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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?
some may call it tax terrorism
i don't want anyone to lose jobs or kids to lose programs, but it's just getting ridiculous.
the cost of EVERYTHING is increasing, but pay isn't..
NY is sinking, financially.
I make a good salary, have excellent credit, trying to buy my home, and 700 dollars of my money has to go to taxes? and it goes up every year? and then when the house is paid off, i still have to pay insane taxes?
my parents live in Smithtown, Dad retired, is 75ish, mom makes little and is 62. House is paid off, and they are pay 12k in taxes. 12k. Kids are grown and out of school, obviously....8k of that 12k is for the school.
they need to adjust the taxes...if you don't have kids in school or make under a certain amount, there needs to be a break.
AND "THEY" WANT TO GET RID OF STAR PROGRAM.
Message edited 5/17/2010 7:10:43 PM.
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Posted 5/17/10 7:08 PM  |
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mamasita27
OHANA
Member since 8/07 5974 total posts
Name:
MB
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
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?
YES, they really do all those things!
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| Posted 5/17/10 8:35 PM |
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LulaBell
:)
Member since 1/06 3508 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by mamasita27
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?
YES, they really do all those things!
Yes, my DH, sister and I are all teachers. All of our districts have plans for additional teacher, TA and support staff layoffs, club, sport and extracurricular cuts and program (meaning classes) cuts if the budget fails. Class sizes - which in my district already approach 25-30 will be through the roof in this case.
The district in which I live has also clearly outlined the many cuts that will have to be made if the budget fails.
I will be voting YES tomorrow.
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| Posted 5/17/10 8:53 PM |
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staceyd
LIF Adult
Member since 8/08 2052 total posts
Name:
stacey
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by MrsMadness
Posted by mamasita27
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?
YES, they really do all those things!
Yes, my DH, sister and I are all teachers. All of our districts have plans for additional teacher, TA and support staff layoffs, club, sport and extracurricular cuts and program (meaning classes) cuts if the budget fails. Class sizes - which in my district already approach 25-30 will be through the roof in this case.
The district in which I live has also clearly outlined the many cuts that will have to be made if the budget fails.
I will be voting YES tomorrow.
Most districts ALREADY plan to cut many services and budgets in order to save teachers, and the integrity of the education program.. These cuts have already been made in order to come up with the least amount of increase in proposed spending... and if the budgets are defeated, that will increase class sizes, lay off teachers, and eliminate many programs and activities that were salvageable... If you go to board meetings, or read the information regarding budgets that were probably sent out in every district, you would see the cuts that are already being made... Some districts, teachers are taking pay freezes in order to save their colleagues and the education of our children...
I know a lot of people are outraged by what they read, but what we need to all realize is what the source is... If we base all of our information on sources that are biased against teachers, and the long island education system, of course we will want to vote down budgets... we need to see the big picture, and the impact that it will have on our children and their future...
while increasing class size to 27 may not seem like a lot to some... it completely changes the dynamic of the classroom.. and especially at the elementary level, where our kids are learning the basics and fundamentals of their future education... I hope everyone spends some time tonight finding out the facts of their budgets.. and hopefully most districts have worked out a plan that you can feel comfortable approving... and if not, by all means... vote no... but do it based on the facts.. and not the outrage over dollars....
just my two cents..
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:02 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 staceyd
Most districts ALREADY plan to cut many services and budgets in order to save teachers, and the integrity of the education program.. These cuts have already been made in order to come up with the least amount of increase in proposed spending... and if the budgets are defeated, that will increase class sizes, lay off teachers, and eliminate many programs and activities that were salvageable... If you go to board meetings, or read the information regarding budgets that were probably sent out in every district, you would see the cuts that are already being made... Some districts, teachers are taking pay freezes in order to save their colleagues and the education of our children...
I know a lot of people are outraged by what they read, but what we need to all realize is what the source is... If we base all of our information on sources that are biased against teachers, and the long island education system, of course we will want to vote down budgets... we need to see the big picture, and the impact that it will have on our children and their future...
while increasing class size to 27 may not seem like a lot to some... it completely changes the dynamic of the classroom.. and especially at the elementary level, where our kids are learning the basics and fundamentals of their future education... I hope everyone spends some time tonight finding out the facts of their budgets.. and hopefully most districts have worked out a plan that you can feel comfortable approving... and if not, by all means... vote no... but do it based on the facts.. and not the outrage over dollars....
just my two cents..
 very well said. Thank you!
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:14 PM |
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I am not on LI, but still in NY. My district has 0% increase and a 3.9% tax levy (whatever that means.) The teachers have taken a pay freeze so there will be no layoffs. So I will vote yes.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:22 PM |
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mdn13
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/07 408 total posts
Name:
Marcie
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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.
