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eddiesmommy
best buds!
Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Im not asking how you are personally voting, but how do you reconcile an increase in already high taxes vs. whats best for the children (programs, etc) and the fact that people's employment lies in your hands?
Im always so torn this time of year.
For me, I usually vote yes, but with the economy the way it is, Im having a harder time doing that this year.
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Posted 5/17/10 4:09 PM  |
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kmac
Two under two!
Member since 5/07 3703 total posts
Name:
Kris
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
It's my first year as a homeowner and finances are tight but it's not even a question for me. For what would be lost (teachers, programs, etc) compared to a few dollars - I will definitely vote yes. For my friends and students in my district where I work (I'm lucky enough not to be in jeopardy) I'm praying the budget will pass too.
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| Posted 5/17/10 4:13 PM |
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cupcakekid
LIF Infant
Member since 9/09 291 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I personally think the schools bully the taxpayers into voting yes. They say they will eliminate just about everything....activities, bussing, aftercare, etc. They leave most people no choice but to vote yes because they NEED a bus, or they NEED aftercare.
Why can't they keep their budget at what it is THIS year? No one else is getting raisies, so administration shouldn't be..they should just be lucky they have jobs period. I get that the cost of certain goods is increasing, but I don't believe for a second they increase THAT much each year that they need to increase their budgets by a million + dollars each year. I think it's greedy.
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| Posted 5/17/10 4:19 PM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I'm really not sure. We're hoping my DH gets full-time employment soon with our district so I'm leaning towards "yes" but the position he is trying to get soon isn't even in their plans.
I can't stand the increases & the greed in the districts.
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| Posted 5/17/10 4:21 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
This year is easy for me. My district is one that will see a bigger increase in taxes if it goes on the austerity budget.
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| Posted 5/17/10 4:40 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by cupcakekid
Why can't they keep their budget at what it is THIS year? No one else is getting raisies, so administration shouldn't be..they should just be lucky they have jobs period. I get that the cost of certain goods is increasing, but I don't believe for a second they increase THAT much each year that they need to increase their budgets by a million + dollars each year. I think it's greedy.
Unfortunately, the Federal & State governments are taking away millions of dollars in funding. There is an increase for many districts in an attempt to keep things as is. So yes, there are some increases- however it is simply trying to make up lost money. The hardest hit districts are low income districts or "high needs". They have lost the most federal funding and are really at risk for losing everything  My district included. My sister also works in a high needs district and she just lost her job for this very reason. It is truly sad all around- for homeowners as well as those in the education field.
For me, as a parent, voting no isn't an option. I will always vote yes so long as there are sound reasons for increases. Staff/faculty/admin pay is not one of them. Education, I feel, is the best investment. Also, I purchased a house in the school district that I attended growing up. Giving back to the community is the least I can do.
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| Posted 5/17/10 4:57 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by DancinBarefoot
This year is easy for me. My district is one that will see a bigger increase in taxes if it goes on the austerity budget.
That is awesome!!  The district I work for had this same budget last year and it finally passed!
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| Posted 5/17/10 4:58 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by cupcakekid
I personally think the schools bully the taxpayers into voting yes. They say they will eliminate just about everything....activities, bussing, aftercare, etc. They leave most people no choice but to vote yes because they NEED a bus, or they NEED aftercare.
ITA with this!!!
My SIL works in Garden City school district where to be honest, I didnt think there would be budget problems. Yet she told me yesterday that there are teachers in line to be laid off if the budget doesnt pass meanwhile her principal purchased brand new furniture for her office and other offices in the school PLUS built a high tech room with internet, etc. Sorry...but those things are not a priority when people are going to be laid off, programs cut, etc.
The problem is SERIOUS mismanagement of money and WE the taxpayers are paying for it! 
Message edited 5/17/2010 5:03:32 PM.
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:00 PM |
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conigs25
So in love with this kid!
Member since 5/06 11197 total posts
Name:
Michele
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by cupcakekid
I personally think the schools bully the taxpayers into voting yes. They say they will eliminate just about everything....activities, bussing, aftercare, etc. They leave most people no choice but to vote yes because they NEED a bus, or they NEED aftercare.
