Response to May 19th article

Once again, I come with responses to articles from the Springfield News-Sun concerning the Northeastern Local School District. These responses are from the article dated Wednesday, May 19, 2010 by Bridgett Outten, Staff Writer, titled "Schools will put issues on August 3rd ballot". Unlike previous comments and questions, I will respond to those that are legitimate and not redundant.

As always, I am speaking on my behalf, not the board's. I recommend that the reader validate my statements so as to ascertain that I am responding with the truth.



"I'd say hopefully 3rd times a charm, but aren't we up to like 5 times now? Just a bad time to ask people for money!! Maybe our savior obama will print some more money and send it to us!!
Mark
11:48 PM, 5/18/2010"

Mark: thank you for your comment. Don't know which issue you are referring, however, you are correct that it is a bad time to ask for tax dollars. Unfortunately, the State Legislature has burdened the schools with no option but to seek dollars from the public. The Boards of Education would appreciate you and all voters to start addressing the school funding issue with our legislators.



"When are the SLOW LEARNERS of NESD going to get it through their thick heads - NO MEANS NO. People are out of work and LOSING their homes and you want to tax them more - for more buildings that you will just let crumble into disrepair - no brainer here. Get a new board - that will actually make repairs to the buildings - maybe then something GOOD WILL HAPPEN!!
abused taxpayer
5:59 AM, 5/19/2010"


abused taxpayer; thank you for your comment. I understand your frustration. The district has not allowed our buildings to crumble into disrepair....time and usage has done this. If you feel a new board will keep new buildings new for 50 years and keep up with technology, then you and two others need to run for the board and make it happen. I personally think a lot of GOOD THINGS HAPPEN everyday in our buildings.



"This levy proves how ignorant the NELSD board is . Nearly the same cost for fewer buildings -- good move.
amazing
6:28 AM, 5/19/2010"


amazing: thank you for your comment. Sir or Madam you need to get the facts. The newest plan calls for less buildings and less cost. The original plan was for $111 million for 6 buildings. This one is for $98 million for 4 buildings and renovating Kenton Ridge HS into a 5-8 building. It is also for less years and no income tax.



"My vote is still "NO"...I can not afford to pay over $700.00 a year in property tax at this time. We "all" have had to take a step back and look at our situations and make a conclusion based on our finances and job propects. My husband has worked the same job for over 40 years and not a week goes by, that they don't talk about closing down, or lay off. When the property owners can't pay their share of this levi, who picks up the slack? When residents move out, who picks up their remaing taxes
Cinddy
7:03 AM, 5/19/2010"


Cinddy: thank you for your comment. I too have suffered in this economy by having my hours cut in half for 7 months. I agree it is not easy to cope, however, I realize this economy is not going to continue. We will be better. If the district was not offered the 41% from the OSFC you can be sure we wouldn't be coming to you to build new schools. I do know that at some point in the future we will be in need of new schools and at that point we will be paying 100% of the cost.



"Kadel needs to go. He is so irrigant and a moron as well. I will still be voting no. Seems to me, they really don't know what they want. They've changed their minds so much, I really don't know what they're asking for anymore. And don't tell me to sit at one of those meetings so I can be attacked for voicing my concerns. Seems like you're treated like dirt for having an opinion anymore!!! HA! See if you get ANY more of money!
agree w/ amazing
7:14 AM, 5/19/2010"


agree w/ amazing: thank you for your comment. Sir or Madam getting rid of me will not change the fact that we need new schools and will not change the way our schools are run. I am only one of five individuals who comprise the school board. I am neither "irrigant (?) whatever that means, nor am I a moron. I am an educated individual who is concerned about our schools, have worked hard to see that the children in this district get the best education they can and try to keep the public informed as to what is happening in the district. Secondly, no one has ever been attacked at any board meeting that I have presided over as President. I've been President for the past 15 years which accounts for 142 meetings. No one has ever been attacked for their views. We have allowed everybody who wishes to address the board do so. The board respects all views regardless of the view. You have obviously not been to a board meeting.



"The 7.876-mill, 28-year bond issue will cost $237 a year on a $100,000 home.
28 YEARS!!!!
Hmmmm!
With NO children in school we are paying
$1,823.00 per year to NESD taxes now.
If passed this would increase to
$2179.00 per year.
With hundreds of foreclosures in NESD you want to raise taxes????
Again! "NO"
r u nuts?
10:40 AM, 5/19/2010"


r u nuts?: thank you for your comment. This is the way a community comes together for the better of the community. Even though you have no children - I have no children in the district either - you enjoy the benefits of strong property values largely as a result of the educational system. New schools will make our property values stronger. Old and rundown schools will cause our people to take their kids to other districts. Even good teachers will seek those districts with new schools and improved educational opportunities. Please reconsider your position.



