WCSB Special Referendum 5/17/2011

That's pretty thorough and I, for one, thank you for being so open. I wish more here were though it is a lot better in that regard than it use to be. That said, it is not the school board's job to handle personnel matters unless there is something criminal or morally incorrect involved. That is what the administration is for. I don't care what you're education is, some people make great teachers and some don't. I know because I've been subjected to both.

Special election is part of being transparent

This special referendum is required because voters approved a certain millage for capital improvements and now the school board wants to take some of that money and put it in the operations budget. The public, who voted on the capital millage, now can say yes or no for transferring the funds for teacher salaries and for operations.

Unlike most of us in handling our own finances-- we sometimes have to use money we had set aside for a special project just to pay ordinary bills--the school board cannot do that without voter approval.

In these very difficult economic times when the state has cut out over a billion dollars in education funding, I urge voters to give the local board the permission to use the funds already allocated so teachers and programs won't have to be cut.

My young granddaughter is attending public school next year. She would be cheated if art and music and other so-called "accessory programs" were not offered to her.

Your graddaughter will also be cheated if she happens to get a teacher with little experience. Fortunately there still are teachers in the district who are very good but have the luxury of tenure. The school district no longer hires the best teachers available, just the ones they can pay the least.

I've attended every school board meeting for the last year with the exception of about 4 when I was out of town. A month a so ago when Mrs. Anderson was selling the tax extension, she stated that one thing it was used for was to recruit the best teachers with salaries that were comparable to Okaloosa and Bay counties. If that's true, why are the best teachers who don't enjoy the luxury of tenure being systematically eliminated and replaced with less qualified teachers? Ask Mrs. Anderson, or a board member. I have the statement by the superintendent recorded btw.

That's pretty thorough and I, for one, thank you for being so open. I wish more here were though it is a lot better in that regard than it use to be. That said, it is not the school board's job to handle personnel matters unless there is something criminal or morally incorrect involved. That is what the administration is for. I don't care what you're education is, some people make great teachers and some don't. I know because I've been subjected to both.

Would violation of the law, in particular the collective bargaining agreement qualify. The district has breached this. The collective bargaining agreement is posted on the district web site. Read article 11.5 and let me know how you interpret it. But it is obvious that this forum is for cheerleaders for Walton Politicians. The board approves personnel, but being only semi-intelligent I interpret law to be literal and not how a bunch of crooked politicians want twist it.

This special referendum is required because voters approved a certain millage for capital improvements and now the school board wants to take some of that money and put it in the operations budget. The public, who voted on the capital millage, now can say yes or no for transferring the funds for teacher salaries and for operations.

Unlike most of us in handling our own finances-- we sometimes have to use money we had set aside for a special project just to pay ordinary bills--the school board cannot do that without voter approval.

In these very difficult economic times when the state has cut out over a billion dollars in education funding, I urge voters to give the local board the permission to use the funds already allocated so teachers and programs won't have to be cut.

My young granddaughter is attending public school next year. She would be cheated if art and music and other so-called "accessory programs" were not offered to her.

Thank you for the excellent explanation of why a YES vote is important. Along with state budget cuts, everyone needs to remember how the tax revenue has tanked as well---

This special referendum is required because voters approved a certain millage for capital improvements and now the school board wants to take some of that money and put it in the operations budget. The public, who voted on the capital millage, now can say yes or no for transferring the funds for teacher salaries and for operations.

Unlike most of us in handling our own finances-- we sometimes have to use money we had set aside for a special project just to pay ordinary bills--the school board cannot do that without voter approval.

In these very difficult economic times when the state has cut out over a billion dollars in education funding, I urge voters to give the local board the permission to use the funds already allocated so teachers and programs won't have to be cut.

My young granddaughter is attending public school next year. She would be cheated if art and music and other so-called "accessory programs" were not offered to her.

The voters have never voted for or approved a certain millage for capital improvements in Walton County. There has never been such a question on a ballot in this county in the last thirty years I have been voting here.

I have voted yes on this question multiple times though both this year and past.

