Why are there so many different, independent requests for more revenue for the school district?
LETTER: In a recent letter from the district president and district director, they described that this is a "unique" request; not like the others. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a steady stream of requests for more revenue, but I have never seen a comprehensive plan or description of the need in any form that makes sense to me.
Why is every request a 'crisis'? Are the demographics in the area so unpredictable that planning is not possible? In the business environment, this would be viewed as the result of poor strategic planning.
By Howard Fraiser
Redmond, WA.
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Has the number of children per family suddenly grown? Has the ratio of tax paying residents shrunk? It seems that with more children, there are more parents and taxpayers that are providing the revenue to fund the needs of any increase in attendance.
It seems clear to me that there are two possible explanations for this "manage by crisis" method:
· Annual "per pupil" cost is rising faster than revenue
· Taxation method is not suitable for funding education
Until those issues are under control, we will forever be addressing one crisis after another which is not an effective strategy. Further, some of these requests have been accompanied by language which indicates that the issues aren’t popular, so rather than convince the constituents with compelling presentations, the request will be timed when voter turnout is low. That is offensive to the process.
I strongly believe that we need to fund an effective education system and I’m sure that the people responsible for raising that money would rather spend their time on education issues rather than seeking revenue. We need a dialogue which will lead us to a long term revenue plan.
I’m voting ‘No’ this time… I want to see leadership toward a strategic plan rather than this management by minimal voter participation.
Opinion by Howard Frazier
Redmond, WA.
PS: This article from the CATO Institute describes a common challenge to school district budgeting that may be at work at LWSD. Basically, you need to understand your full costs before you can budget for them.
Your points are good ones and agree that an open dialogue needs to take place between school districts, local government and the voters. Unfortunately, the situation we are in is a product of the political environment where every proposal and candidate will put their measure or name on a ballot only when it gives them the greatest chance to succeed. In a sense, every election is just as insulting as the next and I agree it is an unfortunate situation. That said, school districts need to partner with the local governments and voters for not only funding but better explanation of the needs, a safer environment for children, better opportunities for education at home and in the community and involving all partners for any changes being planned in the future. Surprises, crises and emergencies are difficult to accept and while I highly encourage everyone to vote "yes" on proposals coming from our district, there is no question that the process needs to become far more transparent and open.
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