Why ask for construction dollars when budget cuts threaten teachers jobs?
PPS is working with our state and federal elected officials to ensure everything possible is being done to support and improve school operating budgets. Voters also will decide in May whether to replace our local option levy – due to expire in 2012 – to raise the full amount allowed locally to maintain teaching positions and preserve a full school year. The replacement levy, Measure 26-122, would raise $57 million at a rate of $1.99 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value – compared to the current $1.25 per $1,000 — and cost the typical homeowner about $24 per month. Facilities bond dollars can only be used for facilities projects, not to support school operating budgets, preserve teaching positions or fund educational programs. However, our general fund budget, which does support those needs, now is used to cover operations and urgent facilities needs. This capital bond would actually help protect already-scarce classroom resources from those demands.