Why can't they keep their budget at what it is THIS year? No one else is getting raisies, so administration shouldn't be..they should just be lucky they have jobs period. I get that the cost of certain goods is increasing, but I don't believe for a second they increase THAT much each year that they need to increase their budgets by a million + dollars each year. I think it's greedy.
there are many reasons why schools need increases and one is cut in state aid.
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:01 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by cupcakekid
I personally think the schools bully the taxpayers into voting yes. They say they will eliminate just about everything....activities, bussing, aftercare, etc. They leave most people no choice but to vote yes because they NEED a bus, or they NEED aftercare.
ITA with this!!!
My SIL works in Garden City school district where to be honest, I didnt think there would be budget problems. Yet she told me yesterday that there are teachers in line to be laid off if the budget doesnt pass meanwhile her principal purchased branch new furniture for her offices and other offices in the school PLUS built a high tech room with internet, etc. Sorry...but those things are not a priority when people are going to be laid off, programs cut, etc.
The problem is SERIOUS mismanagement of money and WE the taxpayers are paying for it!
This gets me so angry! Poor spending causes a negative ripple effect. If our budget fails, we're losing 30+ teachers and many of our test prep courses which our students desperately need since there isn't any support at home. I wish we had the luxury of new furniture. Blehhh
What's worse? In my sister's district- 15 special ed. teachers were cut. Legally, what is the district to do with all of those students with special needs?!?! Tiptoe around the law and overcrowd special ed classrooms or weigh down inclusion classrooms?? Again, another district that wouldn't mind new furniture or high tech classrooms.
I pray for those districts that need the money. We are truly going to be SOL.
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:05 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by HLT407
This gets me so angry! Poor spending causes a negative ripple effect. If our budget fails, we're losing 30+ teachers and many of our test prep courses which our students desperately need since there isn't any support at home. I wish we had the luxury of new furniture. Blehhh
What's worse? In my sister's district- 15 special ed. teachers were cut. Legally, what is the district to do with all of those students with special needs?!?! Tiptoe around the law and overcrowd special ed classrooms or weigh down inclusion classrooms?? Again, another district that wouldn't mind new furniture or high tech classrooms.
I pray for those districts that need the money. We are truly going to be SOL.
My SIL said her class size could grow to 27 students which is insane.
But I feel in some way this is our fault as well. We would just pass budgets because we are always threatened with losing things...yet noone ever really asks where every penny is going.
unfortunately to even out the budget, we are going to have to give things up in our school for awhile.
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:08 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
To respond to the original questions, I am voting my budget down.
My taxes have gone up $1k every year we have been in the house. My school district should have to learn to do more with less. The thought of what my taxes will be when DS actually goes to school makes me want to throw up 
ETA: There are some programs that should be cut. We need to go back to the basics.
For example, my school district (Merrick) pays for students to go to a special theatrical school in addition to the yearly cost just for their general schooling. I believe it is an additional $15k per student sent. Sorry...this should be gone.
Message edited 5/17/2010 5:13:01 PM.
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:10 PM |
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twinkletoes807
Mommy's Girls! ♥
Member since 11/07 10116 total posts
Name:
Gabi
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I live in a district where, the contingency budget is a higher tax increase than the proposed budget!  A close friend grew up in the district that I currently live in and went to school while they were on an austerity budget. She told me how horrible it was- no clubs, sports or extra curricular activities. For the little ones in our district, Pre-K would be eliminated and Kindergarten would be 1/2 day.  I know I will be voting for it to pass even though my DDs aren't old enough to attend school yet. 
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:13 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
27  Should our budget fail, my class is supposed to grow to about 25-30. It's going to be a long year. I teach 1st grade and our district doesn't have teaching assistants. I hope this doesn't happen. 5-7 year olds are verryyyy needy and it is very tough sometimes.
It definitely has been an unspoken thing. Budgets were passed, money was spent- unfortunately unnecessarily in the past- and now when we *really* need it, we might not have it. I always build up our budget meetings and try to get as many parents to attend as possible. Being informed is the best defense to absurd spending. I just wish more people knew that those meetings were open to the public.
Good luck to everyone. I really hope this works out for all involved- parents & teachers 
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:14 PM |
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cupcakekid
LIF Infant
Member since 9/09 291 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by HLT407
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by cupcakekid
I personally think the schools bully the taxpayers into voting yes. They say they will eliminate just about everything....activities, bussing, aftercare, etc. They leave most people no choice but to vote yes because they NEED a bus, or they NEED aftercare.
