Letters to the Editor 02/25/2008

To the Editor:

The Sisters Local School Option is the wrong thing at the wrong time.

First, you don't raise taxes in a deep recession. Second, revenues are not the problem. Spending and inefficiencies are the problem.

We've been throwing money at public schools for decades with no accountability on the part of educators and no real improvement. There are many sacred cows in education that need to be slaughtered before school districts come to the public for more money.

Summer vacations when there should be year-round school to fully utilize existing facilities. Teacher unions that refuse to adjust to the economic realities of the times. Education associations more concerned with teacher "rights" than the students they teach.

Too many teacher in-service days resulting in significant loss of classroom time for students. Excessive numbers of administrators and coordinators. Resistance to performance based compensation for teachers

Finally, if this really is "about the kids," teachers and administrators should share in the pain of the communities they live in and take a voluntary salary cut until things turn around.

Greg Franklin

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To the Editor:

Each day I am asked, "What will be cut if the Local Option doesn't pass?" I take very seriously the responsibility of planning for the various budget scenarios we face, in a way that is informed and does not unnecessarily add to current levels of concern. What is certain is that the consequences for our children are huge.

The funding picture for Sisters schools is unclear - but it does not look good and more cuts are necessary. Previous budget savings have left us in better shape than many districts, but we will still need to make cuts in 2009 even with the federal stimulus payments and stabilization funds. In 2010, we will have little, if any, contingency funding to cushion the even larger cuts anticipated from Oregon state funding cuts. Failure to pass local option will increase our deficits even more.

What will be cut? Personnel, first and foremost, since over 80 percent of the district's operating budget is personnel costs. However, I think it is unfair to add to the anxiety and uncertainty for district staff until we have more clarity. I want them to focus 100 percent of their energies on teaching children, instead of worrying unnecessarily about their finances and future.

Very soon we will know more about state budget reductions and our local option funding. At that time we can make actual decisions. I pledge that our district budget planning will be open, informed and fair. I will be seeking your input on budget reduction plans in a series of public meetings. I am forming a committee to work with me and welcome your input.

Cutting personnel and programs that help our children learn will be painful. I trust everyone can make constructive contributions so that we can do what is best for our children and schools.

Elaine Drakulich

Superintendent, Sisters School District

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To the Editor.

I decided to do some research and base my vote on the Sisters School District option levy on factual numbers.

I contacted the Deschutes County Tax Assessors office and obtained reports showing the actual dollars collected for the Sisters School District for the past eight years and the results were quite surprising. The following figures do not include the taxes that are still being collected for two different construction bonds ($2.4 million in 2008-09):

In 2000-01, the district received $3,864,224 in property tax revenue. The following year, it received $4,818,930 ($721,303 of this was from the new option levy). The property tax revenue collected for 2008-09 was $7,306,454 ($1,123,657 was from the option levy). This is an 89 percent increase from eight years ago!

The revenue collected from the option levy has increased 56 percent since 2000-01. Even without the current option levy dollars, the district received over 60 percent more property tax revenue this year when compared to eight years ago.

This dramatic tax increase has been obtained without any change in the tax rates but has come entirely from the increase in the assessed value of properties in the district, increasing from $9.42 million in 2000-01 to over $1.5 billion currently.

I work for a major manufacturer in Bend that has laid off over 1/3 of its employees and is struggling to survive. We are making cuts everywhere possible and every expenditure is being scrutinized. My salary has been reduced but I am thankful to still have a job. This situation is becoming common throughout the country.

It is time for the Sisters School District to also make some adjustments in its spending and survive on a 60 percent increase instead of the current 89 percent increase compared to eight years ago.

Ken Davis

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To the Editor:

While following the debate about Sisters School District's local option, I've noticed that arguments against the levy contain some common themes. I would urge undecided voters to examine these arguments very carefully:

Argument: The district needs to live within its means.

But consider: It already is. The local option is neither a new tax nor a tax increase. It renews a levy that the community has historically supported.

Argument: We can't afford it ... there's a recession going on.

But consider: We need good schools now more than ever. Good schools strengthen the local economy, attract businesses, jobs and home buyers, and ensure a more prosperous future.

Argument: The district shouldn't be asking a second time.

But consider: The levy was defeated by just 26 votes in November, after years of community support. Some voters wrongly believed it was a new tax. Considering what is at stake, the district was right to try again.

Argument: We can cut funding for just a few years. It won't matter.

But consider: It does matter. You don't get a second chance at first grade, or senior year. For a generation of students affected, what's lost is lost forever.

Argument: Citizens should vote "no" to protest past decisions, or because they believe the school board is "arrogant."

