns the buildings we have now?If we don't use this money now we will lose it and if we need to build in an emergency our taxes will be alot higher than passing this levy now.The sales tax idea will not fly because it can be only used for operation expenses not for construction. Do the people of Greenville care about our schools or do they want everyone just to send their kids to other area schools instead. The School Board has done what they can do under these economical times and when was the last time this school district has built a new school.My kids,my wife and I have walked these halls over the years and we thought they needed replaced then. So lets us stop being the laughing stock of the State and vote to build for the future of our children and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 6:35 are you kidding? Why should our tax dollars pay for union labor? Almost all labor paid for with tax dollars is union labor. The teachers are union, the police are union, the firemen are union the street department is union. I'm not a big union supporter, but using that as a reason for a no vote?? And there goes the infrastructure by tearing down the old buildings that are not going to be used? You are building NEW infrastructure. When they re built the I70/75 interchange, they built new infrastructure, but by your logic, they should have kept the old ramps in place?? Don't follow your logic on that one
ReplyDelete6:35, there is a bond issue to pay for construction of the new middle school. This also includes demolition of South Elementary. In addition to the bond issue, there is a levy, with the proceeds going to ongoing maintenance. It is a state requirement to have that levy with the bond issue, and I think it's a good idea. The cost of maintenance is built in.
ReplyDeleteI get on here now and then to make the same points--over and over. We have no choice about this levy. You can like it or not like it but there is no choice.
ReplyDeleteTo address recent points made here:
To those who say new schools don't bring industry to town, you may be right. But I think that misses the point. You need to look at the consequence of NOT building the school as much as the consequence of building it. If you think that the alternative to building a school is maintaining the status quo, you're wrong. We are like a failing business that must upgrade to keep up with competitors or die. Can we afford to upgrade our failing business? Probably not. But, we know we can't afford not to. People are leaving the district. That's a fact. The class sizes have shrunk from around 300 to around 200-225. There are significant financial ramifications for our schools AND our community if we continue to lose population at this rate. The new school is just one step toward saving our town. But, it is an important step.
Second, some of you have made valid points about mismanagement of finances and/or the sports program. My answer? So what. Do we throw out the baby with the bath water? If we don't make Greenville an attractive place to go to school, the families and students will leave and the state money we receive for each student will leave with them. Before long, the BOE will be forced to stop bussing, stop programs and you'll pay for everything (and that doesn't even address the fact that these old schools aren't going anywhere--remember the old Fram commercials about paying me now or paying me later?).
I don't have kids in the school system and I don't want to pay more taxes for a new school. But, the consequences of not supporting the levy are much more expensive than supporting it--and I am not just talking about the school system, I mean all of us.
I've heard all kinds of explanations about why people are not supporting the new school but I have not heard one reasonable explanation about how to deal with our problems if we don't support it. I'd love to hear them. Really. I don't know where we go as a community when this levy fails again in August.
It's a cliche but I really think we're at the point that we must stand united or fall apart.
Alternate Plan:
ReplyDeleteK-6 (new), 7-12 (expand current high school)
28 year bond (not 37 years)
Terminate the current .6 mill permanent improvement tax 3 years out. These funds for maintenance of existing buildings.
The new .5 mill for repairs; add language to the ballot that assures these funds used for repairs of facilities and its support systems. Text books, classroom computers, and other supplies with 5 year life are excluded.
Do the right project now so the tax payers are not saddled with a compromise for next 40 years.
Barney, many of the naysayers are not voting because they don't believe they can afford the cost of the new middle school. If they say no to a middle school with 8.5 million granted to us, what makes you think they will say yes to a new k-6 and renovated 7-12 with no state money?
ReplyDeleteAlso, as Bill Funderburg stated at the last board meeting: the 37 year bond is better than it seems. Stretching it out over 37 years allows a greater segment of the population to take part. It is actually less per individual than more.
There are no perfect plans out there. The current one is a good one. We need to come together and get this done.
