Pantagraph.com | News | Unit 5's $96.7 million project in hands of voters

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Not wise wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:59 PM:

" What about the high schools? We are close to capacity at both buildings. If we build another junior high, where will those kids go in the next couple of years? I say vote no until we come to terms with what really needs to be done. We have astounding growth, but to ignore that we need a high school just to present a lower referendum doesn't make any fiscal sense. We need to be wise about what we are going to do here - build what we need!!!! "

To Julie wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:57 PM:

" ...and what research have you done on class size? I am talking legitimate research, not an internet search. Please give us your sources. (google does not count) What qualifies you as an "expert" in this field? How many hours have you spent studying this topic? What school districts have you visited? I will read your research if you can produce your sources. If you have no resources than your opinion is not valid. I AM NOT SAYING YOU ARE WRONG, just give me some proof. Just because Julie says it's true, does not mean it's true. "

Julie wrote on Dec 13, 2007 8:19 PM:

" There have been many wise comments about all this. The bottom line is Unit 5 needs to come up with some alternative to the referendum. I feel the town citizens will vote a loud and clear no to this referendum issue. Class size and facility size has nothing to do with the quality of one's education. WAKE UP! "

to: to JAM wrote on Dec 13, 2007 7:10 PM:

" I don't know exactly what school(s) in Unit 5 you're driving by to make these "calculations" of yours, but....my car was in my school's parking lot today until after 4:30 and it is in my school's parking lot almost every single Sunday afternoon. God might rest, but I sure don't. "

No choice VOTE NO wrote on Dec 13, 2007 5:50 PM:

" If we vote down enough referendums then they will have to address the whole real estate taxes, and guess what, the kids won't suffer a bit, we just need to use our resources more wisely. Once we vote no enough we will have to address the chock hold that the unions have on this state - it will all come to the forefront finally. If you vote yes it will NEVER change. "

to JAM wrote on Dec 13, 2007 5:48 PM:

" And what goal are you referring to? The goal is education and I don't see enough of that happening. And getting rewarded for classes in the summer is just not the case for most teachers. But try working 12 months out the year then taking classes and then attending kids activities just like teachers do. And not to mention my classes are mandatory and there is no automatic raise at the end. So give me a break. VOTE NO. Keep voting yes and there will be no change. "

to JAM wrote on Dec 13, 2007 5:46 PM:

" I have done all the calculations I need. One of those is seeing how few cars there are in the school parking lot at 4:30, and no cars on the weekend. And yes I know all about dealing with a group of untrained people. Only I have to deal with the adults after the public school system has failed them, AND I am actually rewarded based on the job I do. "

A SENIOR CITIZEN wrote on Dec 13, 2007 4:28 PM:

" I think one thing we have to have done to all school systems is to get rid of some of the administrators. They have superintendents, assistant superintendents principles, assistant principles and dean of this and that and it seems that the adminstration part just goes on and on. Do you think that doesn't cost us tax payers a lot of extra money? Also if unit 5 is short of space, until the new schools are done, why not increase all the 18 to 23 size classes to about 30 students, 30-40 years ago 30 students in a class got by real well and we got a great education also. I think it is time to start ho;ding educations feet to the fire. "

Concerned wrote on Dec 13, 2007 7:43 AM:

" I think it's time all of the "Temporary" emported employees that are brought in daily to big companies pay their fair share of the bill. These people get taxed exempt to use our facilities that we US citizens and taxpayers are forced to pay. Yes classroom sizes have grown. What do you expect when a family comes here for a 5 year work assignment, and brings their family of 5 or more children with them? Look at all the families that have come to Bloomington/Normal! "

Creative thinking, wow! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:49 PM:

" Forget spending the money for new schools, lets turn that Colliseum into a school. We can put up big internet screens and have one teacher teach hundreds of students at one time. All of our kids could go there that way they all get the same level of education. It would cut cost of teachers and save the money it would cost the taxpayers and all future taxpayer from gross overspending of building new schools. We could take down the partitians and offer concerts at night to help pay the rent. We would only have to heat and cool one building, which we are paying for anyway. I think this is a great idea. Those teachers and admin who don't think they are earning enough could find new careers. We could emply the laid off State police officers to keep the peace. After our kids graduate we will have money to send them to college and retirement. "

Taxpayers get ready! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:21 PM:

" But a failure to "patch" the AMT could result in millions of taxpayers receiving tax bills $2,000 higher than expected. This could hit households with combined incomes of $75,000 - hardly what most would consider "wealthy." And you people want to take on more debt? Are ya crazy? Congress must OK tax fix or millions will face higher bills "

Vote No vote No! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:15 PM:

" We dump all of this debt on our unsuspecting children? What good will it do our children to have a million dollar education if they can not afford food or medicine when they are out there working two jobs to pay for our overspending? This is not a short term loan. Lets pay off the other debt we have, before adding to the burden. Any of your children want to see their Grandmothers and Grandfathers living on the street after the Tax man comes a knocking? You can not spend money that you do not have. We keep saying charge it, but sooner rather than later the debt becomes due, who pays it when the funds are not available? I guess we can all run right over to the Community Action Center and plead to havbe our tax's paid. Maybe we can pay our tax's and just run on over there and live off of the food pantry. "

JAM wrote on Dec 12, 2007 4:32 PM:

" To all of you teacher bashers: calculate the number of hours worked for teachers and coaches. If you think it is an 8-3 job guess again. Also, to move up in salary we must take classes (usually in the summer). That sounds like a whole work year to me. Also, it is not the decision of the teacher to receive a TA. Individual help is mandated by many IEP's. Also, if you are comparing professions, how many of you people (who usually get paid more) could have 30 untrained workers and have them reach a common goal? "

redistricting wrote on Dec 12, 2007 12:05 PM:

" The referendum calls for bringing the "have not" (older) schools up to the standard of the newer schools and I absolutely support that. All schools should be created equal. But I do not think if we live within walking distance of one school that my kids should be BUSED elsewhere (read: added transportation expenses). Also, with attendance centers, it is likely that if you have two or more elementary-aged kids they won't even go to the same school. So your kindergartner may go to School A and your 3rd grader may go to School B. "

regarding redistricting wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:50 AM:

" As a Parent of a child that was re-districted from a Have it all School to a Have NOT school I beg to differ on the redistricting for social economic reasons. Having my child attend both schools I agree that Unit 5 school should redistrict based on social economic balancing. I live in a new subdivision and why should my child have to attend a school that score cards are well below those of the Have it all schools. I believe that all schools should have equal score cards !!!! "

redistricting wrote on Dec 12, 2007 4:40 AM:

" I'm in favor of the referendum; the community is growing and we need more schools. But I am not in favor of any redistricting plans that include changes purely for socioeconomic "balancing" and I despise the idea of having attendance centers. The Superintendent needs to realize that attendance centers are not a valid concept in a community this size. There are NO advantages to this model. LEAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS ALONE. According to the Superintendent, redistricting is going to be discussed the day after the referendum vote, so get ready, people. "

Yes, it is in our hands, wrote on Dec 11, 2007 8:46 PM:

" and it will be voted down, as it should be. "

this is getting out of hand wrote on Dec 11, 2007 8:03 PM:

" NO NEW TAXES. Why should people get racked over the coals with property taxes. There are many people that can buy a home but can not buy a home and pay the out of control property taxes. Until we reward property ownership rather then penalizing people many will have no choice but to keep renting. Between HCC increase and Bloomington wasting money left and right Unit 5 is just looking to add insult to injury. Granted HCC did have the taxing authority so they did not need to ask permission they should have however they would not have gotten the answer they wanted. Until taxes are stabilized the sheer unpredictable nature of property taxes will keep many from owning homes. "

assessment change wrote on Dec 11, 2007 5:00 PM:

" I just got my Notice of Taxpayer of Assessment Change. It shows an increase for the value of my home from prior year to current year. The value increase every year so I already pay more taxes each year. There is no need for a referendum if our taxes already go up. Let's stop fooling the taxpayers about there not being a referendum for years and we need a tax increase. VOTE NO "

classroom size wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:22 PM:

" So it sounds like classroom size is not the problem. The problem sounds like it is classroom discipline which is why parochial schools spend much less and achieve as good as results. So how bout we change the classroom. Start with uniforms. Can't the administrators figure this out. And just something to think about before anyone bashes parochial schools - thank goodness for them otherwise we would really be overcrowded. "

Brenstalka wrote on Dec 11, 2007 8:00 AM:

" I don't have kids in school, so I hope it doesn't pass. Don't take my $170 just because your kid needs and education. "

to mcb and classroom size wrote on Dec 10, 2007 11:46 PM:

" My classes were the same size too...years ago (25-30) but I am guessing that was when corporal punishment was used too. These are not the same kids that were around 10 to 20 years ago. Times have changed and students do not behave the same. As a teacher, give me the kids 20 years ago and I will take 30-35 without a problem. Today I have 27 students and it feels like 50. Most of the students that get in trouble at school do not get in trouble at home. I don't know about you, but I got twice the punishment at home if I got in trouble at school. I also never talked back to my teachers or my parents. There are still good parents and kids, but today there is a much high percentage of incompetence. So if parents did their job I could have more students and we could save MONEY! (There I solved all our problems) Why don't you get them straightened out! I have always felt that schools are a reflection of society. If you want to correct schools, you need to start with society. "

MCB wrote on Dec 10, 2007 2:46 AM:

" I agree with "classroom size". I was in classes all through school with sizes ranging from 25-35. My teachers had no TA and did just fine with what they had to deal with. It is very hard to get a teaching job in BN these days. If you can't handle the size of your class, go teach in a smaller town outside the district. Teachers in the twin cities get paid well because we expect results and top notch teachers. I know that there are plenty of people who would love the opportunity to take your spot and not complain about it. "

Classroom Size wrote on Dec 9, 2007 10:07 PM:

" Come on! Most of us grew up with classrooms of 32 students and NO teacher's aids. Unit 5 is a long way from over-crowding. I guess they just figure it may take a few years of crying, but eventually they can wear us down enough to get the votes they want. Of course we need to be aware that each year we put it off, the costs go up, up, up! What's a taxpayer to do? Bloomington's former mayor, Markowitz, was a big spender for non-essential services and capital projects. Normal has demolished its downtown and is finding its projects to be money pits. Unit 5 has long had spending problems. Time to throw all the rascals out and elect folks with real common sense. "

NONONO wrote on Dec 6, 2007 11:36 AM:

" Shut down Heartland and the Colliseum and then we'll talk. I'll vote no until I see this community stop wasting the tax dollars it already has. "

Just A Guy wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:01 AM:

" To: Poster at December 5, 11:26pm. Actually, basing a teacher's salary on a 10 hour day (7a-5p) from Aug 1 - Jun 15 (allowing time for set up of classes, tear down and summer school) a teacher works 2,090 hours (209 work days). An average worker as a secretary at a school (assuming 8 hour work day, 12 month schedule) works 1,880 hours (235 work days). This is based on Unit 5's calendar for 2007-2008. I will say that the top end of teacher salaries is a bit bloated, but, the starting wages are way too low. "

to: to teachers salary wrote on Dec 5, 2007 11:26 PM:

" You have bought into the cliche of teachers are underpaid. You have to step back from the $39K price tag on a salary and realize that it is equal to $5K per month that they teach. Teachers only work 8 monhts out of the year so don't buy into this that teachers are underpaid. How much do you make a month? Salaries makes a very good point though you can't really double the amount. The average full time (12 month worker) is only working 250 days; so you certainly could take that $39K and turn it into $55,000 per year. People just need to sit back and do the math while visiting thechampion.org "

Salaries wrote on Dec 5, 2007 11:42 AM:

" Take that yearly wage and double it ($78,000). They work 180 days. $39,000 is well below the average Unit 5 salary. "

To Teacher's Salaries wrote on Dec 5, 2007 7:53 AM:

" My daughters teacher last year was physically injured by children on a daily basis while she was trying to teach. She made only $39,000 a year last year. Thank you for pointing out this web site because it goes to show just how little they make for what they have to do. "

Teachers Salaries wrote on Dec 4, 2007 2:01 PM:

" What we pay our teachers is public knowledge and can be found at thechampion.org. It has a salary database of all Illinois teachers/Administrators. Look up your child's teachers and you will see where the money is going. Remember, Unit 5 teachers work about 180 days a year and still receive these kind of wages. I will be voting no! "

No Vote of Confidence wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:44 AM:

" IMSA is a school in Chicagoland where Unit Five Board members in the past have chosen to send their children instead of allowing them to suffer through an inferior education in the school system which they were supposed to be overseeing. That's a real vote of confidence for Unit Five's education system, when the children of the Board members are not allowed to attend here. "

