Educational Insights-August 31, 2010
by Dr. Paula Sissel-Superintendent/Elementary Principal
Educational Insights
…to develop individuals who will meet the challenges
of a global community.
Many patrons just met the deadline for their 2nd installment of personal property and real estate taxes of September 1st this week. The old saying seems to prove true: the only certainties in life are death and taxes. However, this year brings something new in Garden County…
The current edition of our local newspaper includes proposed budgets and tax requests from various entities in the county. The school district has typically taken the largest piece of the ‘tax pie’. However, something is strikingly different than in year’s past with the proposed school budget!
For the first time in the past decade (if not longer), the school’s tax request is ‘less’ than in previous years. Here is a recap of the tax rates over the past five years:
2006 - $1.08 ($3,453,739.)
2007 - $1.07
2008 - $1.05
2009 - $0.92
2010 - $0.67 ($3,006,078.)
5 year difference - $0.41 ($447,661. less)
The proposed total tax asking for the general and special building funds equals only 62% of the request five years ago. The 2010-11 proposed total budget is $837,020 less than last year. How is this possible?
Property valuations (set by the state) have increased annually. This partially allowed for the district to ask for less each year. Consolidation of districts, staff reductions, and declining enrollment also influenced this trend. A fiscally responsible School Board accounts for lowering the levy each year. These elected officials have worked diligently to cut costs whenever possible, without hurting the quality of our students’ education or limiting opportunities. Creative teachers do more with less, working tirelessly to meet all our students’ needs. Outside grant sources are actively sought to replace local tax dollars whenever possible.
Janet Shaul, Garden County Assessor, shared that if all the county’s taxing entities reduced their budgets, taxes would go down the following year (2010 taxes are paid in 2011) regardless of the valuation. While we realize this is unlikely, you can take stock in the fact that Garden County Schools are doing their part to help during these economically challenging times.
Taxpayers work hard to make a living in this county and their contribution is highly valued by the school district. We are committed to increasing educational excellence with fewer budget dollars. A clear vision, annual goals, and strong community partnerships are essential in accomplishing this worthy mission. Thank you, Garden County patrons, for supporting education!
Dr. Paula Sissel
Superintendent/Elementary Principal
