The Express-Times reports that NASD will vote on Monday regarding the 2009-2010 budget (read the article here). I can't call it a hike, because I honestly expected a much greater increase than the proposed 2.96%. On the flip side, since taxes have been increased so much in the past several years, this apparently nominal increase will still net the district fairly large rewards.
Here is why I still can't be "happy" with "only" a 3% increase by the school:
In 2000-2001 the total operating budget was $38.1 million. Nine years later, in the budget being voted on, the operating budget is $64 million. In the past three years we've increased operating by $10M (2006-2007 actual).
Our Assessed Valuation in 2006-07 was $795,404,800 and next year it is speculated to be $873,915,000. During that time the millage has increased from 36.21 to 45.55. In short, the NASD benefited from a nearly $100 million increase in property assessment, but still raised taxes by nearly 10 mills. What the budget doesn't define, and what is very important, is the amount of assessed value from residential vs. commercial properties. Based on enrollment, see below, I'm guessing commercial has helped boost our property valuation.
The district budget projects 5019 students next year, which is an increase of 300. What is odd is that this year's projection is 4716, down from 4732 the year before and very close to 2006-07, which was 4700. From 2005-06 to this year's end, we have increased less than 100 students.
Further, in looking at grade level enrollment, the high school right now averages 410 per grade, the MS (new config 7th & 8th) 374 per grade, the IS (new config 4-6) 348 per grade, and Elem (new config K-3) is 322 per grade. In short, enrollment levels coming up are smaller in each lower level.
In light of the current economy, coupled with enrollment, assessments and budget increases, it seems the NASD could have done better than 3%.
What do you think?
4 comments:
So, in 9 years, we have almost doubled the operating budget.
We hire more administrators, we gave the teachers union a golden throne, we continue to spend on construction projects (which equate to more operating expenses).
We spend spend spend.
Does Lesky live in a vacuum? And hate to sound so flip, but is the board that stupid? Do they not realize that we are living in extreme economic times and while the rest of us in the real world cut back, the admins, board and teachers (yes, I said teachers) all want more and more?
Here is a news flash for all of you, admins, board and teachers.
Every home you see going into foreclosure in the Nazareth area, YOU have a hand in it. When people can't pay their taxes, YOU have a hand in it.
It is time that the collective YOU extract your heads from the sand (or other locations) and realize that instead of growing the budget, YOU should be shrinking it.
But, as I have posted here before, Lesky won't give up his kingdom, the board won't concede that they don't know what they are doing, and the teachers will continue to grab as much money as they can, regardless of what it does to the common person barely getting by.
One word...... ELECTION!
John,
That is great for the board, but we are still stuck with Lesky and his minions, not to mention that beautiful contract we have with the teachers union that gives them a nice pay increase every year for the next few years at OUR expense.
How do we get rid of them? They are also a large part of the problem?
My guess is that if we can put a board in that is sympathetic to the Taxpayer, then we will start to see the administration change in its makeup.
And, as the economy continues to go South, there will be teacher layoffs like we are seeing in other districts. There will be those that cry for the lost teachers, but I will not be one of them. Maybe then the union will start to cast aside their greed when they realize that their own actions will lead to the thinning of their own ranks.
Hopefully (But I doubt it) someone sees the handwriting on the wall and brings reals this board in. We are spending WAY too much, I am sure we are overpaying for most things as well as the teacher contracts.. I will say though.. I am somewhat of a proponent for teacher pay (The good ones...) Most that work all year doing research, papers, curriculum writing, etc. derserve a decent amount of pay.. (Not familiar with Nazareth pay rates).. I know my wife (works at another district) in my opinion doesn't get paid well enough for the BullS.. and the amount of work and dedication that she puts forth...
These teachers are now asked to be baby sitters/parents/teachers/guardians, etc.... Not JUST teachers... Parents need to step up to the plate.
Just my opinion.... I think our major problem is the board/building/wasteful spending...
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