Friday, July 2, 2010

Open thread: Greenville school levy

82 comments:

  1. I dont understand their latest concept...a tax refund? Who are they kidding.....seriously.

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  2. well, that part i do understand. we've already paid taxes in - and if we pass the levy, we'll get $8.8M back from the government ... tax refund

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  3. the problem is that the people of greenville would like to see a k-8 instead of 5-8 because if this would pass for the 5-8 than in a few years down the road we will need a k-4 school and you know that will what happen. i am for a new school but let's do it right the first time.just look at woodland elm.

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  4. 5:15, You are right about the need for the replacement of K-4 as well as 5-8. The high school could use a major overhaul as well. Other districts received ample funding to replace all of their schools. We did not.

    However, because of the age and condition of South and the Junior High, we ARE eligible to receive funding for their replacement. This is our last opportunity to receive that funding, as I understand it. By saying yes to this now, we get much more bang for our buck. We can call this Phase One. If we can't pass this one phase, I don't believe we would be able to get multiple phases passed at once.

    So let's take one step and at least get this middle school completed. It's a giant step in the right direction for our community.

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  5. Wasn't born yesterdayJuly 2, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    It seems the Greenville School Board is now into bribes: No fees and a Senior Citizen Center? This is not a good tactic.

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  6. So if they can afford to drop book and lab fees and have a senior citizens centerafter the passage, I would seem to me that they asking for more milage need for the school.

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  7. I have seen better built schools in 3rd world countries than I do in Greenville. I guess if they do fall apart we can send kids to better built schools than the ones we have.

    To those who are “afraid” of a tax hike: Your greed is punishing the majority. And if you are so Gdamn worried about paying more, compare your school taxes to Columbus or some other big city.

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  8. If you cannot afford the taxes with your home (and taxes will always increase for some reason or another) then you should consider moving to a less expensive home. Taxes are part of a budget, like it or not. And most of us are always re-adjusting our budget, as I will do when this levy passes and as I do everytime I receive a DPL, Vectren or Cable bill. Our schools are in poor condition and now is a great time to start this project! Vote yes!

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  9. This is only phase I. Next they will want to build a new elementary building to replace East and Woodland Heights buildings. They have already said that the high school building is obsolete and needs replaced because it is 60 years old. Then they will need another levy to cover the expenses of operating and maintaining the new buildings. That is not to mention the added money to pay the teachers and staff.

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  10. I don't understand people who will vote 'no' on this issue due to a future issue tht hasn't been proposed.

    This proposal is a sound one. It's a worthy investment for our community. To say you want to deny replacing two building that are in horrendous shape because you think in the future they will want to replace another building is simply asinine.

    You take each issue and make a decision on that issue. On this issue, looking at the facts and state of the schools, this is a worthy investment and should be passed.

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  11. This issue will never pass, they should have never bought that land under the table in the first place.....mabe the city of greenville will learn a lesson from this..... my vote is a big fat NO!!!

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  12. This is the last time they can put this up hope this fails again. iam voting no again so i will take a yes voter down with me. dont need a magic brick school.

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  13. Vote NO! The school board needs to learn the meaning of no. Make do with what you have. As someone stated above, they should never have bought that land when they did. Just because every other district got a new school does not mean Greenville needs one too. The other districts are so small and have such little tax base that the state paid for a much larger share. We are in a recession/depression folks. Now is not the time to saddle additional tax burdens on people who are struggling to make ends meet as it is. Did you people not hear the voters not once but twice before say NO? This will not pass and should not pass. I along withmany others will make sure to work to defeat this large TAX INCREASE! Vote no, vote HELL no!

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  14. Many retirees who have done much for this community and country over the years live on interest income which has dropped from over 6% to less than 3% the last few years. Try living on half your income with rising health care needs in later years. We have already given up travel vacations, reduced charitable and church donations; we do not want to give up our home. which accommodates our health needs.

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  15. we can't reward poor management by the school board. They let the schools get in the shape they are now and will do the same with a new school. They are not above board with the people and the people can see through it!!!! vote no on the new school!!!!!

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  16. Annon., they are building a middle school instead of an elementary because when the state gives you money it tells you what you have to do with it. Period. Are you really willing to give $8.8 million back to the state to give to another city to improve their schools? This is our last opportunity and if we don't take advantage of it, we are crazy. The buildings are not going to improve, we are just throwing money away if we don't pass this levy. If this town will not support its kids with common sense decisions like this, maybe it's time for me to take my kids to a town that would.