ITA with this!!!
My SIL works in Garden City school district where to be honest, I didnt think there would be budget problems. Yet she told me yesterday that there are teachers in line to be laid off if the budget doesnt pass meanwhile her principal purchased branch new furniture for her offices and other offices in the school PLUS built a high tech room with internet, etc. Sorry...but those things are not a priority when people are going to be laid off, programs cut, etc.
The problem is SERIOUS mismanagement of money and WE the taxpayers are paying for it!
This gets me so angry! Poor spending causes a negative ripple effect. If our budget fails, we're losing 30+ teachers and many of our test prep courses which our students desperately need since there isn't any support at home. I wish we had the luxury of new furniture. Blehhh
What's worse? In my sister's district- 15 special ed. teachers were cut. Legally, what is the district to do with all of those students with special needs?!?! Tiptoe around the law and overcrowd special ed classrooms or weigh down inclusion classrooms?? Again, another district that wouldn't mind new furniture or high tech classrooms.
I pray for those districts that need the money. We are truly going to be SOL.
but will they really do those things or is it just really a threat to scare the taxpayers?
The schools that had budgets that didn't pass last year...were all of those things they threatened with taken away this year out of curiosity?
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| Posted 5/17/10 5:28 PM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I just have to say you are all lucky to be in NY where students are funded at over 10,000 a pupil. Here in my district in CA, which is similar to so many in LI, we are funded at 4800 a pupil and our wonderful gov. just butchered that to pieces. We don't have the option of voting in a tax parcel since it doesn't work that way out here. I would vote to raise my taxes over 1000 if it would help. Every dollar here goes to help students- we haven't had a raise in 5 years, in fact we took a huge pay cut across the board this contract to save teachers. We do not have pre-school and have half day kindergarden. Our class size is 28 to 1 in the elementary, 32 to 1 at the middle school and averages over 40 to 1 in the high school.
The sad thing is- this year we are cutting 125 MORE teachers and losing a counselor at each high school. We already have a count of 600 to 1. And the parents were asked to contribute a $1 a day to their education and most are saying no. WHY? They are saying its because those "greedy" teachers(who most make WAY under the cost of living for our town BTW) aren't giving up anything. This is what parents think. When we all voted to cut 5% of our salary for two years. It's just so sad. We are going to lose a generation of children here.
Message edited 5/17/2010 6:16:08 PM.
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:14 PM |
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eddiesmommy
best buds!
Member since 5/09 11524 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
its so hard, in one way, I agree, like everyone else these days the districts need to learn to stretch a dollar, and if some clubs have to go for the time being, then so be it. But then again, I feel badly about that. I dont want our children to lose out bc the state and/or districts couldnt manage their money. Thats not their fault. With that said, just from a financial taxpayer situaton, the increase after increase after increase is getting out of hand.
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:25 PM |
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rileysmama
needing a vacation..!
Member since 10/09 2162 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
My district that I will be moving too...they are doing it this way:
if everyone votes yes, it (taxes) goes up to 4%
if everyone votes no, it goes up to 12%
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:32 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by cupcakekid
but will they really do those things or is it just really a threat to scare the taxpayers?
The schools that had budgets that didn't pass last year...were all of those things they threatened with taken away this year out of curiosity?
I can only speak for the 2 districts I know very well- mine & my sisters. Already my sister's district cut PreK and if the budget fails, K will be cut to half day. This is awful because of the extremely high standards NYS holds for their students, yet we are unable to fund programs to prepare them for the innumerable tests NYS bombards them with. How can you expect to develop fluent readers by first grade if they haven't had ample experience with letters and sounds that are a huge part of pre-k? Kindergarteners are reading & writing now... cut that to a half day and in first grade, the teachers are going to have to teach all of pre-k, 1/2 of K, plus first grade in order to keep up with test schedules. Dammn near impossible. Then throw in poor attendance and you're screwwed.
As for cuts- my district lost many art programs- we have just the basics (art club, drama set design, art classes) and music (we have band, chorus, orchestra, jazz band, and a small drumline for the marching band). The bands are all run by the same 2 men- they cut all of the other teachers.
Also we went from a wealth of clubs & sports to a total of 9 sports teams. The "clubs" were dwindled down to 33- which include band, choir, orchestra, drama set design, jazz band, drumline, marching band- so take away the arts/music from the clubs and that's what we're left with.