Like a previous poster said cuts in state aid, increases in expenses and numerous other things have a say in the budget.
Attend a budget meeting for your district and you will have a better understanding. Sadly in my own distriict only 2 people showed up this year. People should really take the time to become more educated before becoming angry over things they don't have full knowledge of. Also those that have a problem with how money is being allocated should bring this up at board of ed meetings before they make a rash decision at a budget vote.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:22 PM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by jellybean1420
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.
but this is where taxpayers are seriously misinformed. voting no will NOT make the board go back and cut the "frivolous" things!!! that is not even an option, as much as i'd like it to be!
voting no means the band, sports, drama, prek, full day kindergarten, etc will get cut--if you want a special theatrical school program cut you need to make your voice heard LONG before budget vote time. voting no will NOT impact that!!
it's fine if you think it should be cut, but don't vote no because of that. that's not what you're voting on!
i too can barely pay my taxes. they are increasing at an astonomical rate, and i have to pay village tax. but i will NOT vote no because i don't agree with certain programs being funded.
taxpayers need to be informed and make informed decisions. knee jerk reactions will only hurt the kids.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:29 PM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14021 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
The budgets are ridiculous. Any private business would not be able to operate the way the districts on LI do. Double dipping, top heavy administration, over abundant districts multiple districts that could be just as well served by one...it's disgusting. Yet, when they can't balance their f'ing budgets...what do they cut...our children's programs and the teachers...not the administrators, not their medical insurance...no, none of that. They dip in to the endless pool of tax payers pockets to fund their mismanagement.
Message edited 5/17/2010 9:32:24 PM.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:31 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 shamrock124
The budgets are ridiculous. Any private business would not be able to operate the way the districts on LI do. Double dipping, top heavy administration, over abundant districts multiple districts that could be just as well served by one...it's disgusting. Yet, when they can't balance their f'ing budgets...what do they cut...our children's programs and the teachers...not the administrators, not their medical insurance...no, none of that. They dip in to the endless pool of tax payers pockets to fund their mismanagement.
I  you! 
Message edited 5/17/2010 9:38:44 PM.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:38 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?
Posted by shamrock124
The budgets are ridiculous. Any private business would not be able to operate the way the districts on LI do. Double dipping, top heavy administration, over abundant districts multiple districts that could be just as well served by one...it's disgusting. Yet, when they can't balance their f'ing budgets...what do they cut...our children's programs and the teachers...not the administrators, not their medical insurance...no, none of that. They dip in to the endless pool of tax payers pockets to fund their mismanagement.
this is kind of how I feel about the business end of the districts, and it needs to stop. But the movers and shakers of the district dont suffer, its our children and teachers that do.
This is where I have trouble EVERY year with the budget vote and I cant reconcile this.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:39 PM |
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cloddy
Holiday 2011 photo
Member since 8/05 8088 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Keep in mind that the provisional budget that you are stuck with if you vote yours down is likely as high if not higher in some circumstances so pay attention to the literature before you make the decision!
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:43 PM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by shamrock124
The budgets are ridiculous. Any private business would not be able to operate the way the districts on LI do. Double dipping, top heavy administration, over abundant districts multiple districts that could be just as well served by one...it's disgusting. Yet, when they can't balance their f'ing budgets...what do they cut...our children's programs and the teachers...not the administrators, not their medical insurance...no, none of that. They dip in to the endless pool of tax payers pockets to fund their mismanagement.
this is kind of how I feel about the business end of the districts, and it needs to stop. But the movers and shakers of the district dont suffer, its our children and teachers that do.
This is where I have trouble EVERY year with the budget vote and I cant reconcile this.
it is so unbelievably unfair to the kids. there is SO much that could be cut! heck, as a teacher, i could name 10 things off the top of my head that is not needed and could save money. it's so frustrating to know how much less districts could run on.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:44 PM |
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cloddy
Holiday 2011 photo
Member since 8/05 8088 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
It is interesting to me that people are so passionate about this from the taxpayer vantage point. Channel that in a positive way. Get involved in your school boards where you can bring about a change.
Message edited 5/17/2010 9:47:53 PM.
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| Posted 5/17/10 9:47 PM |
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ChrisDee
My Girls
Member since 11/06 9543 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by HLT407
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
My DD(3rd Grade) had had 25-27 kids in her class every year since kindergarten. 
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| Posted 5/17/10 10:50 PM |
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waterspout4
My loves
Member since 5/06 19150 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
My budget seemed like it was high, but once it was broken down in the literature, I agreed with it. And it was fully broken down to how much more it would be per month. It wasn't too much more per month, so I agree. However, my next door neighbor is out of work and disabled. She can't afford the increase. She also can't drive. I feel bad for her.