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  17. The reason people have been voting NO is because they are tired of this. People such as myself who are retired and on a fixed income cannot afford another 'hit' to their checkbooks. Yes, we get increases on our utilities that we must pay but that is something for our own personal use. I don't have children or grandchildren in Greenville city schools......why must I pay for a new school? People, wake up and realize that we are being taxed to death. And Greenville School Board, wake up and realize you are going to have to deal with this problem in another fashion.

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  18. I'm voting yes.

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  19. I'm voting yest too because I have done a lot of reserach, talked to the superintendent and some board members, and have come to realize that a no vote would be stupid (and I did vote no in the past). Do I want more taxes, no. Who does? However, the state of Ohio is offfering help for this building that will be gone soon. If we don't take it now, G;ville could fall into the smae pit as Youngstown, Dayton, and Toledo schools. I'd hate to see that.
    I don't blame the board for anything in the past because that land purchase was before the current administration/board were in place-let that go, people.
    I'm willing to make even more cuts in my daily living to make the PUBLIC school a little better. We live in Ohio and this is how the state requires us to fund our schools. We ether can, or not...but the latter does mean future community failure.

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  20. I am a retiree, with no children or grandchildren in Greenville City Schools and I will be voting yes. When I was in school and when my children were in school, the community supported the schools and I have no doubt that there were sacrifices made for this support. Now is my time to pay back for those who paid for me and for my children. Do I want my taxes to increase? No, but I also do not want my property value to decrease more. If we cannot support our children and schools, property values will continue to decrease. I realize sacrifice may be necessary but well worth it. As far as being taxed to death, I believe that voting no now will mean a much greater increase in taxes later. We can do this now cheaper than later and who can doubt that a new building and perhaps more buildings in the future are a necessity. PLEASE, consider the alternatives and vote yes.

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  21. My comment is to all of you that are against the school levy. You want to know why you should pay for something, when you do not have any children or grandchildren in the schools. Because it is the right thing to do. You need to vote yes and think of someone else, not just yourselves. Someone voted to build the school buildings that you went to school in and they might not have had any children in school either, I bet you are glad that they were not closed minded as you are today.
    As far as your comments towards the school board members, if you don't like the way they are doing things, then run against them or shut-up!
    It is about time for Greenville to have some School and Community Pride like so many of the neighboring communities. Grow-up, Tighten you belts and vote for the school levy, bcause it is the right thing to do for the children of today and the future.

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  22. Anon 9:25- No matter how much you worked in your past I'm sure you've overdrawn based on what you paid in to your social security. I, as a 21 year old worker, will probably never see a dime of what I've paid in. I'm currently paying for you to live. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if $118 breaks your budget over a years time then you need to reassess your budget.

    Way to support your community, your basically saying screw my friends, screw my neighbors, screw my family's friends, it's not gonna directly benefit me so I'm not going to support it.

    You want them to deal with it in another fashion? The tower of South is 100 years old. Show me a house in Greenville 100 years old that isn't outdated and in need of repairs. For 400 kids running through that school every year it's in pretty damn good shape.

    Stop thinking about yourself and think about who your benefiting. Or not benefiting, if you have your way.

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  23. Dave......you are my hero.
    Ohio public school education is what it is, and we all must pay for it (wether we like it or not) until the state government decides to fund the schools in a different fashion that will ease our tax dollars.
    I toured the new school in Versailles and was impressed. I also know that they had a hard time convincing the people in North Star to pony up and pass the needed levy. Will that new school bring jobs to Versailles? No. Does that new school bring business to Versailles? No. Does the new school make the education better? No, but if the students have that kind of environment, they should take some pride in it. Does that new school attract new home buyers to their community? Yes. Will those new home buyers pay taxes and spend money in the community? Yes.
    Greenville Schools are good. There are good teachers. There are good students. There is a lot of success going on. If a building is 70+ year old, that is not the fault of the current administration/board, and you can only fix up school buildings like South & JH so much before it starts costing more than it's worth. That's why the state is offering the money now to help build a new facility....with the help of the community.
    Yes, we can all complain, but Dave is correct. Sometimes you have to look past your own nose and do the right thing.

