In my campaign to be elected to The Kettering Board of Education, I’ve decided to return to what motivated me in the first place last May. In this article for the KO Times to be printed Thursday, October 22, I use the word “appalled” to describe my reaction to the advertisements for the 6.9 mill renewal levy. Here is what I submitted to the KO times — with picture.
This is the image I've put on flyers and in the KO Times
The Kettering Public School System, like most all American public school systems, is bureaucratic and wasteful. We spend $11,200 per year per student.
I believe in public education. I believe it is of crucial importance that we build a better system for the future. I believe Kettering should be a leader.
Kettering’s total tax base is declining. In order to raise the same total revenue for schools, individual property owners must pay more tax. For example, in 2002 Kettering borrowed $102 million to make school building improvements. Last year, the effective rate for this bond was 3.6 mills. This year it is 4.5 mills.
I was appalled by the advertisements for the May 6.9 mill renewal levy that promised “ZERO Increase In Taxes,” and “Not a Penny More.” But the truth is, because of the declining tax base, the effective rate for this levy is increasing. By renewing the levy, voters gave approval to increase the effective rate for this levy by as much as 12%.
Current board members approved the misleading levy advertisement campaign. Kettering voters need to assert local control. The push to transform the system must come from the community via board elections.
As a board member, I would:
1) Insist on transparency.
2) Create a public group to study in detail Kettering Schools and to make recommendations for the future.
Go to CitizensTogether.com for more information. (I should have this greatly expanded in a few days.)
