The Times poll asked: "Considering what you have heard from other residents, do you think the new school project will be approved by voters on Sept. 11?"
The overwhelming majority of readers -- 71.6 percent -- said the bonding authority for the project would be approved. However, a sizable 28.6 percent predicted the expansion project would be denied by District 44 voters.
The survey of 105 readers was conducted from Aug. 26 through Sept. 3. The polls will open bright and early (8 a.m.) next Tuesday, Sept. 11. For more background on the proposed renovation and expansion, see past Times' articles by clicking here.
Now it's time to git 'r done!
ReplyDeleteYes, time to git 'r done and see your property taxes increase by at least 25%......
ReplyDeleteHey, you big farmers - how's that going to feel when your tax bill goes up by that much. Probably won't be able to get that new pickup or replace your 36 row planter
And how nice it will be for those option kid's parents -- their kids will get to go to a brand new school and it won't cost them a dime! What a great deal for them!
No one had better complain when the first half of property taxes come due in January. Because it is going to hurt.
Sound the alarm. It's the scare tactic police!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to know your solution, Mr./Ms. Anonymous. Should we consolidate and build a $30 million new school outside of town? Something has to be done with the current school building. You'd know that if you've seen the school conditions as many of us on this blog have.
The current proposal is a very reasonable plan.
You know that this poll doesnt mean a thing because you can vote on it more than on Iam told. And most of the people who have the internet, I for one am sick of hearing about it, Iam voting for what I beleive in, and know matter how many times it is written on this blog it will not change my mind. I for one will be glad when this is over so we cant put more things on this blog, that are just as important. Life will go back to normal, no matter how the vote goes.
ReplyDeleteActually Mr./Mrs. Anonymous, we know many of the farmers who own a majority of the land and they are all supportive of the new school... so I guess that argument is out. Also, DPS receives $5000 per each option enrolled student, so we are getting something back in return for letting these students attend our school. I agree with bob, maybe if you would have attended any of the informational meetings, you wouldn't be so clueless.
ReplyDeleteThe average property owner in Dorchester would see a $15-$20/mo. tax increase if the bond passes. The Average property owner would see a $60-$100/mo. tax increase if we build a consolidated new school in another 5-10 years.
ReplyDeleteYour choice.
Bob
ReplyDeleteSo that is the increase for the average property owner...what about farmers that own more than just a small lot in town? Tell me what their increase is going to be.
Anonymous.......no matter what, we pay taxes--even if our district dissolves. Each and everyone of us pay and will continue to pay for public education. Wouldn't we rather pay taxes to support our school here in Dorchester??
ReplyDeleteAlso on your comment about option students--not only does the district receive dollars for each option "in" student, the parents of those option students still pay taxes in their home district.
I have no problem with people that disagree with my opinion. What I do have a problem with is disrespect and being uninformed. I encourage you to vote the way you believe, that's what this country is all about. To me, the school project is very important--please don't tell me that it is stupid or there are more important things. We happen to have a difference of opinion -- education is very important to me. The patrons of District #44 paid for my education (along with that of my grandparents, parents and children)and I believe we owe that to current and future students.
if you were at the meeting you also heard mr. ehlers say it cost 9700 dollares to educate each student.
ReplyDeleteDo the math
Bring in more transfer students. Build the school. Encourage more improvements whenever possible. Do everything that the negative nay-sayers (most of whom cannot spell) are protesting. That is the formula for success. When the head-in-the-sand crowd is crying that the sky is falling, that is when you need to keep pressing onward.
ReplyDeleteThis community is about to take a progressive turn for the better ... leave the "outs" behind.
Like Bob said, git 'R done. Vote yes on Sept. 11.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThere you go again!! It has been said before here, but I'll say it again.
If you divide the costs of education by the number of students you get the per pupil cost of education (which was the number Mr. Ehlers gave). If you take $9700 x 250 students you get $2,425,000 of total costs. This number is used by many when they discuss the costs of education, but the number is misleading, especially for small schools. This number represents the total cost of education divided by the students, but it is not what it actually costs to educate each student.
Here's why. If we were to lose all of our option students, we would still have the same expenses we have now, minus a few textbooks (which may amount to a few thousand dollars a year, less than the $5000 we get for each student). So with each option student we add $5000(each year) to our budget, and in return we buy more books. However, if you insist on using the cost per pupil amount, because it "works for you" and Mr. Ehlers said it, you should use it correctly. It might be more accurate to say that it costs about $19,200 per pupil to educate the first 50-60% of our students. But while we're paying for the expense of those first 50-60%, we may as well get our money's worth and add some more. Hey let's add more until the number comes out to $9700 per pupil...and what the heck if we have the resources (that we are paying for anyway) let's add a few option students in and get $5000 for each that we can spend on everyone.
So, the school district is going to spend about the same amount of money each year, whether they educate 175 or 250 students. Option students are money in the bank, as far as this discussion is concerned.
And don't forget we all pay some tax that helps to fund education. Although property taxes are a large source of education they are not the only source. Also, students who opt into other districts also pay taxes (those that opt in and out of Dorchester included).
I did the math, please share the information and vote on Sept. 11.
Thank you, Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the more persuasive comments we have ever received on any topic.
You have made us see the light when it comes to option-enrollment students.