As noted last week, the North East School Board has proposed a budget for the upcoming 23-24 school year that includes a 3.97 percent tax increase. This follows a 3.94 percent increase for 22-23 and 1.94 percent for 21-22. There’s a point when raising taxes may not be the best option, perhaps it makes more sense to adjust spending to match income.
Tonight, May 4th, the regular school board meeting will be held in the North East Elementary Center at 7PM. Every taxpayer in North East should be interested in seeing how their board performs, how the money is spent, how they conduct business and how well they listen to public input.
For a 3.97 percent increase, they should be able to show exactly how that was determined, what changes from previous years make a tax increase necessary and why no other adjustments are possible that would allow them to operate within their current budget.
A long list of rules
If you look at the agenda linked below, you’ll also find they have a very strict set of rules attached and among them I found this:
All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer; no participant may address or question Board members individually.
To tell the public who they may or may not question, indicates a basic misunderstanding among members of the school board regarding their positions and authority. That, in itself, could be the beginning of an interesting discussion.
The school board works for you and me, not the other way around. It’s time we start paying closer attention to make sure they haven’t gone rogue and attending the board meetings is how we do it. Stop by tonight at 7PM. Let’s shine some light on the board and see what it looks like.
North East School Board meeting agenda 5-4-23
Backup documents for 5-4 meeting agenda
School Board Proposes 3.97 Percent Tax Increase
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Glenn Craig says
It should but legally as the law is written it has to be 5.9% before its a referendum on our ballot. It’s a shame district has 12+ million in reserves.
Paul Crowe says
When I asked in the title, “Does it require our oversight?” I was not asking from a legal standpoint, but whether it’s an indication that citizens and taxpayers need to get more involved watching the board and closely examining the decisions they make and policies they put in place. Without supervision, the board may begin acting in their own best interests, but in ways contrary to everyone else’s best interests; parents, students and taxpayers.
Glenn Craig says
Exactly we have failed in appearing at these meetings. When started going on a regular basis 3 years ago. They didn’t like it and when questions are asked we get nothing back. Crickets
Paul Crowe says
I personally witnessed that at the last meeting. During “public participation,” if a taxpayer has a question, the board simply stares back saying nothing. After they sit down the board asks, does anyone else have anything to say? If not, public participation is closed. The board does not answer questions during public participation. It seems allowing you to ask is all that’s required, they feel no obligation to answer. It’s quite amazing.
Joan Bubna says
I think the way they spend money is up for major ridiculous imposition on residents of North East and senior citizens. I get my mortgage payment raised every time real estate, school taxes and insurance rates go up. At this time of the economy people cannot afford this wake up
Sharon Jones says
My school taxes are three times my township tax. They’re taking away from the children they say they’re there to protect and help. Seriously they are not thinking of the children. All this while having $12 million in reserve.
Lisa says
yes, every tax increase should be open for community input and a vote.