"What do the schools do with the large sums of money they recieve from the lottery? Go to OhioLottery - about lottery - lottery profits - funding by district. Then scroll down to our county for the details. 2009 fiscal yr hasn't ended yet. 2008 yr fiscal N.W. got $609,834.71, N.E.got $1,315,848.85. Spfld City schools got $4,304,259.02. have a nice day
Donna
10:52 AM, 5/19/2010"


Donna: thank you for your comment. You bring up a very valid point about the Lottery bringing money to the schools. Our Legislators spend a large amount of time getting this across to the public about the Lottery helping our schools. The one point the Legislators failed to tell you is that when the Lottery money was going to schools, the Legislature was taking the same amount away from schools and giving it to the many entitlement programs the state supports. Therefore the Lottery money only replaced the money the Legislature took away. Yes, your facts are true, there is more to the story.



"The state government is being compelled by the Ohio Supreme Court to replace buildings in all school districts. If the NE school funding fails, the state will have to pony up the entire amount.

That's my theory anyway.
state will cover it
11:01 AM, 5/19/2010"


state will cover it: thank you for your comment. This is not true. If the levy fails the NELSD loses the 41% to another district. The state has no intention of funding new schools for districts. If the levy fails the residents will pay 100% of the cost of new schools or else let them fall down.



"Surely you realize the number of employees these schools must have to run...that lottery money would pay for salary and benefits for maybe 10% of the schools employees at the most. Lottery money is not the primary income source for schools; its closer to like 5% of the yearly budget. Don't exaggerate as if the schools are just overflowing with money and wasting it all over the place.
it's math
11:02 AM, 5/19/2010"


it's math: thank you for your comment. As with the NELSD, our budget is roughly $35 million dollars. The money we get from the Lottery is roughly a little over $1 million. You are correct in that we are not overflowing with Lottery money. Plus, the Legislature had withdrawn the funds from our funding that the Lottery was to provide, therefore we basically broke even.



"To Karen

Oh ,I'm sure school budgets are cut due to dollars they receive from the lottery.. The state knows the school will just go to the taxpayer for more. That's what the schools do, simply because it's easier to screw the taxpayer than to beat the state. I'll tell them what I tell the FOP when they call... I paid my tax bill, so don't come asking me for more because the state cut your budget.. Now go ask Suckland where your budget went.
jackalope
12:35 PM, 5/19/2010"


jackalope: thank you for your comment. Isn't it time for the people to start addressing their State Legislators on the school funding issue? They are the ones who must make the changes. School Boards members are advocates, however, it takes people who are also voters to take a position on this issue also. Working with board members will make a difference, if you and other voters are willing to help.



"237.00 a year for a 100,000 dollar home. Well guess what, Mine is over twice that. I have a big enough house payment and large enough taxes already. I can not afford more! I am doing well now trying to keep my home and farm to pass to my kids one day. Money is too tight for the community. Please stop hassling those who can not afford more taxes! We simply can not do this! Hasn't this been proven enough already???
enough already!!!
12:43 PM, 5/19/2010"


enough already!!!: thank you for your comment. We are not hasseling anyone. We are simply getting information to the residents of the district. As a voter, you can stand at the voting booth and make your choice with no duress from board members or supporters.



"its almost grimy how they keep trying to get this threw. i am still voting no.if the money went to repair the schools we have i mite vote yes.they just want to keep building new schools and let them go heck.if they get the money they will just want more.worse then feeding a stray cat.i went to KR.vote no.its a replacement levy! not a repair levy.they will keep try to sneak it threw.i will always vote no..i would rather spend my money on getting this voted down then give it to nelsd.
josh
12:56 PM, 5/19/2010"


josh: thank you for your comment. Josh, it is neither a replacement nor a repair levy. It is a Bond Issue. There are differences. If you are a home owner, then spending money to vote down schools will only have a negative effect on your property values. There is no "sneaking" of anything. The newspaper and tv will not allow it to happen. Our objective is to get people informed in order to make an educated choice. If you have children in school then they will not get the educational opportunities they deserve. It is your choice and your community. Choose wisely.



"The outlook of public education in Ohio is going to be very bleek in the future! Gripping to our school boards really isn't going to do any good!! Their hands will be tied because of continued cuts in state funding! Legislators are the ones who should be getting the complaints! Major reform is going to be necessary if our state is going to be able to provide sufficient funding to keep our schools going! Contact your state senators and reps and grip to them!
yes voter
7:02 PM, 5/19/2010"


yes voter: thank you for your comment. Don't know if you are NWLSD or NELSD, but I appreciate your comment. You are absolutely correct.



"Do you really think the state will change state funding for schools as long as the tax payers keep voting yes to tax levies? Those who have suggested calling state rep, have you called yourself and what was the response you received from your rep? Please share your knowledge further with us. We want to be informed. Thanks for your help.
Paris
10:10 PM, 5/19/2010"


Paris: thank you for your comment. Do I think the state will change the funding system? Not at the current rate. I've addressed this issue with Rep. Hackett, Rep. McGregor and Sen. Widener on many occasions. The response is the same: "we've increased funding to schools!" That is not the solution Ross, Bob and Chris.

