Re “In Rebuttal: ‘A Thoughtful and Responsible Tentative Agreement’”
and
Re “Positive Affirmations and Dire Consequences”
Supt. Dave La Rose’s explanation this morning of our School District's budgetary “deficit spending” was good. But it also brought out other District fiscal facts that were surprising to hear, especially just before the community votes on the School Board’s $106M bond, Measure CC.
How Much?
He mentions that the District has accumulated a Reserve Fund of more than $12 million. Also there is $33M in the District’s Governmental Fund that was being stashed away and not spent on our school facilities or students over the last decade.
Hold Them Accountable
These new facts bring up a pertinent question for School Board members and administrators before Mr. LaRose’s arrival two summers ago. How did our schools get in such dismal physical condition? Why were we stashing over $40M in our District reserves and not maintaining our school facilities?
Penny-Wise, Pound Foolish
They need to be asked why our Middle School and high school are in such disrepair, as attested to by Annette Morasch — with tiles falling from the ceilings, peeling paint, and obvious water and termite damage? Is this the reason why our small community is being asked to pass a $106M bond measure, even with its outlandish repayment gimmicks? Is this why we have to go a quarter-billion dollars in debt?
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
