In 2 short weeks, we will face R-Day...Reality Day. This is the day that most of us have been bracing for since January. The day we finally face the grim reality of the Walker Plan. The day that our checks reflect a reduction in take-home pay of between $250 and $500 per month. A number of residences consist of 2-teacher homes or a teacher and another affected worker. For these folks, it's the DOUBLE Walker Whammy.
The school district is proposing to raise our property taxes between 3.5 and 4%, at a time when municipalities and districts across the state are REDUCING property taxes. We always here that raising our taxes just $84 a year amounts to a large pizza per month. Sure...but that's on top of the large pizza per month from last year, and lots of large pizzas per month the year before. And now, the loss of $250-$500 per month of NET income means cutting back 25 to 50 large pizzas per month.
The school board ---our elected representatives--- will also have to come to grips with REALITY as community members start really feeling the pinch that has just been a threat looming like the Sword of Damocles for many months. The talking is over, the cuts are here and they will be painful.
Let's make "R-Day" OUR Day. August 22nd is the next scheduled school board meeting (after tomorrow of course). That day will come just 3 days before many of you, perhaps the majority, will face significant reductions to your paychecks. If it matters to you, then attend the school board meeting and let the school board know how these cuts will affect YOUR family. Let them know that the days of wine and roses are over.
Of course the school board should also bear in mind that by the time the annual meeting (October 17th) rolls around, district residents will have had the opportunity to face the grim reality of 4 or 5 reduced paychecks. We're certain that will be fresh in their minds. Food for thought: Why is that date not on the district calendar of events? You have to go to THIS calendar to find that out.
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