Responses to July 7th article on NELSD levy

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 July 7, 2010 from Megan Gildow's blog titled "Northeastern schedules community meeting for South Vienna". 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.



"By willyd
July 7, 2010 10:34 AM | Link to this
Just a thought - if the building gets built - there will be no funds to operate, according to the current operating budget and current levy. Where do they think this money will come from - another levy or the money tree? Just a thought."

willyd: thank you for your comment. We know that there will be operating money that will be needed to operate and maintain our new buildings. Exactly when we will come to the voters for operating money will depend on several things: inflation, when and how much the state will reduce our funding and when the new buildings get built. New buildings will have amenities that our current buildings don't have such as air conditioning, safety and security devices and equipment that is badly needed, technology, air quality systems that are mandated, and other items that will be realized when the buildings become operational. Failure of the levy will cause us to come to the voters for maintenance dollars to bring our old building up to code for safety and security, wiring for technology and other items too numerous to mention in this short response.



"By a no voter so far
July 7, 2010 10:53 AM | Link to this
They bull headedly tried to push this through not once but twice with a predictable NO. Now with one chance left and everyone upset they say we are listening to the tax payer / community. Why didn’t they listen first instead of “WE want it,You pay for it”. What’s next if it doesn’t pass, then what?"


no voter so far: thank you for your comment. First, we have never "bull headedly" pushed anything through. Your vote is not coerced nor do we stand at the ballot box and intimidate anyone into voting for or against this issue. We are only citing the facts of the situation and you have the choice to make. I'm certain if you have gone through our buildings you would understand the need. Secondly,if the levy fails, we will probably be coming to the voters for Permanent Improvement levy to bring our buildings up to code and up to date for security and safety items, wiring and equipment for technology and other issues that will allow better education for our children. Also, should one or more of our buildings become in such condition that they have to be abandoned, then we will either have to close the building and move the kids to another building on split sessions or pay 100% of the cost to build a new building. Again, it will be the choice of the voter. You should be at the South Vienna meeting to voice your question instead of hiding behind a keyboard and pseudonym.



"By don't give up
July 7, 2010 12:31 PM | Link to this
To: By a no voter so far - I REALLY do understand your frustration but they are listening NOW! Be there, ask your tough questions then make a decision regarding the $41,000,000 badly needed dollars for our schools and community."

don't give up: thank you for your comment. It is important for those who are uninformed to come to the sessions and ask those questions. Even those who support the issue must be assured we will do the right thing for the district. Again, thank you for your comment and support.



"By Lulu51
July 7, 2010 2:08 PM | Link to this
NELSD do you really believe you can pass the levy, then come back and ask for more funds to keep schools operating? We, many of the NO voters have tried to tell you we cannot afford more taxes! I feel the levy keeps getting put on the ballot at special elections believing many voters will miss going to the polls. This shows how sneaky the board is. Politics at it’s finest!"


Lulu51: thank you for your comment. There is nothing sneaky about this levy. It has been in the paper, on television, you are seeing yard signs, and notices of community meetings. The board is being up front with everyone who is willing to listen, ask questions and see for themselves. Have you?



"By Christy
July 7, 2010 2:26 PM | Link to this
I’m voting ‘yes’. I easily spend $237+ on stupid stuff as it is. At least my money is going to something worthwhile. It’s not the kids’ fault and they’re the ones being punished with lacking facilities. It’ll be a sad day if this doesn’t pass."


Christy: thank you for your comment and your support.



"By NO NO NO
July 7, 2010 3:23 PM | Link to this
WELL I AM NOT PAYING MORE. IF I EASILY SPEND $237.00 ON STUPID STUFF THAN SO BE IT. BUT I AM NOT PAYING ANYMORE IN TAXES AND BESIDES THAN THEY WILL WANT OPERATING COSTS SO MORE TAXES!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! NEW SCHOOLS ARE NOT NEEDED TO EDUCATE A CHILD!!! FIX WHAT YOU HAVE."


NO NO NO: thank you for your comment: If the levy fails, we will have no choice than to fix what we have. There will likely be a Permanent Improvement Levy on the ballot to do the maintenance and upgrades to our existing building. Hold onto your hat when the millage is determined. Then you can vote to make the repairs and upgrades needed.



"By Here We Go Again
July 7, 2010 8:53 PM | Link to this
No again in August. No anytime they put this on the ballot. I’m sorry Mr Kadel but I’m convinced you and the school board are on drugs. No means no!"


Here we go again: thank you for your comment. First, Sir or Madam, I can assure you I am not on drugs (can't attest to the rest of the board)



"By no only voter
July 8, 2010 10:56 AM | Link to this
what about the people with $200,000 or 300,000 house tax’s already to much now ad these we the tax payers must cut back so the schools can do the same kadel should take a big $25,000 to put it on ballet where money coming from just vot no-no-no"


no only voter: thank you for your comment. don't understand your statement, sir. If your asking me to take a $25,000 cut in pay....I only make $1265 a year.



"By 4th Generation NE Grad
July 8, 2010 11:42 AM | Link to this
This issue is not tied to what we want for our children, all caring parents want the best education possible. Right now with record high unemployment numbers and the worry that your job may be next to be cut no one can afford extra taxes right now. The State should extend the date to apply for building funds until our economy is better. The State cannot afford to spend anymore funds either. Right now NE should concentrate on cleaning up their personnel. Teachers who are caught sexually abusing students and rumors that another teacher was caught viewing sexually explicit websites on his school computer twice before being fired does not make me want to give you more money. Clean up your house and then come back to me."


4th generation NE grad: thank you for your comment. I agree with you about the state of the economy and that the OSFC (not the state) should take into account the economy, however, it will not happen. It is the valuation of property that determines when a school district will become eligible for dollars. Unfortunately our number came up at a very difficult time. If you or anyone judges the entire faculty, administration and staff on one or two people, then it is unfair. These personnel have been dealt with properly. Two individuals should not be used to jeopardize the future education of children. I feel this is your excuse for not supporting our educational process.



"By Voter
July 8, 2010 12:25 PM | Link to this
Why don’t they hold the meeting in the school so everyone can see the horrible conditions that they students have to go to school in? I will continue to support the levy only because we need to have our learn with today technology and we certainly do not have that. We don’t even have the option to have a computer lab not in the library along with another class room and offices. Lunches in the NR school building starts at 10:20 a.m. so they can get elementary school students and middle school students served. How crazy is that when they start their day at 7:50 a.m. and don’t get out of school until 2:15?"


Voter: thank you for your comment. The reason for holding the meeting outside the building is twofold. First the buildings are being cleaned and painted at this time. Therefore the hallways are filled with furniture. Secondly, the buildings are very hot since the fans would not be used due to the noise. Thirdly, Ritchie Bros. was kind enough to provide a nice facility for the meeting. I agree that it would be best to get into the building, however, it would be a difficult time to do so.



"By Gary
July 8, 2010 3:05 PM | Link to this
Why don’t they split the districts. I live around Kenton Ridge,why should I have to pay for some kids to go to school in South Vienna and Northeastern. It’s about 7-10 miles away.Get a grip.P.S. I live in the city limits and I’m in the Northeastern school district.What the deal on that!"


Gary: thank you for your comment. This question has been asked of me many times. My reply is simply "be careful what you wish for". Splitting the district is not an emotional thing, it is a money issue. I have a lot of information about splitting the district that would be detrimental to both sides. As far as living in the city limits and in the Northeastern district also is simple. The municipal and school district boundaries are not the same. We have a lot of kids who live in the city limits that also reside in the district. We also have kids living in Champaign County that is part of our district. Boundaries are not similar.