Barney, I LOVE your idea. This is exactly what I would like to see...at least in terms of consolodation. However, I think that with the current state money available this is NOT an option...it appears to me that the state money is only there b/c of the cruddy shape of the two particular buildings in question.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I do "follow" the idea that some believe that if we wait "something else will come down the road" or "there will be another opportunity". However, besides not having the blind faith others share, I suppose part of the reason I am so "pro" THIS levy (even tho I too share your belief that this particular configuration of schools is not the BEST possible choice) is that 1)-other "options" have been presented (closer to what you are suggesting) and they have failed already, and, 2)-This particular option STILL has people not "getting it"...for exampple, believing there should be sales tax/income tax (when that is not lawfully possible). So, I suppose I fear that we as a community will be in even more dire straits in terms of facilities in the time it would take for a proposition like yours to unfold. Meaning, by the time everyone "gets" what you are saying, votes to pass (one would hope) and the schools are actually in place and functioning, we are looking at years and years and years AND YEARS. This current proposition could produce a quicker solution to the current DESPERATE problem. Altho, I reiterate, I see your point totally that it is somewhat short sited. Really, I do.
Another point that I've made before is this: I totally understand (and in some cases not just understand, AGREE), with people's opposition..I DO see their point. However, I just keep coming back to the same place where even tho I see the points, particularly those made re: the school board, administration, mismanagement etc. etc....I realize that my "no" vote as retaliation/revenge for what I may perceive as upper level rogue operations or inadequacies, does not "punish" those who I may hold some resentment towards. The reality is that those who pay the price for my "no vote" revenge are the kids and the teachers.
I guess to me, it's kind of simple when I think of it that way.
LL you ask for alternatives - but you continue dismiss other folks ideas. Barney has put a viable alternative out for consideration.
ReplyDeleteI think what has been lost on most folks is that state money DOES exist for alternatives. Has for some time. This is a fact, do your own research. Ask critical questions.
We don't know what the alternatives are because leadership does not exist. No alternatives have been explored by this administration.
Millions of dollars are at stake.
Multiple millions of interest expense is saved just with reducing bond from 37 years to 28 years.
The .6 mill permanent improvement bond elimination by itself would be $20 million over 37 years.
All those funds could be used for an effective and complete school facility solution.
Critical thinking needs to be used.
We teach our children not to follow blindly - the Pied Piper story certainly comes to mind.
the people are leaving greenville because of there isnt any good decent jobs anymore...take a look at all of our neighboring towns..yes they have new schools but dont see any new industries being built or coming to their towns. i lived in tn for 4 years..there is no state income tax...there is no school tax of any kind..the whole school issues are funded by a 9% sales tax..across the state that means everyone pays....i own property and land here in darke county..i am in my mid 40s...but have no kids..why should i continue to pay for schools through levies and real estate taxes that i get 0 benifit from while joe smoe who lives in goverment housing or rents and has 6 kids pays nothing....there has to be a better way on funding instead of dumping the cost on land owners.
ReplyDeleteDo the people know when a new building is built the furnishings and equipment in old buildings can not be moved into the new school? oops tthat means another levy. I agree with Tenn. they have nice schools no complaints from the people and they don't have all the school boards they have here in Ohio. As far as GCSB, yep, they like to threaten the people with sports and busing. There are other ways to fund schools take the time and look it up. Buildings being condemed, remember the old North school? It was condemed according to our famous school board, but for some reason the state of Ohio approved that building to have a private school in it. hmm! As I said there are other ways of funding the school instead of tax dollars. Will vote no again and again...