IMSA - Typo wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:42 AM:

" Yes, it is IMSA - Illinois Math and Science Academy, I believe. My point is, we've approved referendum after referendum and this District doesn't give a rodent's derriere about education, left alone gifted education. We approve this referendum and the gifted students will still be getting 40 minutes of babysitting a week in an inadequate environment because gifted education in Unit Five is only a window dressing. I recall them adding 3 Gifted Administrators in order to pass a referendum then immediately cutting them after the referendum passed. They had an opportunity to convert NCHS building into a Gifted Education Center - they passed on that too. They refuse to educate children no matter how much money has been given to them in the past - don't reward them again. Vote NO! "

EMSA? wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:00 AM:

" I believe it's IMSA. Nice try, though. And your point about gifted students having to work in the library or a teacher workroom only illustrate the space issues that Unit 5 has. It's operating in buildings that were not designed for instructional delivery as it occurs today. So, go ahead and send your child to EMSA, or IMSA, or wherever you think they will do their best ... but don't complain about the schools educating your children in spaces that are not suitable and then turn around and refuse to do your part to provide suitable space. "

ridiculous!!!! wrote on Dec 3, 2007 6:31 PM:

" when i moved here, i was shocked by the property taxes...Now, they are talking about increasing them? OUT OF CONTROL!!! And i can guarantee you the higher property taxes does not mean they are being applied to make this a better community to live in. VOTE NO. "

Missing it wrote on Dec 3, 2007 3:51 PM:

" So many of you are missing the point. This isn't the increase in our taxes. It also doesn't necessarily improve education. Say no. Time for some hard accounting and accountability. "

my thoughts wrote on Dec 3, 2007 8:27 AM:

" Property taxes should be based on some formula such as federal income taxes. Those of you with children get your deductions when you file your federal taxes, well this money should go back into your property tax bill. I realize that I need to pay some amount of property tax but not the same as the person next to me with 4 school age children. "

To Hey wrote on Dec 3, 2007 8:22 AM:

" To all of you who says $170 is not that much, well you can go ahead and pay my share too. Should I go to my employer and ask for another $170 dollars a year and tell him well its only 47 cents a day, you can afford that. I am sure even if I did ask I would not get it. We all have to get buy on what we get. Let the people who have kids pay more in fees and not the taxpayers. "

Fred Sanford wrote on Dec 3, 2007 7:49 AM:

" $700,000 per year on a "portable classroom" ROFLOL - ROFLOL!!! IF that's true, then somebody just cleaned their clock big time. HAHAHAHA - Need anyone say more about incompetence? Geeee - the Habitat for Humanity folks can probably build a portable building for a few bucks less... "

DEAP Thoughts and Shallow Expectations wrote on Dec 2, 2007 10:09 PM:

" DEAP's got it right - when my kids were in it, we called it DEEP SH&$! Too funny and too true! The best and brightest got 20 minutes twice a week in the library....at the same time another class was being taught in the LIBRARY! And that was an improvement from the year they were doing their 40 minutes of high level gifted education in the same room that was functioning as the teacher's lunchroom! Unit Five education is a joke. Best advice received from Unit Five ever - direct quote from Bruce Boswell, "Send your kid to EMSA!" "

HEY wrote on Dec 2, 2007 10:05 PM:

" People move here because of the opportunities and quality of life. That means more kids, that means more class rooms. Simple as that. Another fact; construction costs spiral higher every day we talk about this. Pay them now or pay them later. Whether you have kids or grandkids in school, or not, everyone benefits from the quality of education here; whether it is K-12, JC, or University. Even if you are low income, you benefit from the services and support this area offers you as a result of the wealth (spelled e-d-u-c-a-t-i-o-n). $170 a year more for a $200,000 house - come on people, that's 47 cents a day. Do I dare suggest we all waste a lot more than that in cigarettes, eating out, wasted trips in the car, leaving the lights on at home, Lotto tickets; you get the idea. I am tired of those who are always quick to say "NO MORE TAXES" without any realistic solutions. Go ahead just stick you're head in the sand, mumble "NO MORE TAXES", and then be required to pay 50% more on new schools several years from now when it is no longer a choice. "

Here's a thought wrote on Dec 2, 2007 2:43 PM:

" This is for your precious little darling spoiled children - Right? Parents - step up - take the tax hike per child - you are the ones that caused the overcrowding - you should pay for EACH of them. I choose not to have children, and as a result, can afford to live in the pricey "east side" homes that you are so angry about (jealousy really) and shouldn't have to pay for your children to be coddled and babied - Millenials anyone? If you tax per child - we won't have much overcrowding in schools to worry about. Tax increase - Just say NO! Want to have another baby - Just say NO! "

To: DEAP: wrote on Dec 2, 2007 9:22 AM:

" I about fell out of my chair laughing when I read this! That was great!! "

Treat it like the Unit 5 DEAP (ie: Gifted program): wrote on Dec 1, 2007 10:13 PM:

" Lets pull all of the administrators out into the commens...of course these will be the "chosen ones" with the same SAI scores as a lot of the other teachers who could be principals still remaining in the classrooms. Then, we will give them an 8 week project. The project is, how to run a school district without much money. We will break up the administrators into small groups. Putting a low functioning school with a high functioning school. Next, they will be required to present this material to the general public at a school board meeting. Parents will have the option to grade the projects. Either a 3, a 2 or a 1. Sounds fair enough. "

i'm voting NO wrote on Dec 1, 2007 4:18 PM:

" now the helpers get a 4.5% raise? i got a losuy 1.2% and pay far too much now for this school district. close them for all i care or let those with kids in school pay. give us a break "

I don't think so wrote on Dec 1, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Maybe they need new buildings however the admins don't need anymore money. That is where unit 5 is really wasting money. Over paid admins wasting a heap of cash that should be spent on the students and buildings. This is idiocy when people spend money on over rated admins that really don't do anything. "

J. wrote on Dec 1, 2007 10:11 AM:

" The powers that be don't look for viable solutions, just take this route because they lack the ingenuity to figure out creative solutions. The easy thing is simply to ask for more money. If this referendum doesn't pass, they will have to cut back somewhere and adapt like the general citizen when his heating bills go up. Unit 5's biggest tactic is to make everyone who opposes this referendum look like the bad guy. A lot of the public don't realize the tactics here. I also know the teachers will be expected to work to get this passed and yet many OPPOSE THIS REFERENDUM. And yes, I am a teacher. "

re going to be,magic wrote on Dec 1, 2007 7:02 AM:

" blommington and normal is a perfect town to leave,nothing there,like living on little house on prairie,why i moved you ,all need to learn to take charge not let them have their way,there is, a movent comming to cap tax so, there will never bemore taxes,they have to do.. with what they have,its done to us now time to do to them. cant wait...... "

I dont understand wrote on Dec 1, 2007 5:26 AM:

" Maybe I'm wrong, but are we trying to keep Normal a small town. The reality is that we live in a growing community. As our community grows we must grow with it. We have to grow in our thinking. The schools are becoming over populated. As a staff member I can see the pressure that is being applied to our already existing schools to somehow make it work. There is pressure on the teachers, principal and support staff. We are losing young people because we are unable to provide them with the right services. This weekend you will see hundreds of dollars if not millions being spent because of the Christmas holiday, some of those people will be the same ones to vote against the Referendum in February. Where are our priorities at. It amazes me when people say that someone should cut their salary, when more than likely they wouldn't do the same thing, afterall those are the people complaining about a few extra dollars on their tax bill that won't amount to much money a month, with the end result being our community having the ability to better serve our young people. "

Jules wrote on Nov 30, 2007 4:35 PM:

" If we don't give the school administrators this increase, they will have to adapt and find a way. That's exactly what the rest of us have to do. Pinch here, cut back there, it's a fact of life. The disappointing thing is they didn't fill up the pools, cut athletics, and trim administration salaries before they tried to figure something out. Most of us don't have anyone to ask for more money! "

merge wrote on Nov 30, 2007 4:22 PM:

" Nice to see people talking about one school district. Its time to introduce Unit 5 to District 87. How much does one super make??? .........not as much as two. It's time to say.......SEE YA.......and HELLO to Eugene Field...WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!! "

Geez... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:56 PM:

" You folks act like the school district is a dictatorship that is wasting your money and completely unaccountable. You elected them. If you want change, demand it from your school board candidates next time around. Those administrators were put in place by your school board, and your school was put in place by you. You only have yourselves to blame. "

Dave wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:28 PM:

" $9,400 per student to education them is enough. They can find money for their new projects within the current numbers. "

william wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:31 PM:

" Thats right, hurry up and get it approved before property values drop in the toilet. Have any of these people been watching the small Housing crisis this countrys having or is that just another "economic problem" that simply isn't affecting us. "

going to be wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:04 PM:

" lots & lots & lots more empty for sale houses around......blocks & blocks of them as everybody throws up their hands & leaves this kind of town...... "

quit inviting wrote on Nov 29, 2007 6:11 PM:

" people in to our community and building apartments for no rent, bus dues for free, free school breakfasts, lunches, and after school programs. I am tired of being over taxed. When I needed more room for my growing family, did it go on the ballot? I think not, I worked, work? a word that is not a welcome word. Hey, pay your own way! I'm tired of it. We all have a story. I'm voting NO and I hope this crazy thing is voted out. People, we are still on the theory of "it costs about the same as 1 pizza a month", well we don't have the money for a pizza a month, and it didn't go to the people for a vote to help us get it. NO NO NO what part of that do we not understand? "

math whiz wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:47 PM:

" 2 times 1 = lots of expenses with two of everything. 1 times 1 = everything minus the extra expenses. makes sense to me and i believe the people of b-n would be best served using this model. one government and one school district and one school board. stop the duplication of effort and the expenses associated with this double amount of wasteful trouble. "

to: to flounder wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:29 PM:

" sure you can do it. the councils get together and you merge. it can be done. some research, a plan is developed, you implement and then you evaulate what can be done much better. saying it can't be done is part of the problem. if the populus is dissatisfied, do you do something about your dissatisfaction or do you maintain the status quo and just complain about it? you don't get change without some elements of discomfort. "

JUST SAY "NO" wrote on Nov 29, 2007 4:59 PM:

" Vote NO! NO tax increases!! "

Unclear?? wrote on Nov 29, 2007 4:19 PM:

" Is there any documentation out there that explains EXACTLY where every dollar is going? I would vote yes if I knew it was going to improve the safety of our kids at school. Security is lacking, and does not seem to be a big concern with administrators. Also I don't want to see my kid in a portable classroom ,which just were included over the summer at our school, I am sure they are there to stay, I doubt if anyone will remove them if new schools are built.I hesitate to vote yes without clear documentation of where the increased tax money is going to be spent. The taxpayers need more information. "

To Fred wrote on Nov 29, 2007 4:15 PM:

" According to Unit 5 growth, by the 2009-2010 school year we will need 20 portable classrooms at a cost of $537,000. By the 2011-2012 school year we will need 32 portable classrooms at a cost of $852,000. These costs not only include rent but also installation of these classrooms. There are 2 classrooms per trailer (let's face it that's what they are). They have to be shipped here, which costs thousands of dollars just for that. Then you have to hook up 2 of everything (heating, a/c and electricity). Where do you think this money is going to come from? Do you want to pay money for actual buildings that carry value or pay money for rent on trailers? "

Impact Fees wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:58 PM:

" Are a tax that just get passed on to the buyer in the price of the lot/house. "

Just A Guy wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:44 PM:

" A few steps to circumvent overcrowding: 1 - fill in the pools at NCHS and West and make classrooms. 2 - cut out a lot of the athletics at the grade schools (there are private entities that offer athletics). 3 - Cut some of the administrators salaries. "

YNM wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:30 PM:

" Vote No - that was a very persuasive and eloquent addition to the discussion. I agree that there are other issues at play here ... but TIF districts, State funding formulas and other such variables are outside the control of a school district. I'd love to see all of these "No" activists putting some energy into lobbying other government entities regarding such issues. I'd just like to start seeing some legitimate discussion of the issues, absent the ad hoc arguments and emotion. "

To: flounder wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:13 PM:

" We can't do that! Who would be in control? "

Fred Sanford wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:07 PM:

VOTE NO!!!! wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:03 PM:

" NO MORE PAY RAISES FOR ADMIN. NO NO NO NO !!! SPEND SPEND SPEND !!! "

Fred Sanford wrote on Nov 29, 2007 3:02 PM:

" I'm sorry, but "Where are the developers?" is really dilusional... first you talk about "them" not caring about Unit 5 overcrowding because "they" send their kids to Private school while you are stuck paying all the bills?? WHAT are you talking about? First, if a developer builds a house and it stays empty there is NO IMPACT to Unit 5 schools (and NO MONEY in the developers pocket). Second, if someone buys that house and sends their precious little darlings to some special private school do you think they get some sort of waiver on their property taxes? NO!! (Although they SHOULD). They are still STUCK paying for a broken down school system they won't be using while privately funding an alternative. "

Tax-n-Spend wrote on Nov 29, 2007 2:53 PM:

" We NEED this tax, its crucial for school administrators to recieve a pay raise and cover their country club dues. "

Fred Sanford wrote on Nov 29, 2007 2:50 PM:

" How in the world can a new school cost so much??? Oh, that's right... we need a STADIUM for the sports team, a cafeteria and a library. How about a new school with just classrooms - that's right -> no sports, no cafeteria, no library - Play your basketball at home, bring your sack lunch to class, get your essay information off the web and wear an approved school uniform. Once that's done, invoke school CHOICE and allow people to go where they want. I bet you'd finally start to see an increase in all this Critical Thinking everyone always talks about... No wonder so many are CHOOSING Home School!! "

whoami wrote on Nov 29, 2007 2:38 PM:

" to YNM. U R correct about Merger not saving anything, and about school growth. However, there have been seveal taxable improvements that produced revenue w/out adding kids. 1. When Ironwood was built (80s -90's), not a single child lived there during the first few years. Dittos on other subdivisions. StateFarm & other business build, create equity, R taxed on that equity, but do not add a single child to our classrooms. On the last referendum, the taxpayers were "misled". i.e. referendum for 76 mil, but bonds for 90 mil. Tif district lack of funding is also causing shortfalls to schools. I'm not necessarily against the ref, I just think most people feel they have reached the "max on tax", therefore may vote NO. "

flounder wrote on Nov 29, 2007 2:27 PM:

" two city governments; two school districts. when will everyone wake up and force a merger to one city government and one school district. try to put egos aside just for once and do what is correct for this community. "

YNM wrote on Nov 29, 2007 2:09 PM:

" I'd like one merger proponent to demonstrate the "millions" in savings. And I want you to do that while taking into account everything that would have to happen for a merger to occur. Maybe the better solution is to use combined purchasing when it makes sense, to share resources when it makes sense ... which they are already doing. But I want to actually hear someone explain their pro-merger position in a way that demonstrates the savings. I'd also like you to demonstrate, using data, how a merger would solve the growth issue without additional costs. "

Josh wrote on Nov 29, 2007 1:57 PM:

" Thank you to Unit 5 parent and educator . Your comments should be listened to by all of the No people. To anyone out there, I challenge you to go to Northpoint, Brigham, Fairview, Oakdale, Hoose, Glenn and all of the other elementary schools and see just how overcrowded our schools are. Where were all of you when the board meeting was taking place last night? Why didn't you stand up and make a public comment then, instead of anonymously doing it on this story? I would ask all of you-would you rather have a new school built, or have the district pay rent of about $700,000 a year per portable classroom? Northpoint already has two of them, as do Parkside and Chiddix Junior High Schools. Would you rather have our students housed in these, than actual classrooms? It would seem that many of you are not understanding what the affect of adding 2500 new students does to our schools. "

Making kids... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 1:57 PM:

" It's not the contractors or the Unit 5 administration who are creating the overcrowding in our schools. It's you people who keep making kids and then don't want to pay the taxes to educate them! "

lost in the 60's wrote on Nov 29, 2007 1:22 PM:

" I believe that there are some solutions out there 1) Make the state pay its fair share for education 2) Merger Unit 5 and District 87, plus merger all county schools into one district (McLean County UNIT #1)...just think of all the assessed farmland and windmills 3) Overthrow Blago and get Uriah Heep to become governor 4) Build schools close to the new proposed bypass so the students don't have to each school lunches they can go to Chilis, Meatheads, Rosattis, and KFC thererfore cutting the cost of school lunches 5) Make teachers take 15% pay cut over the next 5 years at 3% for each year 6) MaKe gambling legal in the whole state, then we can have a Casino near Lake Bloomington, at Highland golf course, and the US Cellular..plus all the supposed illegal slot machines would be taxed with that money going to schools 7) The school district open up smoking shops that sell alcohol by the drink and tax the people that go to these places "

To Mother of 2 wrote on Nov 29, 2007 1:10 PM:

" How can you say this will not benefit the kids? 2 new elementary schools and an addition on to an existing one will give relief to those schools who are ovrecrowded. Lower class size = benefit to kids. There are going to be 8 antiquated schools that will get new technology and better learning environments, which is only beneficial to the kids. All I can think of is that your kids are in a newer school that is not overcrowded. It WILL benefit many kids, just maybe not YOUR kids in particular. And that is a selfish reason to vote no. "

Impact Fees wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:45 PM:

" For those who aren't aware: Normal does pay impact fees ... whether or not they are high enough is questionable. Bloomington DOES NOT pay Impact Fees. Unit 5 has been working hard to change that, but those who believe this is the issue should be lobbying your City Council to institute Impact Fees - school districts don't make those decisions. "

Oly Parent wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Unit 5 Parents welcome to our world. First you close schools "to save money". Then you ask for more money to expand because the schools are overcrowded now. How much does you school admin. make? Just say NO. "

Mother of two wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:28 PM:

" I have two children who attend unit 5 schools, and I am going to vote NO. They always claim they want to put the children first but they don't. They put money first. If I thought this would actually help the children I would be the first in line for vote for it. But they have to prove it to me. And they haven't even come close to that. Tell us everything, and quit keeping little secrets. "

DOES IT MATTER wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:26 PM:

" We voted the Arena down...they built it...It does not matter anymore .They will do what they want to do. Just because its on the ballot..does not mean squat! Chenoa had an agenda on ballot that won(liquior)...but told the residents it was just a consideration...It does not matter..The schools will be built and you will pay...and pay and pay.. "

YNM wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Tazewell ... I believe the comment toward those claiming to move was directed at more than just you. It really does seem like a silly retort to me. If people have real issues they can back with facts, that's one thing. To use the "I'm moving" as a response is a bit of a cop-out. whoami: You are correct the future growth numbers are projections. I believe that's the only way it can be done, unless you can enlighten us. Not one person here can tell you what they will really be - you have to make projections based on the best information available ... and in reality, I believe the Board has been conservative in this area on purpose. "