In an area where gangs/violence are again on the rise- these kids need after school programs to keep them occupied; even if its just for a little while. If their parents aren't able to provide them with a safe environment after school, the schools are supposed to offer that opportunity. With what money? I'm not quite sure- but it is very frustrating.
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:42 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by CkGm
I just have to say you are all lucky to be in NY where students are funded at over 10,000 a pupil. Here in my district in CA, which is similar to so many in LI, we are funded at 4800 a pupil and our wonderful gov. just butchered that to pieces. We don't have the option of voting in a tax parcel since it doesn't work that way out here. I would vote to raise my taxes over 1000 if it would help. Every dollar here goes to help students- we haven't had a raise in 5 years, in fact we took a huge pay cut across the board this contract to save teachers. We do not have pre-school and have half day kindergarden. Our class size is 28 to 1 in the elementary, 32 to 1 at the middle school and averages over 40 to 1 in the high school.
The sad thing is- this year we are cutting 125 MORE teachers and losing a counselor at each high school. We already have a count of 600 to 1. And the parents were asked to contribute a $1 a day to their education and most are saying no. WHY? They are saying its because those "greedy" teachers(who most make WAY under the cost of living for our town BTW) aren't giving up anything. This is what parents think. When we all voted to cut 5% of our salary for two years. It's just so sad. We are going to lose a generation of children here.
Unfortunately, many people think it is the teachers. It drives me nuts. Your situation is horrific... I am so sorry you are going through this  A few districts here have taken pay freezes and given back health care benefits (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) just to save fellow teachers. It is a sad, sad day in the education world.. Good luck!
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:45 PM |
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cupcakekid
LIF Infant
Member since 9/09 291 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by rileysmama
My district that I will be moving too...they are doing it this way:
if everyone votes yes, it (taxes) goes up to 4%
if everyone votes no, it goes up to 12%
How is that even legal?
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:48 PM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I will be voting yes for my school budget vote tomorrow. My district is not increasing the budget at all from last year because they were fiscally responsible enough to plan for the current economic situation. There is still a tax levy increase which is due to the decrease in state aid (as a previous poster mentioned). I would never want to see programs cut, teachers excessed or a loss of anything else in my school district. Are there areas that can be cut? Sure but isn't that the case in most areas of employments.
As a teacher, the district I work in also planned well for the future and has a minimal increase. With that being said, the contingency budget will mean a larger increase in taxes and definitely layoffs. Class sizes I am sure will increase.
Personally, I think that everyone should attend a budget meeting of their school board to truly understand the budget. People should educate themselves and learn where the money goes. One shouldn't just go by what is reported in the paper. JMO
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| Posted 5/17/10 6:58 PM |
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HLT407
So lucky
Member since 11/07 1910 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by cupcakekid
Posted by rileysmama
My district that I will be moving too...they are doing it this way:
if everyone votes yes, it (taxes) goes up to 4%
if everyone votes no, it goes up to 12%
How is that even legal?
The district set a budget that is below what the government has anticipated/set for them. In order to save the community members money, the district cuts corners responsibly in order to get the budget passed and save 8%. However, if the budget fails- taxes increase based upon the higher tax amount set by the government.
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| Posted 5/17/10 7:01 PM |
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rileysmama
needing a vacation..!
Member since 10/09 2162 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by cupcakekid
Posted by rileysmama
My district that I will be moving too...they are doing it this way:
if everyone votes yes, it (taxes) goes up to 4%
if everyone votes no, it goes up to 12%
How is that even legal?
I think its about reserves...
it was in Newsday the other day.
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| Posted 5/17/10 7:02 PM |
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cupcakekid
LIF Infant
Member since 9/09 291 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by HLT407
Posted by cupcakekid
Posted by rileysmama
My district that I will be moving too...they are doing it this way:
if everyone votes yes, it (taxes) goes up to 4%
if everyone votes no, it goes up to 12%
How is that even legal?
The district set a budget that is below what the government has anticipated/set for them. In order to save the community members money, the district cuts corners responsibly in order to get the budget passed and save 8%. However, if the budget fails- taxes increase based upon the higher tax amount set by the government.
So you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. Love it
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| Posted 5/17/10 7:04 PM |
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