I would like to encourage everyone to vote YES on November 4, 2014 for the County Schools Facility Sales Tax. This tax is a one cent on the dollar sales tax that can be used by schools in order to renovate buildings, add additions, build new facilities, become more energy efficient, pay off building bonds, or make security or safety improvements.
Our schools are getting older and are in need of repair and updates. Modern conveniences that many of us take for granted are not available in all our schools. For example, one of those conveniences is air conditioning. When Southwestern students returned to school in August, the mild summer we had experienced became a brutal one.
One cent makes sense for Macoupin County Schools!
It was even more uncomfortable for students in the high school middle school with no air conditioning. School had to be dismissed early due to the extreme temperatures. At 8:00 a.m. thermometers in some classrooms read 90 degrees. By 1:00 p.m., the temperature would be 98 degrees in the same room. Sitting in a hot, humid classroom does not make for a conducive learning environment. Voting “yes” for The Facility Sales Tax would be a vote to help get air conditioning installed in the high school and middle school buildings. Some people think it’s a joke when they hear some of our buildings are not climate controlled. No, it’s not a joke.
Air conditioning is just one example of many improvements that could be made. Windows in the high school are in need of replacement. Ask any high school employee. When it rains a considerable amount, water pours into classrooms through windows. There are gaps between windows and walls where daylight is visible! Who would allow this at their own home? The answer is not many. Most of us would have repairs done to make things livable. Our schools should be no different.
This initiative will shift funding for schools away from property taxes. Our schools have not been getting all of the state money they are entitled to. This has put an enormous hardship on school districts and taxpayers. The initiative is a one cent tax on every dollar spent on things such as retail items, gas, or fast food. What a simple way to give taxpayers relief! It helps spread the responsibility among many people; not just a few. One cent on every dollar is not much to ask.
Improving our schools invests in everyone’s future, whether you have a child in school or not. It is the right thing to do as members of the Southwestern community. One cent makes sense for Macoupin County Schools!
Kari Burns
Medora, IL
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