Dear editor:
My letter is an appeal for reasoning by the voters of Hot Springs in the ballot issue that is seeking funds for the huge millage increase for the HSSD.
Our The Sentinel-Record paper of Aug. 21, 2016, states that the cost of the two primary projects would make up more than 85 percent of the funds the increase would generate for the district.
This does include a 10.8 mill extension, as this is set to expire in 2031. Excuse me, aren't we in the year 2016? The 10.8 does not expire till 2031.
The 15.2 debt service mills are to extend to 2046. Are you reading this ... we are now at 2046 with a 2016 vote!
How many times do you guess HSSD will be back crying for millage increases between now and 2031 and 2046? Without major changes in our economy, the same citizens will be hit up again and again, even though their earning status has changed little to none!
The comparison of our district to other districts is the old "apples and oranges" game times 6!
Dr. Hernandez states (in the interview) that "our millage has been used for program expansion and magnet programs that were covered by grants in the past."
To further quote the S-R's Hernandez comments: "to maintain your programs we have to spend a lot of money doing that, but at the same time, we have not been able to take care of facilities."
This is the story in the nutshell!
We vote for millage that is funded and also has a surplus of funding accompanying the millage increase. It is this surplus of money beyond what voters are told they are voting for that is the big issue that goes on long after motor issues are resolved and is discretionary in where the "surplus" ends up.
Yes, I am "old school" in that I find excessive programs, beyond the basic three R's that are a standard of measurement for all students, are great for certain populations, but until the majority can be educated to the achievement of graduation, this "extra" offering is beyond the taxpayers obligations to the district and the students. If this basic education is ever reached, without the need for remedial classes at the NPC, a major accomplishment will have been achieved.
This is not a "swap" that we vote for that then uses the tax funds on various programs when the tax funds should be set aside to maintain the school property entrusted to the district's care.
Dr. Hernandez has said they (the students) "will not want to be at our schools should programs be cut." This is certainly not a decision for the students to worry about, or is this more of the keeping up with the neighbor districts?
Think this over.
Barbara Anable
Resident and taxpayer in HSSD
Editorial on 08/24/2016