Gerard wanted to share his views on an article he read in THE PLAIN DEALER on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 so here they are:
North Royalton High School, located in one of our local suburbs, had their first day without busing the students to school because the tax levy didn't pass. The levy that was defeated would have cost a $100,000 homeowner an additional $181 yearly. Here are the highlights:
1) Kids did not like it! (surprise, surprise!)
2) A girl who will be a freshman next year cried! (boo, hoo)
3) The principal said with lots more teen drivers on the road, we'll keep our fingers crossed! (Hello, knock, knock! If junior does not know how to drive, why is he behind the wheel?)
4) And, of course, another levy will be put to the vote in May.
5) Not only that, but they cancelled the talent show, musical and the Ski Club too! (Too bad, it's not like these are important!)
6) Students playing spring sports must pay now to play. (Oh well, join the club! Other schools already have been doing this.)
The economy is really bad with no relief in sight any time soon. Naturally, people don't want to vote for tax increases. The schools are just going to have to realize this and adjust. When I was in high school, I had to take three buses and walked a few blocks, thinking nothing of it. I don't see what the big deal is here.
What do you think about this huge tragedy? Your comments are welcome.
The Staircase
6 hours ago
4 comments:
Here in Vermont, that would never happen. Our property taxes fund the schools and they are already in the 5 figures and climbing each year. Lots of people have difficult choices to make.
We are all struggling and all of us have to make sacrifices somewhere. There's people who can't buy food or pay for their heat.
It's a difficult time for sure.
I'm cracking up at Gerard's comments. I say, let the little kiddies walk to school. Didn't I just read that almost half our kids are overweight anyway? Get off the bus and walk!
Since we homeschool, maybe we'll talk our pretend choo choo train to school tomorrow. Chugga chugga chugga chugga choo choo!
We've become a nation of crybabies. Let some of the parents take some of this responsibility as well. I think Gerard made some very good points.
Have a terrific day. :)
Yea, I am glad someone agrees with me. I am glad you stopped to comment because I really am curious as to what others think about this.--Gerard
I think that 2 miles is way too far to walk (I used to have a 30-min. walk to High School). That's fine if the kid can drive or if the parents can drop them off, but to walk that every day, even in good weather would be too much for me! Concerning cutting out some of other things mentioned, I agree with Gerard on this point. I don't see anything wrong at all for having kids pay to play sports. People generally don't mind paying for things they want to do.
--Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"
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