RE: http://www.news-tribune.net/local/local_story_338140336.html

One of the first things you can do is get the damn school taxes reduced and I don't care how.

Placing a burden on the taxpayers of Clark County is a sad commentary on the previous "leadership" of that position.

Don't look for that to happen until the debt for the high school updates is payed off... and then, of course, the middle schools will need attention... and the, the elementary schools...

quote:

Originally posted by Supermike:
Don't look for that to happen until the debt for the high school updates is payed off... and then, of course, the middle schools will need attention... and the, the elementary schools...

So what's the answer, Supermike? Let our schools crumble to the ground? Cut progams that actually keep kids in school? I hate taxes as much as the next guy, but let our educational infrastructure crumble and you'll see how dismal things get in Clark County. No one will want to live here, and no business will want to locate, OR do business here.

It's a proven fact!! Businesses that pay a "living wage" want an educated workforce. If they can't get it here, they'll go where they can. I COMPLETELY understand the frustration associated with the expense of maintaining infrastructure. But it's a necessary evil. That is unless you're a long time resident of Jeffersonville / Clark County, no longer have childeren in the public education system, and are bitter that a large part of the property taxes paid is earmarked for education in the area. There's a lot of people in this area who fall into that category. Some people truly think that 100% of their property taxes goes towards education. Ain't so. But as a life long resident of this area, I'll grit my teeth and pay my taxes, as much as I hate to, knowing it's going to educate the youth of the area to make Jeffersonville / Clark County a better place for me, my kids, my grandkids, etc. Maybe someday they'll come up with a better system. Until then, I don't know what the answers are in how to deal with the declining infrastruc-ture. Wish I did.....I'd be a rich man (and probably pay more taxes!!).

Thanks for your input. I respect people in the community that care enough to say what they think. By no means am I saying I'm right and you're wrong. It's definitely a toughy!! But it's just another way of looking at it. That being said, I respect your view, too, and know exactly where you're coming from.

Regards.

I too respect the value of a quality education, but my problem is I have to pay yet again for money mismanagement.

I also agree more has to be spent on education, but we all can not be expected to keep paying more and more into a failing system.

quote:

Originally posted by JHS1982:
So what's the answer, Supermike? Let our schools crumble to the ground? Cut progams that actually keep kids in school? I hate taxes as much as the next guy, but let our educational infrastructure crumble and you'll see how dismal things get in Clark County. No one will want to live here, and no business will want to locate, OR do business here.

JHS1982,

Absolutely not. I respect your opinion and thank you for it.

I think the answer is to keep the facilities up to date and in good repair over time... not wait until the walls are cracked, the foundation settled, and black mold growing (which was complained about for years) before deciding to do something. I also think if we want nicer athletic facilities, those upgrades should come SECONDARY to classrooms and educational materials (i.e. a textbook for each child that pays for one).

I would much rather my taxes go up a LITTLE over a long period of time so the system can maintain a $10-20M per year construction or "upgrade" budget, versus a $60-100M "hit" just to upgrade three schools. Especially knowing the middle schools and some elementary schools aren't getting any newer. Perhaps if they spread it out some, it wouldn't come as such a hit to so many people.

I have children in the GCCS, and fully support keeping the facilities up to date. However, I want my child's classroom to come before the tennis courts. If the school can't raise the money for that, the boosters can try to help. It's hard to swallow that 65% of my property tax bill goes to schools, when I'm paying $1200/year for all-day kindergarten.

I think the answer is to keep the facilities up to date and in good repair over time... not wait until the walls are cracked, the foundation settled, and black mold growing (which was complained about for years) before deciding to do something. QUOTE]

Can't argue with you there, Supermike!! You certainly hit the nail on the head, and I couldn't agree with you more.

GCCS does not have the best track record when it comes to maintaining its educational infrastructure. And as you elude to, it costs us more in the end. I, like you, would rather they spend some $ periodically to keep the buildings up, vs. waiting until they're in such bad shape that it costs mega-millions to update them and get them compliant.

Point well taken, sir!!

JHS1982 I think everything you say on here is 100% on the mark. Are you a teacher if so can you run for superintendent. I haven't posted on here for some time I wanted to set back and listen. You have great ideas.

quote:

Originally posted by make it count:
JHS1982 I think everything you say on here is 100% on the mark. Are you a teacher if so can you run for superintendent. I haven't posted on here for some time I wanted to set back and listen. You have great ideas.

THANKS Make it count. I appreciate the kind words!!

No, I'm not a teacher. I'm just an ordinary guy with a B.S. in Business. Let me correct that....an UNEMPLOYED ordinary guy with a B.S. in Business. First time in my 44 years I've ever found myself unemployed, and it definitely ain't fun!!! That's why I'm a "newcomer" to the Forum. I've got more time on my hands, so in between networking and sending out resumes, I take a break and relieve some stress by logging on and commenting on the Forum pages. I enjoy talking to people and getting their opinions and views on issues affecting the community. I just hope I don't wear out my welcome!!

Hey, since I'm unemployed, I'll take a shot at the permanent Superintendent's position!! Naw.....I'm just kiddin'. I know my limitations, and I'm in no way, shape, or form qualified to be a Superintendent. If only we could get some people on the Board of Trustees to own up to that same philosophy. But then again, if they did that and resigned from the Board, admitting they're not qualified, they'd have no way of supplementing their "hidden agendas," now would they?? Well......a guy can dream, can't he??

So if you know of someone looking for a dedicated professional that's stable, willing to work hard, and not afraid of a challenge, send them my way, would 'ya?? That's the only way you guys are gonna get me off this Forum!!

Take care everyone. Have a happy Friday!!

Supermike

You may want to ck me, but aren't greater clarks school taxes lower then new albany and west clark? Including the construction.