ReplyDelete3:02....I hope you come back to read this, although I'm not sure at this point it will help. You raised a couple of issues many people may have, but they are misconceptions. First, the bond issue includes the cost of furnishings. So no extra levy is needed for furnishings. Second, I would be the first to vote for a system like Tennesee or Indiana. However, it seems the citizens of this state want to keep the control at the local level. With our present system, the school board and administration spends all their time going from levy to levy. It's a stupid system that has been ruled unconstitutional by our state supreme court. However, our legislators refuse to deal with fixing it. And third, there are different standards for private and public schools. These are state mandates which we cannot control. That is why a private school can use the building, but we cannot. Lastly, a request: please expand on your statement that there are other ways of funding the school instead of tax dollars. What other ways are there? You'll probably continue to vote no again and again, but maybe others who are undecided may appreciate these facts.
ReplyDeleteLL is correct about the furnishings being included in the levy.
ReplyDeleteI do not think North School condemed. My understanding is that the district determined that it was excess space and not cost effective to operate due to low enrollment (< 250 students) that still required the overhead of a principal, secretary, maintenance support, counselors, etc. of a larger school.
While it was the oldest school in the district, built prior to 1900, prior to additions; it may have been one of the buildings in best condition due to being refurbished in 1980's.
I have read this blog since it was posted. Many of you do not want to vote on this levy and you hide behind many quasi-intelligent arguements to support your negativity. you even say that they made a mistake by unloading North. It was a money pit but now that it is gone you have sweet memories of that fine school. weird.... I support the greenville city school because my grandparents supported it and my parents supported it. I want to hear what it will take to get you to support our schools the way our ancestors did
ReplyDeleteI live in GSD. My children started there. They now open enroll to FM after years of dealing with bad teachers that can't be replaced because they have tenure. I send my open enrollement paperwork to GSD every year, and in turn they send money to FM for my children. Not once has anyone from GSD contacted me to see what they could do to get me to bring my children back to their school. They are worried about declining class numbers but do nothing about the students they are losing to neighboring districts. I belive that GSD could use some new buildings. I will continue to vote no mainly because of the boards unwillingness to answer questions that have not been pre-approved by them. I will continue to vote no because while I will have to foot this bill on my property taxes, all the welfare families living in the Russ Rd apartments and all the renters scattered throughout the city won't pay a dime. I will continue to vote no because I wonder how long it will take the board to decide that they need a new high school or elementary school and want more moeny. I will also continue sending my kids to FM since Greenville doesn't care enough to try to figure out why I left.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that you are so bitter.Have you ever attempted to correct or address your grievances? What are your unanswerable questions? I wonder if you are getting unfair advantages on the back of the FM taxpayers?
ReplyDeleteWhat I meant was that, If Greeville sends 4,000- 5,000 dollars to FM for each ofyour kids. Do you pay that much in property taxes? If not then aren't you as guilty as the others who do not pay their share. I think you are robbing greenville taxpayers and the wonderful people of FM for using their hard earned facilities for a greatly reduced price.
ReplyDeleteLet's clarify what happens with the funding when someone sends their child to another district.
ReplyDeleteReal Estate Tax paid - stays with Greenville
State Funding of $5,000 per student - follows the student to the public school district they attend.
In the example of child attending FM, these dollars go directly FM.
Greenville does not lose any funds. Greenville also does not have the $5,000-7,000 of cost to educate that student.
I still believe that the open enrollee recieves a greater benefit than he/she pays in. Therefore the complaint about low income residents really applies to him or her as well. I like my town and schools. I know there are problems but running away will not solve OUR problems. As a citizen, we have to become active in finding solutions.
ReplyDeleteNo means no. Is repeatedly putting the levy back on the ballot showing the community their responsible spending? This isn’t a crap shoot, play till you run out of money!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are really fired up. Were you bullied in school and never forgave the girl who did it.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how open enrolling my kids to another district bunches me in with the welfare cases. BECAUSE I PAY TAXES AND GO TO WORK EVERYDAY. Doesn't matter to me much longer anyways, I am buying my parent's house (they are downsizing) and will be in FM school district before the new school year starts. Lower crust, thank you for clarifying the open enrollee thing, I was misinformed.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I forgive you!
ReplyDeletegood one.
ReplyDeletetouche
ReplyDelete