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  24. To JM: No, you are not paying for me to live because I do not draw social security but am under another pension plan. There are plans other than social security, which just shows your ignorance. As for being selfish, more people need to stand up to the government... federal, state, and local and JUST SAY NO. When I need more money I can't go to my pension board and say, "Gee, I'm running low on money this month, can you give me some more?" And not all people who are low on income are in that state through fault of their own. It's the times we live in now, the economy pure and simple. And if we give them this, how long will it be till we hear it again....GIMME, GIMME, GIMME.

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  25. What is the amount of $ our taxes go toward public education? I'm suspecting it is low, compared to other school districts in Ohio. Money is not the answer to all of our wows, but it sure helps. And, yes, our teachers can teach well in all kinds of circumstances, but I am sure our kids are more attentive to learning in a decent, comfortable environmnet. Try to concentrate in a room with a temp in the 80's or above.

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  26. Sorry, the temperature must have been very uncomfortable when I wrote that last post. :-) I meant, "Money is not the answer to all of our WOES. And of course, I spelled environment wrong.

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  27. How long does it take the school board to get it! we have said NO three times now, people cannot afford more taxes. and if the school board has extra money to spend on special elections, they DON'T need more money from us. They should try living of a budget like we have to!

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  28. no more "anonymous" in this thread. choose "Name/URL" and fill in a name. it's not that hard.

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  29. Regretably, I can see both sides to this issue. I applaud those who say they will vote yes but add that it will mean that they have to tighten their belts, yet are willing to do just that. By the same token, I can understand and sympathize with those who are just barely getting by and therefore are totally against passing a school levy. It is a sad reality that there are many people out of work in our area. And, equally sad that this is our last chance to take advantage of state funding, but I fear it will not pass this go-around either.
    When reading all the above comments, I am trying to weed out those from people who just tend to have a knee-jerk reaction from those who are sincere when they say they just cannot afford it. And, finally, to the people who can very well afford a tax increase and are voting yes, I admire your success and your willingness to part with your hard-earned dollars.

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  30. For those of you who are against the levy, have you ever been into the schools to see how they are falling apart? Maybe that is where some of you need to start. The schools were open for tours so the community could see how they looked and what the kids are sitting through everday. From what I heard, there were less than 20 people who took the opportunity to do this. This is still available for anyone who would like to. Also, just because the Jr. High was "fixed" doesn't mean it won't happen again. This is the LAST time that the 8.8 million dollars will be available to COME BACK TO US.
    As for Bob's comment earlier about the levy going for teacher pay-that is a big fat NO!! This levy is for building purposes ONLY!
    JMP's comment was also right about teachers being able to teach in many kinds of circumstances, but I have seen first hand how the kids start to shut down when the rooms get hot. Some of the classrooms get up over 90. Would you be able to concentrate at you job under these conditions? Try learning in an environment like that.
    One last thing, who voted for school when you were young so you could get a good education? Don't our kids deserve the same?

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  31. I just hope some people realize that "standing up to the government...and just saying no" can sometimes do more harm than good.

    This is not the sort of taxing and spending you haer about at the federal level. This money is being raised for a very specific purpose.

    It's not to go towards entitlement programs, it's not to go to any sort of morally questionable practices.

    It's to go towards a new school. A new, updated, healthy environment for the kids to grow and accept opportunities that are not possible in the outdated building.

    All I really ask, is people don't stop at the words "increase" and decide no.

    The way to a healthy, fiscally responsible community is to examine the merits and value of each spending issue we encounter. We much ask ourselves if this investment is worthy of our money. To me, it most definitely is.

    Again, it isn't a question of just whether we should raise taxes willy nilly... It's about acquiring a community asset that we will all benefit from, either directly or indirectly.

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  32. Get our tax dollars back, we don't want to give them away! No book or lab fees, I love it, planning on giving away before they get. Think that is enough to get the votes?