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| Posted 5/17/10 11:42 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I don't see having 20 something kids as such a big issue. When I was in 2nd grade, I had 42 - yes, 42 - kids in my class. And you know what? We all did great, even the teacher. Would I prefer a smaller class size? Sure - more attention for each student. But class size, to me, is not a huge issue unless it really gets up there. However, for the amount of taxes we pay, you would expect better services and smaller classes. I think the administration is out of control and there are way too many of them.
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:01 AM |
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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?
Posted by MommaG
I don't see having 20 something kids as such a big issue. When I was in 2nd grade, I had 42 - yes, 42 - kids in my class. And you know what? We all did great, even the teacher. Would I prefer a smaller class size? Sure - more attention for each student. But class size, to me, is not a huge issue unless it really gets up there.
i kind of agree....growing up elementary all through high school, we always had a around 25 kids in every class.
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:05 AM |
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Elbee
Zanzibar
Member since 5/05 10767 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by browneyedgirl
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by shamrock124
The budgets are ridiculous. Any private business would not be able to operate the way the districts on LI do. Double dipping, top heavy administration, over abundant districts multiple districts that could be just as well served by one...it's disgusting. Yet, when they can't balance their f'ing budgets...what do they cut...our children's programs and the teachers...not the administrators, not their medical insurance...no, none of that. They dip in to the endless pool of tax payers pockets to fund their mismanagement.
this is kind of how I feel about the business end of the districts, and it needs to stop. But the movers and shakers of the district dont suffer, its our children and teachers that do.
This is where I have trouble EVERY year with the budget vote and I cant reconcile this.
it is so unbelievably unfair to the kids. there is SO much that could be cut! heck, as a teacher, i could name 10 things off the top of my head that is not needed and could save money. it's so frustrating to know how much less districts could run on.
I just read my budget last night, line by line. I am disgusted by what is increasing (Admin salaries and expenses) and what is decreasing (items for the teacher and students)... The contigency budget while lower, does not even begin to address the above problem with the budget. You are d@mned if you do and d@amned if you don't. It makes me sick ....
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:07 AM |
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JennasMom
?**?
Member since 11/05 3463 total posts
Name:
does it matter
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
I also live in a district where, the contingency budget is a higher tax increase than the proposed budget sooo I guess my district answered for me
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:28 AM |
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by eddiesmommy
Posted by MommaG
I don't see having 20 something kids as such a big issue. When I was in 2nd grade, I had 42 - yes, 42 - kids in my class. And you know what? We all did great, even the teacher. Would I prefer a smaller class size? Sure - more attention for each student. But class size, to me, is not a huge issue unless it really gets up there.
i kind of agree....growing up elementary all through high school, we always had a around 25 kids in every class.
Things have changed a lot since we were kids, though. I saw my second grade class pic on FB and counted 30 kids.
Now, you have classes where you are very likely to have a mix of ELLs and monolingual kids, so the teacher has to juggle more. And NYS is in the process of adding even more standarized tests (maybe even at the K-2 level) as part of its teacher evaluation plan. So, as a teacher, I would say that smaller classes is vital to student learning. IMO, preserving those should be one of every district's goals, even if other stuff has to be cut.
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:35 AM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by jellybean1420
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.
Also voting no. And your reason above is one of the reasons why...but there are many.
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:35 AM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by shamrock124
The budgets are ridiculous. Any private business would not be able to operate the way the districts on LI do. Double dipping, top heavy administration, over abundant districts multiple districts that could be just as well served by one...it's disgusting. Yet, when they can't balance their f'ing budgets...what do they cut...our children's programs and the teachers...not the administrators, not their medical insurance...no, none of that. They dip in to the endless pool of tax payers pockets to fund their mismanagement.
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| Posted 5/18/10 11:46 AM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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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.
Agree 100%
When they say if it doesn't pass teachers will lose their jobs I always ask why don't administartors share in the pain.
Never one have I gotten a good reply to that question.
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| Posted 5/18/10 12:07 PM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: School Budget votes - how do you reconcile?
Posted by mdn13
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.
Like a previous poster said cuts in state aid, increases in expenses and numerous other things have a say in the budget.
Attend a budget meeting for your district and you will have a better understanding. Sadly in my own distriict only 2 people showed up this year. People should really take the time to become more educated before becoming angry over things they don't have full knowledge of. Also those that have a problem with how money is being allocated should bring this up at board of ed meetings before they make a rash decision at a budget vote.
Not everyone has the luxury of skipping work to attend a board meeting.
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| Posted 5/18/10 12:14 PM |
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