But consider: Those with disagreements should get involved and make their voices heard. Slashing school funding punishes the wrong people (students) and harms our community. Some opposition appears to stem from personal grudges ... this is sad and destructive, and voters should recognize it for what it is

This March, we have an opportunity to put aside our differences and do something truly positive for Sisters (visit http://www.sisterslocaloption.com to learn more). In voting "yes," we are doing the right thing for our community and for the next generation.

Kim Thomas

Editor's note:

Due to the large number of Letters to the Editor regarding the local option renewal on the March 10 ballot, we are unable to publish everything that has been submitted in the print edition.

Additional letters may be found this week and next at http://www.nuggetnews.com. Online comments on articles or letters are welcome, as are comments on The Nugget blog, accessible through The Nugget Web site.

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To the Editor:

Many of us remember seeing Frank Conklin working tirelessly on the Conklin Guest House on Camp Polk Road. His efforts made this historic site one of the warmest, most charming places in the area.

Recently, however, I've noticed that the guest house has fallen into a state of disrepair. I recall a while back that developer Shane Lundgren mentioned that two or three restaurant owners were interested in moving in after a tentative agreement with (another restaurateur) fell through. I would hate to see a building of such great character endure further deterioration.

Can anyone give us an update?

John Hayes

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To the Editor:

Why won't the members of the school board recognize that many of us are hurting here in Sisters? Many of us have only small fixed incomes, combined with the tragic shrinking of our savings this last year. Others are working two and three jobs to try to stay afloat.

Where are all the great jobs that have been created by companies moving here because of our great schools?

The school option is not the same amount of money we have voted for before. During the last eight years the amount has increased each year as the property taxes have increased, since it is a percentage of the property value.

All the other taxes we pay for the schools, including the two bond issues, also have increased each year for the same reason. Thirty-six percent of my property taxes go to the schools in Sisters.

(School board chair) Christine Jones admitted that spending has increased from the $6,862 per pupil in 2004-05, to this year, which is at $9,110, a 33 percent increase. She wrote "But don't forget, costs increased as well. Corrected for inflation, spending per pupil increased by 19 percent over the five years."

The 19 percent was pure increase. Aside from the $1.2 million school debacle which has already been beaten to death, what about the $1 million spent for portable classrooms for the elementary school several years ago when they expected 50 additional students. Actually, 50 less students enrolled that year so the school spent the money for the classrooms and took a big hit from the state, since they receive money based on the actual number of students.

Once we finally reach bottom and start to pull out of this terrible recession, we can all reconsider our position and start to build again. In the meantime, please ask the more affluent to write a check to assist the schools and not burden everyone, so many of whom are truly struggling.

Please vote NO on the school option.

Virginia Lindsey

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To the Editor:

When my children started at Sisters Elementary School in September, I could see why our schools have such a great reputation. Yet I've always realized that the benefits of dedicated teachers and high test scores don't end at the school door. Our wonderful schools contribute to the fabric of our community - it's one of the reasons why Sisters is such a great place to live.

Almost every week in this newspaper, we read about students winning awards (sometimes national) for science, history, music and other subjects. I'm happy my tax dollars go towards helping our youngest citizens learn and grow.

Too many American students fail to learn basic skills and drop out - meaning they'll be poorly prepared to succeed in this or any economy. These hard economic times are exactly when we need to maintain our high-quality schools. Poorly performing schools do not attract new residents or contribute to community pride.

If you are considering voting "no" to encourage the school district to tighten its belt like the rest of us, know that our district already faces cuts due to economic problems from the state. Our schools can't function at their current level with a second round of cuts. There aren't frivolous extras to cut; instead, cuts will hurt our kids' basic education. Less funding means lowering educational goals and contributing to unemployment by laying off teachers.

Do we really value giving ourselves a small tax break over continuing to provide a solid education for the children of our community? Let's recognize a good thing when we see it. Let's vote yes to keep the local option.

Susan Thomas Springer

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To the Editor:

I've been reading the letters regarding the school levy controversy and think I agree with those who have been saying "we voted no once - don't you get the message?"

Especially so in the economy that is tight for all of us. If someone could satisfactorily explain why our American school system spends more per student than other highly educated countries and still results in poorer quality education then I might be more inclined to support the levy.

Whatever the problem is we should fix it, not throw money at it.

This is old news but as I recall there was a $400,000 surprise overrun in the construction of the high school. Speaking from the perspective of a retired professional construction manager there is no excuse for something like that. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth as far as confidence in the school district managing their money well.

Merrill Kneeland

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To the Editor:

I am a former Oregon State University instructor and now teach at Sisters High School in Sisters, Oregon. I am astounded, and feel incredibly lucky, regarding the class sizes I have encountered here. My classes at OSU were literally 3 times the size of Sisters High. While I have always known students by name, this is the first time I have been able to individually interact with each student.

