The Whitehall School Board has been very busy lately, but as soon as I was about to post one item, I was made aware of another. So before I get any more school news, I will post what I know.
Proposed Budget – No Increase in Tax Levy
The school board had a meeting on March 29th where a proposed budget was adopted to send to the voters. The school board may be finally recognizing that out-of-control school spending is contributing to the rapid decline of Whitehall. The board made further cuts to the budget and is now proposing a 2010-11 budget with $13,186,012 in spending (a 3.45 % decrease) and a tax levy of $4,829,164 (no increase). They took a number of prudent fiscal steps that were much needed. However, please note that enrollment for the school district is on a downward trend, so even with a 0% tax increase, per pupil spending will most likely rise again. I will report on the enrollment numbers in the near future but this is something to watch and consider.
2 Seats Open on School Board
Two seats on the board of education are up for election in May. Last year only two people ran for the two open seats. The deadline for filing a petition is April 19, 2010. While the Huletts Current does not endorse candidates, if you are a fiscally conservative person who understands what is going on in the district or know someone who would make a good school board candidate, you should consider running or encourage someone to run. A contested field is better than an uncontested field for a discussion of the issues. Sadly, the board of education has historically been hostile to the concerns of Huletts taxpayers. No one is against a quality public education, people in Huletts simply ask that for the amount of taxes the Huletts area contributes, the board listen to and consider our concerns.
Budget Hearing
There will be a public hearing on the budget on Monday May 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Junior/Senior high school. (I have added it to the calendar.) You may want to consider attending this meeting.
Budget Vote
The vote on the budget and two seats on the school board will be held on Tuesday May 18, 2010 from 12:00 o’clock noon till 9:00 p.m. (I have added it to the calendar.) This is your chance to vote.