NO to referendum yes to cuts

I don't have children, but I have no quarrel with my taxes paying for the education of children in my community. I don't drive on every road or use every park in town either. I'm glad police and fire departments are available. For the basic services taxes provide, they are a bargain. At least I can choose to have a say through attending meetings and voting.

Im pro... I guess maybe some of my comments may be confusing or contradicting.

Wait, Ranger...which side of the issue are you on?

Agreed.. They do receive some.. Simple fact, they need the referendum to pass! Remember a few years back when it failed and they cut city wide busing? This time class sizes would rise up to 45 kids and have way less offerings as far as electives and extracurriculars. Don't make the kids pay the price to save some pennies.

Ranger, ISD88 is fully aware what would happen to their budget if MVL, St. Paul's and Cathedral closed their doors. The churches and parents pay over $3,000,000 a year to keep these school open. Where would you like that money to come from if these kids suddenly enrolled in public schools? Keep in mind that the district DOES get some state funding for these kids, even though they attend private schools.

What extracurricular do you help with? Those coaches are working with kids every night at practices and out with kids late at night on game nights (especially away games - really late!) Thye earn a pittance for this time after work and away from their children. They'd appreciate your help.

The FIRST question does not raise them... It is a continuation of the referendum amount in place! If the dollar amounts are the same then why would your taxes go up? The second question does raise taxes as it is an increase from $450ppu to $550ppu.

I have an idea, how about we charge cathedral and mvl for the athletics that dist 88 subsidized for them? Over $30k a year for free!!!

I would rather pay for kids to get an education rather than pay welfare to some lazy, low life who says they can't work. C'mon people!

The referendum WILL raise taxes it says right on the ballot "voting YES will raise your property tax".I don't agree on cutting teachers pay but make cuts elsewhere.Start with the politicians who give themselves raises every year and have other elaborate unnecessary spending accounts.Car,food and other living expenses that they get that most of us have to pay for out of our own pocket is ridiculous.Also why should us that don't have kids have to pay for other peoples kids to go to school.If you can't afford kids don't have them.

Obviously James, you don't pay any attention to the information being provided from the district! The first referendum question DOES NOT RAISE TAXES. In fact your taxes will go down slightly!!! Its a no brainer! They won't cut teacher pay and for god sakes why should they?!? Teachers with a masters degree top out at 56k a year.. There are a lot better paying jobs out there with a lot less stress! And the extra curricular pay is minimal, one of the lowest in the south central conference! So go ahead and vote no, the next generation of idiots that you'll be creating will thank you!

Then YOU teach our kids. My wife is a teacher with a 4-year-degree. Do you want to know what she did this weekend on her TIME OFF? She worked at home on classroom stuff. She doesn't make a huge income, but she enjoys it. She's incredibly dedicated to her students' success.

Many people that enter the teaching career do not finish their career there. There are many other jobs that pay better. If we want smart, successful students, we need to pay the people who teach them. This isn't a hobby, James.

This is the LOCAL CONTROL that your republican governor has in mind...and we will end up paying for it locally.