Bob, I was referencing Mark's previous post . . . ."As you know, the capital outlay budget is a budget where we can levy up to 2.0 mills for construction and maintenance of buildings. We have to ask the voters permission for the transfer every four years. This is the third time we have asked. When we first received permission from the voters to do this, we simultaneously reduced the capital outlay millage by the one half mill so there would not be a tax increase. In fact, since that time, we lowered the capital outlay millage again. So, this is not a tax increase. Just a transfer from one pot of money to the other. . ."

Did I miss the point?

Please stick to the topic so we don't have to close this thread. Also I am deleting personal details from this thread.

It would appear that anyone who doesn't support this effort is an unwanted annoyance and is guilty of stalking and harassment. There are many things I don't support and it would seem that this thread be left to those who wish to preach to the choir. I often engage in debate with people on other forums and on facebook. If anyone wishes to file a complaint against me, either civil or criminal, I do believe I've made it easy.

It would appear that anyone who doesn't support this effort is an unwanted annoyance and is guilty of stalking and harassment. There are many things I don't support and it would seem that this thread be left to those who wish to preach to the choir. I often engage in debate with people on other forums and on facebook. If anyone wishes to file a complaint against me, either civil or criminal, I do believe I've made it easy.

You have been asked to start a new thread with your off topic complaint multiple times. It is a simple request...are you up for the task?

Nope. Not up to your high standards!

This is all too confusing for the average person to understand.

This is all too confusing for the average person to understand.

No, it is very simple. Read the explanations from Bob Hudson, school board member Mark Davis, and Mama Bear.

I voted today and I have reminded everyone I know to go and vote yes for the transfer.

I heard that they were going to build a $6 million dollar stadium. Is that correct?

Yes

Vote yes.

I heard that they were going to build a $6 million dollar stadium. Is that correct?

This referendum is of immediate concern, so maybe start a new thread with questions about the stadium? I have heard something about it, and I have questions about is as well, but let's not muddy this discussion as it important for people to understand THIS issue. Thanks!

I heard that they were going to build a $6 million dollar stadium. Is that correct?

Yes and they will still have the money to do it after this passes.

Bob, I was referencing Mark's previous post . . . ."As you know, the capital outlay budget is a budget where we can levy up to 2.0 mills for construction and maintenance of buildings. We have to ask the voters permission for the transfer every four years. This is the third time we have asked. When we first received permission from the voters to do this, we simultaneously reduced the capital outlay millage by the one half mill so there would not be a tax increase. In fact, since that time, we lowered the capital outlay millage again. So, this is not a tax increase. Just a transfer from one pot of money to the other. . ."

Did I miss the point?

Probably not but the school board set the millage rate, not the voters.

Heavy turn out folks. 20 people voted early today at the South Walton Annex.

Please go exercise your right and responsibility to participate in government !

Nope. Not up to your high standards!

I don't think I can be called a pawn of the politicians by any stretch. In fact, I tend to support the vote um all out and start over approach. But, your anger is hurting your cause more than it is helping. If you want to influence people, take the advise and start a new thread outlining your issue. Many people will listen but you have to be reasonable.
As far as the school board, Mark Davis is one of the few local politicians I have any regard for. I believe he would listen to your concerns.
Back to the subject of this thread. Voting YES is a no-brainer. Taxes are not raised, money is only transfered from one line item to another. The sad thing is that this must be voted on at all, the school board should have the ability to make this decision on their own.
A parting thought: I would like to hear the facts on this 6 million dollar stadium rumor.

I hesitate to post at all since it seems that the quality of teachers is not on point. My position is one of frustration and disillusionment. My wife has had a career that she loved taken from her by this district. I agree that Mr. Davis is a stand up guy and he has listened to my concerns and has had the courtesty to respond. My wife said that she wasn't going to vote at all. I'll reserve my decision as a personal one. Sorry for muddying your water. It won't be necessary to admonish me any further for posting what you deem as off topic bravo sierra.

Just a reminder. If you wish to hear what Superintendent Anderson has to say on this subject, a TEA Party Patriot's meeting will be addressed by her this evening at 6:00 P.M. at the Coastal Branch Library. ALL are invited to attend and ask questions. Maybe she can shed some light on the stadium issue as well.