Paris, I will gladly guide you through the process we need to make happen, however it will take a long time and a lot of people who are unrelentless and serious about getting a solution.



"Here's something to think about??? $1.00 a kid to ride the bus to and from school? Movie night, $2.00 a kid. Any after hour programs or special events $2.00 a kid or just don't have them... If it doesn't have anything to do with EDUCATING a child DELETE IT!!!!!!!! Wanna play sports parent pay the FULL cost. NO MORE EXTRA ANYTHING!
NOWYOUWILLLISTEN
11:13 PM, 5/19/2010"


NOWYOUWILLLISTEN: thank you for your comment. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Please look at my article on Open Enrollment and see what cutting sports or having parents pay to play option. Educating a child is more than reading writing and arithmetic. The Ohio Department of Education has guidelines and mandates on what school districts must do.



"Enough already: The school provides the cheerleading uniforms, so if your daughter cheerleads for the school, you didn't pay anything except the sports fee we all have to pay. It's easy for all of you to critisize when you don't know all of the facts. We NEED MONEY to run the SCHOOL. It's like trying to keep your car running without any gas, it just doesnt work.
get real
6:01 AM, 5/20/2010
REPORT ABUSE
We already pay most of the sports costs. I didn't get any help when paying 900-1000 dollars for my kid's cheerleading uniforms!
enough already
12:24 AM, 5/20/2010"


enough already and get real: thank you for your comments. I combined these comments because the truth needs to be known. First to enough already, this is your choice to pay the outrageous fees for a cheerleader uniform. I've addressed this with other parents about the school furnishing uniforms, however the cheerleaders didn't like the colors the school chose. The school colors for Northeastern is Cardinal and Gold, not Purple or Maroon and Gold. This has been an issue for many years. To get real, I didn't know the school furnished cheerleader uniforms. Possibly the Cheerleaders may have handed their uniforms down to the next cheerleader, but to my knowledge the school does not furnish cheerleader uniforms.



"Those of you who THINK your elected officals are listening about school funding. THINK AGAIN!! They have had several YEARS to resolve this issue but have ELECTED to do NOTHING as it does not benifit them. Most have ELECTED to side step the issue as it is a POLITICAL MINE FIELD. If you want to show them WE want ACTION on the issue VOTE the IMCUMBENT officals OUT!! I believe the newly elected offical might understand what the VOTERS are saying. FIX IT OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!
DOn
10:24 AM, 5/20/2010"


DOn: thank you for your comment. You are exactly correct. It is way past time to get our legislators to take positive action. It is a Political Mine Field and one they do not want to handle. I will be doing an article on school funding using a common sense approach.



"tom, i really hope you're right. however, i was disheartened last night when i encountered another no voter... who by the way, didn't have the facts. she was misstating so many things. the supporters of this levy need to get out and get the truth - the facts out there! it IS about our children. we owe it to them. i challenge the no voters to walk through the schools they say are "fine".. spend some time chatting with the teachers... get the FACTS!
NE mom
10:43 AM, 5/20/2010"


NE mom; thank you for your comment. Very well stated. As a means of trying to get information to the public on any and all issues in our district I am going around the district talking with groups in Catawba, South Vienna, New Moorefield, Plattsburg and N'ridge to get the fact out. You are right, there is a lot of misinformation being spread around.



"We need to develop a PAC to dedicate funds and effort to defeating the upcoming levies.

The schools continue to waste dollars putting it in our face time and time again - Let's start pushing back!

To NE District voters: Wait until they pass the income tax and continue to ask for property tax dollars too. NOTHING MAKES ME WANT TO SAY NO MORE THAN THE PILFERING OF MY HOUSEHOLD BUDGET.

To hell with Renewals/Emergency Levies - JUST SAY F***ing NO - as in HELL NO
We need to organize the NO's
12:45 PM, 5/20/2010"


We need to organize the NO's: thank you for your comment. using language like this I would not give my name either. As I stated earlier, you have a choice to make at the ballot box just like everyone else. If you can show me where we are wasting money, I will be most happy to look into it and correct it. The Treasurer works for the board of education and therefore is accountable to the board as well as the residents. By the way, you need to understand the bond issue we are putting on the ballot. There is no income tax. Pleaqse get your facts straight before inciting others.



"JC you are very annoying. Are you getting paid for all your vote yes crap your throwing on everyone? Give it up, it's gonna be voted down...for the ump-theenth time!
tired of you
6:13 PM, 5/20/2010"


tired of you: thank you for your comment. I know JC as an individual who comes to the board meetings, asks questions, researches the responses, asks more questions, goes through the buildings, talks with board members, administrators and teachers. He is very informed and as a result supports our district. It is those who are uninformed, misinformed or refused-to-be-informed that are ignoring this bond issue and opportunity. JC is getting no pay for his comments, nor is he employed by the district.