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  33. I'm sickened by some of the comments on here! I support any school issue & will support any school issue until the day that I die! Would we be the only school left in the county who will not have a new school. I guess the some would like us to look even more trashy than we are already becoming! I wish we had as much passion & support for this issue as we do for trying to shut down John Graham! (I'm definately not a fan of his either) The fact is we need new school - period! Sorry that's the truth. Why would anyone want to pass up over $8 million - just to prove a point? So sad! Yes we will need new schools in the future too but in the present time we have an opportunity that we shouldn't pass up! And to the individual who though that some of this could go to pay teachers' salaries - how niave. Why can't they say no lab or workbook fees - I'm sure alot of families could benefit from that. I actually thought that a senior citizens center was a nice idea - isn't a school supposed to be used for the greater good of its community? I seriously doubt that the land was bought "under the table". They may have fell intothe same situation that arcanum did when they purchased their land many years ago - they received federal dollars that could only be used for the purchase of land for new construction. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but let's be smart about it. I personally would like my stepdaughter & future children to attend school in a positive environment & not have to worry about if a large piece of the building is going to collapse on them!

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  34. Darke journal - how was the "bull shit" comment approved? How is that at all constructive or adding anything beneficial to the conversation? Very offended!

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  35. rachel - the B.S. comment came right after one of mine. and i have hell to pay any time i "censor" someone's criticism of me. people bellyache, and whine, and complain, etc. so i just let those through usually :)

    if the comments are too spicy for you, then just skip over 'em.

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  36. It is time to vote yes. We would not be very smart as a community if we don't pass this. The state of the buildings is not going away. They must be replaced. The shame of it is the community has spoken twice without anything changing as to how this project is presented. We must take the money and run. I would have liked to have seen all building addressed at once and a plan in place, but that didn't happen, it can't now.

    Yes the economy is tough. But it has to be done. $119 on a $100,000 home? $9.91 a month? $2.28 a week? Seriously....I'm sure there is maybe someone who can't afford that, but there has to only be a few. Double that for a $200,000 home..oh we are going to break the bank with those numbers. Let's not make mountains out of mole hills.

    Are there going to be more levies? Sure there will, and more buildings to be replaced. And more to operate the district. But don't blame District. Put the blame where it belongs..the State funding. If you don't like the decisions that are made for the District, make your displeasure known at the polls when the time comes. Don't punish the District and the students who attend the District for decisions made by those who are elected that you don't agree with.

    Everyone needs to seperate the issues in their minds. The school building issue should not be a way for voters to take out vendettas for the past.

    The fact is, these building are going to need replaced. The district is being offered money to do it. More than 50% of the voters can afford it. No vendettas...vote for those at the appropriate time.

    Let's get it done!!!

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  37. Taxes on the fed level will soon be going up as will the state of Ohio taxes. My water bill has gone up just like my DP&L bill and vectren bills. This tax levy is the only one I actually get to vote on so I will vote NO on every school levy I have the oppertunity to. Make do with what you have. This latest line about Greenville betting a tax "rebate" is another example of how stupid the school board thinks the citizens are. What a joke. I will vote no and I hope it fails once again. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. You people have been told no every time, this will be no different. Vote NO!

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  38. Just an FYI.... in Kettering, Centerville, Germantown, Vandalia, and probably more than we're all aware of, the school tax is more than the property tax! We here in Darke Co. have no idea how lucky we are to live in good homes and pay so little. Yes, it seems like a lot to some of us, but believe me there are places very near here that your same home/property would cost you triple what you pay now.
    I've been in South (not the JH) and I can see where repairs are just not the answer in a building that is used like that everday by so many.
    I voted no the first time, but I am now voting yes for the 5-8 building. Before spewing hate on this form, get informed - and I mean really informed. Gossip and heresay makes for a very dumb community.

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  39. Darke journal - comments are not too spicy for me - just don't see how someone's idiotic comment like "bs" adds anything beneficial for or against the issue.

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  40. Cheryl C,

    I Agree with you even as a graduated of 2010 from Greenville I honestly voting no. that is until I actually went back to Junior high and the other schools that want to replace and I was shocked how old they have got since my class used them. we need to update these buildings and put our future generations in a learning environment they deserve. I am voting yes. and your right Gossip and Heresay has killed this community then again always has... which is shameful

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  41. concerned citizen/parentJuly 5, 2010 at 10:55 AM

    I can not beleive how bull headed some people can be. I can understand the lack of funds being an issue but... I am so tired of hearing that we don't need the new school! Obviously people that say that are too into themselves to go look at what we have! It just goes to show you how self centered people are in the community! The children are our future! No, new schools will not make the teachers teach better (not that there is anything wrong with the way they teach now!), but the kids will definately have a better enviroment to learn! They will have a better attitude about going to school and learning. Whether you like it or not, the kids will be running busineses and running the country someday that we live in and I want to give them every chance they can have. This world is hard enough the way it is and the kids will have a lot to deal with that we have not had to deal with such and a deteriorating enviroment (much more than it already is).
    No, my children are not going to benifit from going to new schools but EVERY child deserves the best!