I am used to teaching scholastic "high flyers" over the years, but my special treat at Sisters has been working with those who have experienced academic challenges. With such small class sizes I have been able to pull "A" work out of these students, something that many of them have never experienced in their entire lives.

I don't know if we can understand what it is like for these students and their families to truly feel academically successful, but for me personally, it surpasses anything I have achieved with the so-called "high flyers" throughout both my university and high school teaching career.

I am concerned that if my class sizes change as a result of a failure to pass the local option, this situation will change.

I actually don't know much about politics, but I was a businessman for 25 years before I became an educator. I understand the renewal of the local option will cost each homeowner approximately $200 per year. I know this a lot of money for most of us these days, but from a strictly business perspective, the reputation of the local schools substantially adds value to the surrounding homes. Ask any Realtor.

Two hundred dollars seems like a small investment to me to reap what may be thousands of dollars in home value by maintaining the reputation of the schools. While most people are thinking of cutbacks for the school system, I am thinking completely the opposite. The addition of quality teachers and other staff is one of the most certain ways to help the Sisters economy - and home values. While I personally am thinking more about the educational rewards to my students as a result of small class sizes, if I were a homeowner, I would be the first, not the last, to vote for the local option measure.

Ben Young, Ph.D.

Instructor-Computer Science and Health Sisters High School

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To the Editor:

A few weeks ago I joined a group of 133 other volunteers to address mailers for Sisters Schools Local Option (and to eat pizza). Their energy was high and I saw many faces that have become familiar to me over the past 18 years I've lived in Sisters. You will meet these people in your neighborhood as they go door-to-door, canvassing for your vote. You will read letters to the editor - personal, well-researched letters - from many of these same people. They all take great pride in our schools and such pride says a lot about what our community values.

It's not just a point of pride, but it is also a matter of being prudent. Sisters' school system is our largest employer. These employees, the schools partnering with Sisters organizations and a multitude of school events generate income for our community's residents and businesses. This serves to play a big role in making Sisters an attractive, desirable place to live and visit, which in turn, helps with property values.

My family has been involved with the Sisters schools for most of the time I have lived here. Our son is a junior at SHS, my wife teaches art and drama at SMS and I have given much time working as a volunteer at SES. We remember what the schools were like before the Local Option was passed. Our son was in a 3rd grade class of 33 students. It seemed to us that the focus of his teacher's energy as on classroom management rather than instruction.

After the passing of the local option, smaller class sizes allowed his teachers to focus more on their teaching and on individualized instruction as needed.

Consider the future of our students but also consider what we want for the future of Sisters. Please vote "yes" for the local option.

Paul Bennett

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To the Editor:

With the school levy about to expire and both sides whipping up frenzy, now is the chance to step back and approach this tax continuation in a different manner. There are many reasons to vote yes for the levy: Funding stability, lower class sizes, sustaining extracurricular activities, and retaining good teachers just to name a few of the reasons to "continue" the local option.

Another reason that is sometimes overlooked is the economic impact a good school system has on the local area. Good local schools help attract good companies and jobs to the area, and with these trying economic times that is a catalyst for me to vote yes. So please join me on voting yes for the local option.

Gerald L. Bogart

City Councilor

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To the Editor:

Most citizens heard this week that the Legislature cut a sizeable amount of funds from the state education budget, which in itself is a reason for the citizens of the Sisters School District to pass the local option.

One reason that we are living here in our retirement is that we our raising our grandson. My wife is a retired school teacher and spent many hours researching the school districts in Oregon and Washington, and Sisters stood out far above the others.

You have read this from a number of folks writing to The Nugget. I would suggest that you take this fact at face value and be proud of what the board and faculty of the Sisters School District has accomplished over the years.

I certainly don't agree with everything our board allocates funds to, but when you look at the products of this system it is difficult to criticize their methodology. The district provides a balance of traditional academic programs, enrichment, art and sports.

All of these programs produce outstanding scholars, musicians and athletes. For those indicating that continuing this existing levy will put them over the edge in these tough financial times, I suggest that it is time for them to examine the surrounding districts and their programs.

If they still can't see the benefit of the levy, it is time for them to consider another location outside of the Sisters School District. Vote Yes and help our educators continue the irrefutable evidence of educational excellence afforded the students of the Sisters School District!

Clifford W. Steele

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To the Editor:

I am a seventh grader at Sisters Middle School. Throughout my educational career, I've had the opportunity to experience many great things about my school. All of my teachers have been amazing and have taught me so much. They care about their students, and want each of us to do well.