Eddie wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Anyone with even a modicom of common sense can see that a tax increase would not be needed if all the frills in the schools were eliminated. What happened to, just, teaching the ABC's? 35 students in a class is an overload? Come on. When I was educated in the parochial school system in the "inner city" of Chicago, none of the classes had less that an average of 50 students. Everyone learned and learned, well. There was none of this "No child left behind" bull, either, except for extreme special cases. There was but one teacher in every class - no "assitants" or "aides." And in Grades 1-8, one teacher taught ALL the subjects. And where's the discipline? The schools are, now, run by the "inmates," with their doting, overly-permissive and mollycoddling parents backing them up! "

WHERE ARE THE DEVELOPERS? wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:15 PM:

" They are getting away with making us pay as usual. They don't care about overcrowding in unit 5 because they send their kids to private schools. Then, they build more homes to over crowd our schools AND walk away with all of the cash. It is time they pay a fee to unit 5 right up front. "

re Waste wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:02 PM:

" We need to combine school districts. We don't need 2 of everything. That is waste. We can easily make up the millions by having one Mclean county school district. Start with 1 Blm/Nrml district. "

Merger wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:00 PM:

" Vote NO to taxes, Vote YES to merging. "

re Unit 5 parent and educator wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:00 PM:

" Preach resposiblity. Combining districts will save millions a year. 25 kids a class is not big. Drop the scare tatics. Let the new subdivisions pick up there share. If you keep adding new housing then you keep getting new tax dollars. Your number don't fly. Voting NO is the only answer. Force Blm/Nrm to combine districts so we don't pay for duplication of administration. "

to Unit #5 Parent wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:56 AM:

" ah, those are small class sizes. Poor little Timmy will have to learn he is not the only one in the world won't he? Vote No and often. "

AMEN!!! wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:54 AM:

" "Get a Life" had it exactly right!!! Every home-owner in this community benefits from having great school systems, because the home values are higher with good schools! If you allow the quality of education in Unit 5 to diminish, your home value will also decrease, and chances are that the decrease in home value will be MUCH greater than the increase in taxes. It is just that simple! "

Waste wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:33 AM:

" For all those talking about cutting spending instead, I'd say ok, if you are an expert then what spending should get cut? Where can the school district come up with $96.7 million? Want to cut a superintendent's pay? It you shave off $100,000 and spread that out over 10 years you still need $95.7millilon. Let's hear the specific suggestions of where to go next for cuts. "

Sam wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:28 AM:

" The size of the classes is not such a big issue. I attended local schools and classes were large (35+) all the way through. Everyone wants our precious children to have a good education, but the fact remains that when we concentrate on teaching the basics, children do better and learn more. Unit 5 is using various tactics to make those of us who don't support this referendum feel guilty. I hope everyone looks at this objectively rather than following along what the administration is trying to ram down our throats. Most people recognize the truth and remember past blunders. "

whoami wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:20 AM:

" First, I believe that the Unit 5 leaders are sincere to provide adequete room for the kids. Problems are as follows: 1. What affect has the Normal TIF district has on finances. Thousands over the life of the bonds. 2. what will be the real space needs of the district. Future growth is a projection. 3. It may be simple affordability, with natural tax increase, heartlant increase, areana increase, and now Unit 5 increase. These increases are IN ADDITION to the already heavy tax burden on homeowners. Further, with an avg class size of approx 27, what happens w/avg class size of 29 or 30. "

Tazewell to Funny Stuff wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:01 AM:

" Actually, my job is in Peoria but I was planning on toughing out the drive for a few years and saving some money. Since Unit 5, the Judy, Heartland, and all that are going to take it all anyway, I might as well move now! See ya! "

Unit 5 parent and educator wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Those of you considering voting "no" please come visit any of the schools in Unit 5 to witness first hand what overcrowding is all about. Better yet, come visit any of our schools to see how hard our students, teachers, administrators and support staff work each and every day. Yes, we deal with a variety of students who come to us with many needs. Should our children pay because builders continue to create new subdivisions and more houses? It's a fact of life here in BN and the tax increase is a natural consequence. My taxes are high too but I care about the quality of education in our community and am willing to support our schools. Before posting your loud NO opinion, please visit our schools or attend a board meeting and become better informed. "

Making kids... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:39 AM:

" It's not the contractors or the Unit 5 administration who are creating the overcrowding in our schools. It's you people who keep making kids and then don't want to pay the taxes to educate them! "

Re:objectivity wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:38 AM:

" No, you and the others who run Unit 5 have NOT done a good job of handling the finances. Stop attacking those of us who have actually taken the time to notice what a poor job you have done and are holding you accountable for your actions. In any other job such mismanagement would cost you your job, why not here? "

BILLY BOB wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:37 AM:

" Raising taxes will not solve the problem. It is only a temporary fix for rapid growth. The more intelligent long term answer is to charge impact fees on new construction and raise the user fees for education services. Tax increases are forever while impact fees and user fees can be adjusted to reflect the needs of the school system. I will vote NO and encourage all to look at better ways to control spending and create revenue than adding more taxes to an already overburdoned tax base. "

Thats right wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:36 AM:

" CUT FREE LOADERS who do nothing and dont work cuz they dont want to get cut form goverment funding they rather work part time and get goverment help then suck it up and work full time and pay for everything with there own money dose anyone else see a problem wiht this? and if we cut that in half even, all the kids would benfit,not only with better education but less kids living in poverty cuz there parents dont want to work full time! "

a few thoughts wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:17 AM:

" For every builder who is "leveling farmland" there is a farmer who is selling it to them, and often approaching the builders to buy! Builders are not stupid. They would not build if no one is buying. Yes, there is a slight recession now, but Bloomington has a strong economy and people are still buying. If you want to see a real recession, wait for the builders to stop building. Then the bricklayers, electricans, drywallers, roofers, furniture companies, siding companies, etc... will all go under. Don't be so shortsighted people. Impact fees are not helping the Chicago School system and get passed on to the consumer. "

Making kids... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:15 AM:

" It's not the contractors or the Unit 5 administration who are creating the overcrowding in our schools. It's you people who keep making kids and then don't want to pay the taxes to educate them! "

Making kids... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:15 AM:

" It's not the contractors or the Unit 5 administration who are creating the overcrowding in our schools. It's you people who keep making kids and then don't want to pay the taxes to educate them! "

Funny Stuff wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:13 AM:

" I always love hearing the "we're leaving to go somewhere where the taxes are lower" stuff ... You remind me of the people who threaten to leave the country when our leaders make decisions they dislike - but they never leave. Is a tax increase favorable? No. Is a tax increase for this purpose worthy and just? I'd say, yes. Those of you who claim to be watchdogs of the District and its finances most certainly know the significant cuts they have made in the last five years. You also most certainly know that they have lower pay and less administrators than the state average. This is not a district that has been spending like there is no tomorrow, and the sky is not falling. "

Objectivity, please... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:12 AM:

" Vote "YES" and give the next generation a chance to learn to think critically so they will have the reasoning skills to evaluate issues like this on an objective level. This generation has obviously missed the "critical thinking" boat entirely. It is the uneducated who react to this type of issue on a purely emotional basis and make unfounded attacks on the competence and integrity of the party with whom they disagree. Unit 5 is managed extremely well. Overcrowding is not a scare tactic; it is a fact. It would be far easier for the administration to ignore the future overcrowding and not deal with this problem. It is their dedication to your children that requires them to propose this referendum at this time. "

Can you say... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:10 AM:

" ...NO! I'm definitely voting no. Until District 87 and Unit 5 merge, they'll get no more money from me. If it does pass, my house will go up for sale. "

To Fedup wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:07 AM:

" So you are going to punish Unit 5 and the children that attend because developers don't pay an impact fee? Unit 5 can't make developers pay an impact fee. I believe Bloomington City Council refuses to charge an impact fee to thier developers. That is where ALOT of Unit 5 growth is taking place. Gook thinking, let's punish Unit 5 for something Bloomington and Normal City Council don't do. Huh???? "

Objectivity, please... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:06 AM:

To For the yes people wrote on Nov 29, 2007 10:02 AM:

" Who dictates fiscal responsibility? You say for them to show fiscal responsibility and then we will give them money. Two years from now when the referendum doesn't pass you will be the first one complaining about Unit 5 wasting $700,000 a year for portable classrooms. They will never be fiscally responsible for everyone and everything. Are you? "

Objectivity, please... wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:59 AM:

FedUp wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:53 AM:

" I agree with "I am with the NO's". The housing expansion in this area is out of control! There are new empty houses everywhere yet more are being built everyday. I would vote yes if the builders were paying an impact fee. They are not!! The contractors are compounding the expansion problems and walking away with a tidy profit in their pockets while us taxpayers are left financing schooling and other infrastructure needs for the subdivision they just built. "

Just say no to stupidity wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:39 AM:

" Come on and VOTE NO. We don't need this WAST OF MONEY we need quality schools. WHAT DID WE GET form the money for the "new" NCHS a building that bares a closer resemblance to minimum security prison then a school. VOTE NO!! Unit 5 will say they really need the money for the children, think of the children. Yes I think of the children and how Unit 5 screws them over why on earth should I wast my tax dollars to help them do this. If they really put children first then why not SPEND LESS ON ADMINISTRATION AND MORE ON CHILDREN. VOTE NO! We have no guarantee that these millions will be used to build quality schools. There is a reason that Unit 5 is known for wasting money and very poor judgment on what to build with the money. It will take loosing a tax increase to teach them they can't continue to wast money like it is free money. "

BNHooked wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:32 AM:

" I'd say that if Unit 5 has a growth issue, then talks need to start with possible restructuring the districts. District 87 is land locked, yet they control the some of the largest tax payers. Merging will never happen, I'd rather be placed in D-87, we have to drive past a D-87 school to get to our Unit 5 school. Also, it's weird to say I live in Bloomington, but we have to go to Normal, hmm. "

VOTE NO wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:28 AM:

" Heartland slipped in another tax increase right before Thanksgiving. The arena tax is coming. The sales tax increase is coming. I'm done. It's time for unit 5 to become more responsible. Don't listed to the lap dogs at WJBC. They support every tax increase without question. VOTE NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Big Brother wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:25 AM:

" For over 10 years the tax payers have been telling the school districts to stop wasting taxpayers money on frivoulous frills and put some away for future expansion. Over that same 10 years Unit 5 has taken the "I want it now" attitude to spending and squandered the reserves causing the fund to fall well below the recommended levels. Now Unit 5 expects the tax payers to dig in thier pockets and give them more. What has the board and administration done to prepare for this day over the last 10 years? Vote NO to any tax increase untill the cities start charging an impact fee for new construction. Impact fees and user fees placed in the reserve fund would have more than paid for this expansion. I'm voting NO nad encouraging my friends to vote NO. "

Another Mom wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:22 AM:

" The school district has nothing to do with the builders who gobble up farmland to develop into"house farms," and the kids in our area shouldn't be effectivly punished because the housing market has slowed down. The fact is that the area is growing, the classrooms are getting crowded, and more schools are needed to accomodate the growth. Educating our children well is beneficial to the community, and an $15-20 extra bucks per month is a small price to pay for the benefit. "

Poor You wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:16 AM:

" You can't afford the extra couple hundred dollars to pay for our kids education? I will remember that the next time I am sitting behind you on Veterans behind your $35,000 SUV that costs $85 dollars a week for gas. I will shed a tear next time I see a line out the door at Chilis or any other restaurants on any given night. The up side is if we continue to restrict the chance of exceptional education in this town we will have more than enough qualified people to service your SUV and serve you your 4th meal out this week. My heart is breaking for you, it really is? "

FOr the Yes people wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:14 AM:

" Noone is saying we dont want better educational opportunities for our children. I send my kids to a private school but still contribute my share to unit 5. However, raising taxes is not hte answer. The answer is making these people in charge show some fiscal responsibility. Once they show that and we see that we are still short then fine we could look at a tax hike, however, all they have shown is that they can waste money however they want and then try to raise taxes to cover their inadequacies. "

whoami wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:13 AM:

" To: Fact1-2-3: Over the last few years, Unit 5 has INCREASED average class size and the scores are INCREASING. Unless class size = 1, the biggest affect to quality are non-class size variables. "

To 'in theory' wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:06 AM:

" That would work if we weren't bring all the freeloading section 8 people down from Chicago. Once again the burden of pulling the weight goes straight to the middle class. I'm sick of all the free loaders. Maybe if we made some of them work we could free up some additional resources . How is it certain individulas go thier whole lives without paying a single cent of taxes , yet take , take money and benefits ? Time to cut off free loaders ! "

whoami wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:04 AM:

" Finally: What FORMER tax referendums are coming due and being paid off. ONce a prior referendum is paid off, the tax rate should be reduced, SAVING taxpayers those dollars. I don't remember hearing about those former tax referendums being paid, and collections for those being ended. NOte: the 2000 referendum is/was a 20 year bond issue. Ending in 2020, or so. "

Tazewell wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:02 AM:

" I'm tired of caring. Bloomington-Normal is run by incompetents who are used to the deep pockets of State Farmers. Tazewell county, here I come! "

I am with the NO's!!!! wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:57 AM:

" As a taxpayer it concerns me the number of new houses being built in the town that are not being filled. We have four new construction houses just on our block that have not been sold since they were completed early last year. But when you go on Towanda Barnes Rd. they are leveling the the fields to build 1,000 new homes. You can't expect your schools to keep up with that kind of growth. And as a side note, where did the discussions about merging with District 87 go? Our family has discussed moving into a district where the growing pains are not as costly. "

Get a life! wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:48 AM:

" So many people are talking about (maybe not on this particular comment section, but on others) "I can't afford this" and "this tax increase will make me lose my house" and so on and so forth. If you own a $200,000 home and can't afford an extra $15 a month to pay for the increase, then you have bigger financial issues than this tax increase. Are taxes high? Absolutely. Will this tax increase to break you? Absolutely not. Look at the big picture...if we have a crappy school system, nobody will want to live here. If nobody wants to live here, nobody will buy houses here. If nobody wants to buy houses here, the value of all of our homes will drop. And before anyone rips me, no I do not work for State Farm and no I do not live on the east side. "

Fact #3 wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:35 AM:

" In high school, students who had been in smaller classes in the early grades had significantly lower drop-out rates, higher grades, and received better scores on their college entrance exams. For those who attended a smaller class in grades K-3, the difference between black and white students who took college entrance exams was cut in half. "

Fact # 2 wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:35 AM:

" The benefits of class size reduction in the early grades last throughout a student's educational career. In 4th, 6th, and 8th grade, students who attended small classes in the early grades were significantly ahead of their regular-class peers in all subjects. By 8th grade, they were still almost a full year ahead of their peers. "

Fact #1 wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:33 AM:

" As research shows, reducing class size, particularly in the early grades, is one of the most effective strategies to increase student learning and narrow the achievement gap between ethnic and racial groups. Should we vote against this? "

bad rep wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Unit 5 has a bad reputation of being fiscally irresponsible. And they have cried wolf so many times, and we are all getting tired of it. Too bad if this is the one time that it makes sense to increase the taxes. However, they have spent OUR money like there was no end to the money tree. But there is. And I don't believe them anymore. So I will vote NO! "

In Theory wrote on Nov 29, 2007 8:02 AM:

" Shouldn't all the new (and pricey) homes in Unit 5 be increasing tax revenue to pay for more schools? "

Jim M. wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:59 AM:

" Atleast the taxpayers are being polled on this matter, unlike for Heartland and the Arena. Of these three projects, this is clearly the most worthy. It is incumbent on us to see that the Unit 5 children are not disadvantaged due to our short-sightedness over a modest increase to each individual's taxes. "

Jim M. wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:55 AM:

" Education is paramount to our children having the best opportunity to compete in this increasingly competitive world. Relative to the massive expense that may result from overcrowding, this is a small cost up front. The school district is not to blame. Look no further than the homebuilders who have no restraint and just continue to build. Many other communities have Impact Fees which would partially alleviate this financial problem. I will gladly vote YES to the Unit 5 referendum. I hereby demand that the builders be forced to join the cause and pay appropriate Impact Fees (it won't hurt them, as these are costs routinely added to the selling price of the home). "

T wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:53 AM:

" Just say NO!!!! Expected tax increase of 170 bucks on a 200,000 home. What they fail to tell you is that since your house goes up in value every year it will be a lot more than 170 bucks a year. I'd like Unit 5 to answer why they give the new Sup a 4% increase in pay after only 4 months of being on the job. I'd say they need to be more responsible first with Tax money instead of asking for more "

Mom wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:45 AM:

" Those of you so opposed...keep in mind no one can control the increasing enrollment. "control your spending" is not even logical when there are 2500 MORE students! Duh! Vote this thru - the community and kids need it. I seriously doubt its going to prevent you from eating out 4 times a week. Or prevent you from getting a new car every 4 years. Or any of the other meaningless stuff people in this town waste their money on. Live within your means and be a contributing part of this community and stop complaining when taxes might increase...it's part of life. "

Laughing Bones wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Here's my vote HECK NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get rid of Section 8 housing in our communities then maybe we can talk! "

CEO wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:19 AM:

" Sometimes when a good company is having financial problems a CEO will take a pay cut (sometimes it's just symbolic), but it sure goes a long way with the stakeholders?? "

One Word wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:14 AM:

" No "

agreed wrote on Nov 29, 2007 7:11 AM:

" NO! Control your spending. Whats the cost/student for this increase? "

Unit #5 Parent wrote on Nov 29, 2007 6:51 AM:

" I believe that my 4th grade daughter is in a class with 27 students and my 1st grade son is in a class with 23 students and neither teacher has a teacher's aide to assist. If these numbers continue to rise in Unit #5, as anticipated, where do people propose these kids go to school if new buildings aren't built? "

Baloney wrote on Nov 29, 2007 6:02 AM:

" This is the biggest load of crap. VOTE NO!! It's time for this so-called GOP stronghold to learn THE basic tenet of the republican party - FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY!!!! Yes, MRS, the GOP is more than the direct line to god. "

Where wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:49 AM:

" Do I get my " Vote No" sign? "

Fine wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:40 AM:

" I'll have to find a third job "

Bus 119 wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:40 AM:

" I was on Veteran's Pkwy the other day and noticed that Bus 119 had practically bald tires on the right rear. Safety first then let's talk about needed expansion and overcrowding. "

NO, No, NO! wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:51 AM:

" No, No, NO! Control your spending, don't bleed the taxpayers dry by threatening them with classroom overcrowding - same scare tactics get old after a while...after years and years, referendum after referendum. "