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  42. Show some love on Aug 3rd~ We are loosing population because of no jobs and the conditions/results of the schools. If we continue to put this off, only the elderly will be left in the school district. Who do you expect to wipe your butt in the nursing homes? The trailer trash thats going to be left here? Not me, I will close my business and sell my home if this levy fails.

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  43. my apology to all on the use of b--l s--t

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  44. So, GCS want people to BELIEVE they are going to be getting a TAX REFUND by voting for schools? Way to mischaracterize what is happening in hopes of fooling people! The obvious 100% truth to the issue is that people will be out more money if they pass it. An advertisement like this is so clearly intended to mischaracterize the vote and I have my doubts if it is even legal election propoganda, as it is clearly using false information as lead print (tax refund) in order to garner a vote.

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  45. "Anonymous
    July 5, 2010 3:14 PM
    Show some love on Aug 3rd~ We are loosing population because of no jobs and the conditions/results of the schools. If we continue to put this off, only the elderly will be left in the school district. Who do you expect to wipe your butt in the nursing homes? The trailer trash thats going to be left here? Not me, I will close my business and sell my home if this levy fails."

    Yes, you sure know how to convince someone to vote your way… oh and I like the way you show some love. Good Job! and like we care if you close your business and sell your home.

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  46. If the JR HI and South School is in such bad shape, why did the school board basically give away North and Gettysburg? Was in not just recently the board was going to make parents pay for theie children to play if the levy did not pass and now they are waving fees? Buy the way, how much is it for school fees versus real estate tax increase? It has also been previously stated that we no voters need to re-adjust our budget - why the school board not re-adjust theirs? People keep stating that it is for the kids - BULL!!! Do all the tax payers realize they are paying for the teachers to further their education? They make decent money-make them pay for their own!! Do away with retire and rehire!! We need new and better!! A teacher was let go because some money came up missing and she was at least two years behind on her duties. The teachers union saved her job! Where was her boss, that was making very good money, making sure that she was doing her job? People keep stating that parents are pulling their kids out of Greenville Schools so their precious Johnny and Susie can go to a new one. BULL! Wake up - Parents was pulling their kids out long before all the other schools were new! I have yet to see how many kids have withdrew and are going to other schools or are being home schooled! I have talked to quite a few of these people myself. They are fed up with some of the teachers, principals,.. the kids are not getting the best education, some teachers have little or no respect for the students, ... A new school is not going to educate these kids as stated in a letter I received from Mr Buchy! Maybe we should start holding the teachers accountable for the teribble test scores!

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  47. FEDUP:
    “If the JR HI and South School is in such bad shape, why did the school board basically give away North and Gettysburg?”
    Are you proposing keeping Gettysburg open and sending middle school kids (meaning some makeup of grades 5-8) from all over the district there? Do you suppose transportation costs of that move would be high? All in all, I think this is a fair question, but does nothing to change the situation we are in now and the scenario proposed by the levy.

    “Was in not just recently the board was going to make parents pay for theie children to play if the levy did not pass and now they are waving fees?”
    Perhaps, but you have to consider what you’re saying here. There is a difference in needing operating costs versus needing money build a new building. You also should take into account that with this new building, the operating costs will decrease dramatically, decreasing the likely hood of pay to play situations as operating expenses decrease.