But what makes the Sisters schools really unique are the many extra-curricular activities and electives that are offered to students. For example, I take a foreign language class at Sisters High School during first period.

It's been a great chance for me to get a glimpse of what's ahead of me in high school, as well as learning an important life skill. You can't get started learning a foreign language at many middle schools, but everyone says that it's better to learn languages if you start earlier.

In addition, the school offers classes on music, architecture, leadership, art, theater, and more. However, these things could be about to disappear.

The local option provides almost 10 percent of the school's budget, money which goes into electives, smaller class sizes, and other educational experiences such as field trips.

I love my school and I hope that you'll support this year's local option.

Emily Corrigan

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To the Editor:

I cannot believe the letters that are submitted against the school levy. It is so short sighted to want to reduce one's personal property tax for next year and thereby short change the students of Sisters School District. And no, I do not have any children or other relatives in the Sisters Schools. I firmly believe in educating our children the very best way we can. My husband and I have already submitted our yes votes via our absentee ballots. We have always supported the schools wherever we have lived.

Please, please do not vote against this levy!

Sue Edgerton

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To the Editor:

I want to congratulate our Sisters High School National Merit Scholars.

It's important to recognize that we all contribute to their successes, whether it be as a school volunteer, a contributor to a school fundraiser, a member of boards or committees, attending school performances that enrich our community such as Starry Nights, or by voting to renew the school bond so that our kids have the best shot at success.

As the coordinator of the ASPIRE program at Sisters High School, I tap into the wealth of community volunteerism that makes Sisters unique. ASPIRE volunteers mentor students in preparation for post-high school education. These volunteers inspire me daily with their caring and expertise. Sisters students are competitive with other students when applyng to college because of hard work and the uniqueness of their educational experiences here.

Our young people witness our sacrifices of time, energy and money. When we shop locally, support our local schools, and demonstrate caring beyond our own yards, we model good citizenship. To suggest that we don't owe these kids more than we have given them already suggests that we didn't deserve the sacrifices that have been made historically for us all.

I will continue to demonstrate to my children that public education is a responsibilty we all share. I am happy to work toward the good of a public school system where I can make a difference with my gift of time and ideas.

I will continue to shop, bank, and see doctors and dentists in our community as long as that community supports its most promising asset: its children.

In support of future scholars, I believe that a vote for the (local option levy) is a vote for the health of our community.

Susanna Harrison

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To the Editor:

In 2006 my husband took a job in Bend and we were able to move to Central Oregon.

In choosing where to live, schools were or top consideration. We did our research and noted that during the recession of 2000-2001 while other Oregon districts were cutting programs, teachers, sports, and trimming the rest to what was the shortest school year in the country, Sisters passed it's local option levy.

That community support was exactly what we were looking for. School performance was critical, but even more, we saw this as a strong commentary on the character of the Sisters community. This support of schools was a statement about the values of the residents. You can choose your neighbors, and we wanted neighbors who recognize the benefits of strong schools.

We purchased a home, shop local, and try to keep our dollars in Sisters. Our experience shows how investing in Sisters schools benefits the larger Sisters economy. All of Central Oregon boasts scenic beauty. Cheaper land can be found elsewhere, but the Sisters schools and community pride, support and involvement outshine all others.

As we struggle to find our way out of this recession, continued support of Sisters schools will give us an advantage. Home purchasers have choices, and schools matter. These families will bring new businesses and support existing merchants. As we all make cuts to survive this downturn, we must protect Sisters' greatest asset... it's amazing schools and their reputation.

Recession is already hurting our district with cuts in state funding and declines in enrollment. Through sound fiscal management we can probably weather those cuts without dramatic harm. But if we choose not to renew the local option levy our district will suffer and the wrong message will be sent to those deciding where to relocate.

Annie Ogan

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To the Editor:

Having lived here for going on 16 years, I have seen a lot of change in this little town. Yes, my property taxes have changed, a lot. But voting yes on the local option will not change anything. By voting yes my taxes stay the same, but by voting no a lot changes: my daughter's schools situation will change for the worse.

Why subject our students to that situation when all we have to do is vote yes and nothing financially changes for us. It's that simple there is no additional economic hardship, there are no half-truths to it - it's simple: vote yes, continue to give our children a good, well-rounded education.

Maybe we will have a new generation of good strong citizens and leaders. Who knows? Maybe there is some fourth grader who will turn this economy around, and make it better for all.

This has nothing to do with a global recession, a sick economy, mistrust of handling funds, state or federal legislation, it has to do with simply voting yes, continue to give our children what they work so hard for a good, solid well-rounded education. Renters, you can vote yes, too!

Marilyn Cornelius