Posted 1 year, 1 month ago in 
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I am willing to support a bond issue for School District 51 after two items are proven to my satisfaction. First, the district must prove that it has managed its increased revenue in a way that built its capital savings account. This would have reduced the need to ask citizens to pay more.
Second, the district and its leaders must use every innovation applicable to maximize the use of the facilities that already exist.
School District 51 has received revenue increases over the past 15 years at rates substantially higher than rates of inflation due to Amendment 23, the Gallagher Amendment and the large increases in property valuations. However, not a dime of that increased revenue has been saved for building new facilities. It seems easier to ask for someone else’s money for this capital purchase, but it doesn’t make it right.
The district has not proved it is getting the maximum effectiveness out of the facilities we have. Innovation and efficiency, which is required of all businesses and local governments before new facilities are built, should be demanded of District 51 before any new taxes or bond issues are adopted.
Innovations that abandon the outdated agrarian-based school calendar, shifting of students to maximize the school day and a longer day that the facility is used are just examples of items that should be implemented before the easy question is asked on the ballot.
I have children who would enjoy a new high school and the benefits that one brings. I also teach them to live within their means before asking for more. This basic principal should apply to our elected school boards and our administrators.
TOM FISHER
Grand Junction
2 Responses to “School District should live within their own means”
Posted September 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
This is a prime example of how peoples’ views of the district differ, and how much they really know about the internal workings of the district and what it actually does with what it has. Has anyone that posts here actually seen the district budget? Has anyone actually researched how much this will actually raise their taxes per year/month? Living within your means is a great ideal, but this is not personal finace and can not be done when you look at the current growth of this valley. They do the best they can with what they have, but when the growth exceeds what they have then something needs to change. You want higher scores on these tests, better teachers, but don’t want to contribute to it. Something has to give, or things are going to continue to go downhill. I will pay my taxes with a smile and know that my money is not only investing in the education and better facilities (my kids will never go to the proposed new schools) for my kids,but those of this valley as they are who is going to lead in the future.
Posted September 26th, 2008 at 4:57 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
I agree with the writer of the letter. All I want is for the district to lay out to proof to the voters and taxpayers. It doesn’t matter how much it would raise the tax. As well, the school district automatically gets more revenue because of growth already. It’s through more property tax collections through more businesses and homes built to take care of the growth.
All the letter writer asked was for some proof. That shouldn’t be too hard if it is truly there.
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