    “Buy the way, how much is it for school fees versus real estate tax increase?”
    It was stated by the BOE that the school fees would be paid in money that is currently budgeted towards maintenance on the old buildings. If the community guarantees the new building, that money will not need to be spent on those repairs/maintenance issues. It’s not a matter of offsetting the costs to the individual, but a wise spending strategy. It’s an example of managing their money effectively, despite the claims of so many to the contrary.
    “It has also been previously stated that we no voters need to re-adjust our budget - why the school board not re-adjust theirs?”
    There is no rational/sane way to expect to find $20+ million dollars needed to build a new facility just by “tightening their belts.” This is not an outrageous amount that is being asked for. In fact, the waiving of school fees is a perfect example of them looking to re-adjust their budget in a way that will directly benefit parents of school age children.
    “ People keep stating that it is for the kids - BULL!!! Do all the tax payers realize they are paying for the teachers to further their education? They make decent money-make them pay for their own!! Do away with retire and rehire!!”
    Education reimbursement is not an unheard of practice. Most major employers offer education assistance in some way or another. This ensures our teachers are up to date and continue to provide a quality education to our children. I would prefer to have my child taught by someone of this ilk, rather than someone who last learned something decades ago.
    “ We need new and better!!”
    I agree. Like a new school.
    “A teacher was let go because some money came up missing and she was at least two years behind on her duties. The teachers union saved her job!”
    I have no idea what you’re talking about and this is basically hearsay. Therefore it’s invalid in terms of a discussion regarding the merits of the levy.
    No one claims a new school is the magic pill to education issues. However, an old, outdated and in some cases dangerous learning environment is most certainly a detriment to the quality of education offered. A new school alleviates some of these issues, as well as providing new opportunities to learn that were not there before. An up to date facility from a technology perspective can help our children learn to exist in a technological world. If we want our community to grow and prosper, we must prepare ourselves for the needs of the future economy. This means more information technology education and exposure for our children.
    As I’ve stated before. This isn’t about a generic tax increase. This is about the question of “is this a worthy investment for my community?” Any way I think about it, I come to the conclusion that it most definitely is!

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  48. Why did the school board "give away" North and Gettysburg? Because thats all they were worth. Full of asbestos, liability, and maintenance. Kids at Gettysburg could not play kick ball in the gym for fear of hitting the asbestos celing tiles. As for the paying for the teachers education, yea...it is required by the State of Ohio for teachers to continue their education and to learn to deal with change. I believe education begins at home, that where the problem is rooted.

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  49. Fed Up....you are so full of BULL. Get your facts straight, sister.

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  50. THANK YOU KURT I can't agree with you enough..

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  51. I personally would just like to hear the truth about all of it. Every time this is on the ballot, you hear its the LAST time we can vote on this. But, then as soon as it fails, you hear the next date we will vote. Start by telling the truth about all aspects of this issue and it will be a huge help. Also...a senior citizens center??? Does sound like a lot of bribery going on this time......

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  52. @ anon 1105 am (7/7)

    You've misheard every time, it seems. Each campaign has been crystal clear about this, as well as most other questions regarding the levy.

    Each time this has been on a ballot, it's been made aware that we have until the end of August to approve the levy or we lose the funds.

    From the get to, it was fairly obvious the SB would run this up to 3 times if necessary (Feb/May/August).

    As has been stated all along, this truly is the LAST time this funding is available.

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  53. still voting no..

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  54. Just say no. Let them have to make do with what they have. The kids can get a great education if they want it. The fact is this is all about jealousy. All the other little districts got new schools so people are envious here and want one too. grow up. Anyone want to bet this passes? i wouldn't. Vote no!

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  55. Are you kidding? Jealousy?

    Walk through south school and yeah, you'll be jealous that other districts allow their kids to not endure sweltering heat in the winter, water damage, and unstable structures.

    This is the sort of attitude that is holding the community back.

    A great carpenter could do great things with just a hand saw, hammer and nails... but what can he do with a fully equipped shop with modern tools?

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  56. Ya know I have heard a lot of differant opinions on this shcool levy thing,but I have yet to here any solutions.So I think if everybody that has left a comment on here would put forth the effort they have put forth on these comments we could come up with a better solution.Do we need a new shcool yes does the propety owners want to float the bill it is pretty clear they dont.Why dont the shcool board borrow the money from city council,they seem to have a nack for finding money they didnt no they had.Every body I talk to say they have had it with this town and the way things are run as have I.So you people keep bickering and fighting over this cause I am moving just like every body else that has had enough of it.I will say this you better get it strate or 20 years from now you want need a school or any jobs cause this town will be desserted and forgot about.

