The Carthage R-9 School board held their first of three public forums Tuesday evening in the High School Auditorium. The topic was budget cuts and a proposed levy increase for operation costs to reduce the projected $1.4 million dollar school deficit for fiscal year 2004-2005.

Superintendent Gary Reed started the meeting by commenting that the budget problems for the R-9 School District are not isolated to Carthage alone and that it is a problem for schools state-wide. Reed stated that the majority of the problem lies in the slow economy along with a decrease in state revenues, tax cuts from the late 1990’s and increased internet sales where sales tax is not being applied to purchases.

The crowd of approximately 130 citizens in attendance listened to Reed present an update on the budgetary status for the 2004-2005 school year and his possible scenarios to balance the budget. Among the ideas presented included budget cuts with no levy increase. That scenario would result in the elimination of two elementary and secondary teachers, reducing the number of teacher aides, cutting out sixth grade band, and eliminating some sports activities and clubs. There were also scenarios presented with a proposed operating levy increase of 25, 50, and 67 cents for $100 in assessed value. A levy increase of 67 cents would eliminate using budget cuts and would allow the school to honor the salary schedule for R-9 employees.

Those in attendance separated into six different class rooms with one School Board member to lead each discussion group. This was to insure everyone had a chance to share their thoughts regarding the budget and how to go about finding a solution within the community.

The discussion groups returned to the Auditorium for an overview of the questions and concerns from individuals. Most groups reported being in favor of a 67 cent operating levy increase, but some said that school officials needed to regain the trust of voters first. Suggestions made to earn trust were to have an outside audit done to insure the numbers were accurate, voluntary salary cuts for administrators, and salary freezes for R-9 employees. Some participants felt the voters were not informed enough on this issue and that a clear definition needed to be made between a bond issue and a levy increase for operation costs.

Each School Board Member mentioned how pleased they were with the turnout for the meeting.

There are two more budgetary planning public forums scheduled, tonight at 7 p.m in the Multipurpose Room at Fairview Elementary and January 12th at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Columbian Elementary.

It appeared to be mainly concerned parents attendin’ the School Board meetin’ on Tuesday evenin’. Although there was not an accurate actual count for or against of those showin’ up, there did seem to be general support for a 67 cent increase in the levy. But, with conditions.

The main concern seemed to be with the perception that the Board wasn’t bein’ straight forward enough in past dealin’s with the voters. For various and sundry reasons, the public has lost confidence.

With two more meetin’s scheduled, other opinions may surface. The Board is requestin’ that folks show up to let their feelin’s be known. There is little doubt that there will be a proposal for a tax increase, the work now is to find out just how big and what cuts in service, if any, will be imposed.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Click & Clack
TALK CARS

By Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Dear Tom and Ray:

I’m really excited about the brand-new 2004 gas-electric hybrid Toyota Prius. The reviews and mileage look great. But what about service? I’ve used my friendly around-the-corner shop for all of my maintenance for the past 10 years. If I were to purchase a new Prius, would I need to start driving to the Toyota dealer across town for service? — Timothy

TOM: Sometimes, yes. You’d certainly want to go to the dealer for warranty work. And there will also be some stuff on the new Prius that your corner shop just won’t be familiar with.

RAY: For instance, if the engine-managment system that balances the demands on the gas engine and battery motor goes on the fritz, you won’t want Butchie, down at the corner gas station, to be whacking the thing with his tire iron.

TOM: But for lots of other stuff, your around-the-corner guy will do just fine. After all, this car has tires, brakes, shocks, suspension pieces, an exhaust system, doors, headlights and lots of other stuff that all cars have. So, you can stay close to home for your regular maintenance, like brake jobs and oil changes.

RAY: And for those special occasions, you can dress up in your Sunday best and head across town, Timothy, and indulge in the free coffee in the dealer’s waiting room. See how the other half lives.