While I am not a parent, I am one who values public education and recognizes its critical importance in facilitating the lifelong success of individuals. As a resident of Springboro, OH, I have been very disappointed in the actions of the Springboro Board of Education (BOE). Particular members of the BOE have voted for and/or promoted policies that are grossly detrimental to the community. These include, but are not limited to, wasteful spending, unfair labor practices, and unconstitutional instruction. Along with many other community members, I have shared my concerns at the BOE meetings. Unfortunately, it appears that the majority community voice falls on deaf ears. Additionally, blatantly erroneous information has been provided by members of the BOE in their attempts to further their own political agenda. On this blog, I share audio files of my own comments at BOE meetings. Furthermore, I provide accurate information regarding some of the key issues of discussion. I would like to thank my good friend and fellow Springboro resident, Tracey Kramer, for bringing the Springboro BOE's actions to my attention!

*Note: While I refer to the BOE as one entity, please recognize that not every member engages in such tactics.

Contact: patelnhpblog@gmail.com

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Lowering the Levy: The Financial Fallout


The BOE continues undermining students’ success under the guise of fiscal responsibility. The BOE has yet to learn that fiscal responsibility does NOT equate to a lack of spending. Instead, spending with purpose, spending wisely, and spending for the most effective outcomes reflect fiscal responsibility. Sadly, the BOE’s financial decisions neglect to represent this knowledge.

Springboro currently is working under a 5-year levy for $9.2 million. This levy is set to expire. Rather than seeking to renew the full amount of the existing levy, the BOE has decided to only seek a $7.9 million levy for another 5 years. The Springboro BOE likes to tout its lack of spending as responsible practice. This is far from responsible. Even if the renewal levy passes, the district will have to cut spending that is critical for student success. And if the levy does not pass, the district is in even more trouble. And so while the students will not receive all of the resources and opportunities that should be available to them, rest assured that the BOE will meet its goal of getting the First Place Blue Ribbon Prize for supporting the Lowest Per Pupil Spending in county! Too bad the students in the community will be on the wrong end of that. Below is a comparison chart of school district spending in Warren County. The data are based on 2011-2012 state report cards.

And, since the BOE has not officially negated the notion of including creationism into the public school curriculum, we can expect to be sued, yet again, if they move forward on this.


School District
Administrative
Building Operation
Staff Support
Pupil Support
Instruction
Total
Mason
$800
$2030
$703
$894
$5985
$10412
Kings
$1205
$2169
$213
$1037
$5609
$10233
Carlisle
$921
$1690
$422
$939
$5893
$9865
Franklin
$1156
$1551
$443
$788
$5606
$9544
Little Miami
$768
$1983
$75
$539
$4991
$8356
Wayne
$965
$1199
$505
$797
$4759
$8225
Lebanon
$912
$1784
$307
$688
$4292
$7983
Springboro
$811
$1449
$300
$879
$4373
$7812 
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