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  57. Walk through south school and yeah, you'll be jealous that other districts allow their kids to not endure sweltering heat in the winter, water damage, and unstable structures.
    Are you serius? Sweltering heat? Haha, no wonder kids today are so weak. Somehow I made it all the way through school with no ac. You people need to get real. If you care so much about having a new school start writing checks. I am sure they would gladly take your donations. Half of the pro levy people probably do not even own land. The voters have said no enough. They will once again say no so deal with it. If you don't like the way things are done here you can move to another district. This is one tax we can say no to and we will once again.

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  58. Hey Kurt guess what? I somehow made it througfh school with no ac in the same "sweltering" heat you mentioned. What a joke. No wonder kids today are so weak. The people have said no. They will once again say no. Maybe you don't realize this but we are in a recession. Read a newspaper. Towns, cities and schools all across the country are cutting back. No way do we need a new building just to satisfy the ego of a few people. If you supporters care so much about a new school get your checkbook out and send a check. I am sure they would gladly accept it. I would love to know what percentage of you tax hike supporters even own any land. Just say no, I will.

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  59. I do agree that we need new schools in this town. Our schools are in horrible shape and safety should be a concern too. However, real estate tax seems unfair. Most of the people I have talked to that are in support of this levy, do not own any property....why wouldnt they support it, it doesnt affect their budget in any way. Isnt there any other way to fund this besides only making 1/2 the community pay for it?????

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  60. How does the older colleges that have been using the same buildings since turn of the century do it??? Like YALE, Stanford???It's called maintenance...

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  61. JME maybe you should move to another district I or anyone who wants to make this town better does not want you here.... your a disgrace maybe you should check your damn ego.... $9.92 a month for a house at $100,000 I can save that by not going to Mcdonalds and that money would go to a great investment our schools and the education of future generations past me and you combined.... o and by the way the land lord for someone that rents would throw that price into someones rent to make up for the cost SO EVERYONE DOES PAY...

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  62. JME:

    learn to read. the problem is with the heating system. In the middle of WINTER (that's the time of year it's cold outside), some class rooms are up to 90 degrees + and have to open windows. How efficient is that, let alone conducive to learning.

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  63. anon at 1248:

    renters will see an increase in their rent to cover their landlord's increase in taxes.

    if they don't, they have a dumb landlord.

    THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE WAY TO PAY THAT IS CURRENTLY LEGAL

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  64. OMG.

    The Yale/Harvard/Stanford argument?!!!!

    How much money do you think they've spent to keep their buildings like they are?

    They have HUGE alumni supporters and also charge an arm and a leg for tuition.

    NOT A VALID COMPARISON

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  65. I would be interested in knowing how many people that are arguing for the levy on here are actual landowners. I mean, I know Wave 96 isn't, but he's made that pretty known throughout.

    Just seems that the people I talk to most that want it passed have young kids and are renting, or are the grandparents of young kids or something along those lines. I talk to landowners, kids in the schools or not, and the majority want nothing to do with it (as is reflected in the vote).

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  66. In response to Anonymous July 7, 11:04 a.m., regarding ceiling in the gym at Gettysburg, there were no asbestos tiles on the ceiling at Gettysburg. The only asbestos was on the steam pipes in a confined basement area. However, Woodland Heights has asbestos ceiling tiles and at present students are not allowed to play kick ball in that gym.

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  67. For those who keep claiming renters will pay more through increased rent… keep in mind that those renting Section 8 housing, which Greenville has a lot of, will not feel an increase in rent, because their rent is paid for by the State. The State has no form of income and is supported by taxes; therefore the working class will see that increase. Nope landlords are not dumb… they are covered.

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  68. If you want to refuse to pay based on the fact that those that receive assistance will not have to pay is simply ridiculous. Those property taxes are still paid by the landowner. It doesn't affect the amount that you would pay at all.

    Also, I do own property, and I'll vote yes. I have no kids, and I'll vote yes.

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  69. Actually Kurt, I did not say I was voting yes or no on the levy. What I did respond to was Arthur Spooner’s Comment. You seem to be awful defensive on this issue, trying to dispel everyone’s comments with your own. Yes the property taxes would be paid by the landowner, however it would be collected from taxpayers, not necessarily the renter.

    We all know you support the levy, and that is ok… but there are some who do not support the levy, and that is OK too. Everyone has their reason for voting one way or the other, not everyone’s reason is ridiculous.

