Dear editor,
I spent this morning studying the Registers online archives; reviewing articles and opinions about our upcoming school bond election. There has been a staggering amount of effort expended by citizens of the USD-257 service area on behalf of our children and communities. My congratulations and appreciation go out to them as they pursue our obligation as citizens to assure that USD-257 is prepared to execute its duty to our communities.
Mary Kay Heards letter to the editor pointed out that schools are not just about children. The quality of USD-257 instruction and facilities is paramount in the decision of parents and employers to choose to live and work in our communities.
Ray Maloneys comments exhibit what can happen when an intelligent citizen fully engages in the democratic process.
Ryan Sparks description of the evolution of the USD-257 steering committees year long search for common ground was enlightening. It showed that engagement, devotion to civic duty, and compromise are key ingredients to success.
While I respect the right of dissent, I would challenge those opposed to provide facts to substantiate their position. It costs too much or nothing we do will save our communities arent good enough. Prove it to me. A cynic knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Dont be cynical or negative just because you can.
Personally, I believe that this bond issue should be passed. It is the right thing to do on so many levels. It wont be pain-free financially, but it will be worth the investment. Please vote yes for the upcoming bond issue.
John McRae,
Iola Kan.
Dear editor,
Its all about the numbers and how much? Whos going to pay? What are we paying for?
A large group of individuals have invested time to gather facts and numbers. However, I did not have enough data to bring me to concurrence with the proposal.
I offer the following information and my further thoughts on the school bond proposal.
Many taxpayers may not live in a $70k home. I offer to the farmers that the increase in your taxes for question 1 (elementary school) is likely to be 11 percent over your 2018 tax bill.
The increase related to #2 (high school) is +3 percent and for #3 (middle school) is likely almost 2 percent increase from your 2018 bill tax. I base the above on our farms taxes.
In my own analysis I found that the present taxes range from $2.40 per acre to $20.40 per acre in tax dollars for 2018 taxes.
I suggest that you review your appraisal document from the county to better understand what your cost would be for the new school. To calculate your increase multiply the assessed value by .01562 (#1), .00434 (#2),.00271 (#3), or a total of .02267.
To me it looks like the farmers and the commercial/industrial property owners will be footing almost 50 percent of the bond monies requested. I refer to the fact that farm land has an assessment of 30 percent, land improvement assessment is 25 percent and commercial/industrial property assessment is 25 percent. These are compared to the assessment percent of only 11.5 percent on real property for residential and farm homesites.
I attended the meeting on March 12 at Bowlus. It was informative, however, there was limited mention of alternatives or negative concerns with the proposal.
I learned that information was on the school website related to architects presentations. It was good to hear that a kitchen and gym will be in the elementary school proposed. Safety will be improved. Utilities will be saved in elementary. Hopefully, traffic drop off will be improved and provide more safety. Do we really want a parking lot in the middle of the high school complex? I asked the question; I was not satisfied with the response. It was implied that it might not be the center of complex in the future. And now I read its possible the district could look at replacing the high school .that might be 20 years in the future. A parking lot does not add any value to the education of our children! And to place it in the middle of the complex for 20 years; I cannot support such a proposal!