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  70. College buildings:
    Do people not realize that universities close their old buildings for an entire year or more to renovate them? Classes are simply relocated to other buildings. On any major campus there is always an area under construction or reconstruction. It's not simply good maintenance; it's major overhaul.

    Land owners:
    With the exception of perhaps those living in subsidized housing, land lords will pass any tax increases off entirely to the tenants. To make the numbers nice and round, they will probably increase rent beyond the amount of the property tax increase. It’s not just we land owners that pay for everything, so let’s knock it off with the pity party.

    Recession:
    Yes, times are tough, but this levy will be over the course of decades. Why should we wait until next year when the economy improves, construction costs rise, and lose $8.8 million in state assistance? This will make the levy more expensive. The old saying, “cutting off your nose despite your face” applies here. The school board has a great idea by temporarily dropping fees. Essentially they are helping parents save the money to pay for the tax increase for the first year, or maybe the first few years.

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  71. I apologize for being a little brash.

    Yes, some folks who are voting no have valid reasons, and I do not fault them for coming to that conclusion.

    My biggest fear are the individuals who are voting no based on misinformation, assumption, and just plain illogical reasoning.

    More than anything, I want those people to be able to get correct information, see things for what they are and form a sound conclusion based on facts and logic. If that conclusion is still no, so be it.

    but while the argument as to why they should vote no continue to be that we should renovate instead, we should implement a sales/income tax, we should hold out for a k-12, the SB will want more money later, etc... i'll continue to do my best to provide facts and logical reasoning as to why these are not viable and in more cases just not possible.

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  72. To Josh F
    In regards to the recession, I have no children in school, and live in Greenville SD, so I will not see a benefit of saving money by not paying school fees but will definitely pay more in taxes (again)....my pension and social security do not increase...yes all expenses keep going up but if I can have a say on another possible increase in taxes you bet I'm going to continue to voice my opinion and vote NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  73. Kurt, no problem, I know you are passionate about this levy. Just some things don’t belong in a lively conversation or post because it does nothing other than make people not listen to their views. Another example of this “so lets knock off the pity party” in the above post. Its statements like that… that just takes any substance from the entire post and the person for that matter. Everyone has their own opinions on this levy. To try to “sell” someone on their opinion is one thing, but to try to ram their idea down someone’s throat, well that’s quite different.

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  74. 2:13pm,i agree...

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  75. Anon 2:13 PM -
    So basically you're saying you'll vote no for any tax increase of any sort, no matter what the purpose? Not your problem? Let someone else figure it out?

    If you had kids, who paid for the building they went to? Who paid for the school buildings you were educated in? Now you don't want to take any responsibility when it comes time to step up?

    The thing is, most of us are in the same boat. Everything is increasing in price, and we're not seeing raises. Some are seeing pay cuts. And with companies closely watching things like overtime, pretty much everyone is on a fixed income.

    I seriously believe there are very few people who can't honestly afford another $7-14/month (approx based on $75k-$150k) home value.

    I probably sound like a jerk, but I think a lot of people are saying "no" simply because they can. Obviously, the electric company and grocery store don't give us a vote on price increases.

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  76. So basically you're saying you'll vote no for any tax increase of any sort, no matter what the purpose? Yep! Vote NO!

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  77. jme:

    you realize that's incredibly ignorant right?

    being fiscally conservative doesn't mean voting no each increase. It means weighing out the benefits of each increase to determine if the return is greater than what you put in.

    I have a hard time finding a way to believe this increase is not a valuable investment for the community.

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  78. Does anyone think their property tax will go down as a result of the tax reevaluation recently carried on in the county? The GV superintendent confirmed at a meeting that there is not enough land at the Ohio Street site to meet the state requirements for K through 12 facilities. Another land purchase?

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  79. I have 3 children, all in high school. I am voting YES. Why? Well, the community needs to support our schools. We need to welcome the chance to help our children step into an updated learning facility. The taxes are slight, and seriously, why wouldn't you want a new school? A new school would even make Greenville a more promising prospect for new business. Think beyond your noses people. Either you want Greenville to prosper, or you want it to fade away. If by chance you have chosen "fade away", then why do you live here?

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  80. Voting No for the THIRD time. Maybe our voices will be heard THIS time.

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  81. Voting NO again. Thse latest ploys with "free" workbooks is pathetic. Greenville...THE BRIBE COMMUNITY- No way.

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