Why did I move to Oak Ridge again?
May 10th, 2006 by Atomictumor
Right, it was the school system… which is also why I bought a house, pay their taxes, and do most of my shopping here. Because this city has traditionally valued education.
Or at least until recently.
Evidently the city council is determined to keep to a flat property tax in spite of everything. Unfortunately, the costs of running a damn school system haven’t been flat, and the 4.25 increase in this years budget isn’t going far enough to keep things running. Whats going to get the axe?
This appalls me. I intended to start out the resurrection of the Tumor (hi, yes, we’ve had problems) with something a bit more tounge in cheek, but these bastards have gone too far, voting unanimously against the requested $24 per $100,000 property tax increase despite the fact that most everybody at the meeting was there to request the council see the school increases.
Something else that bugs me about this, is the idea that raising property taxes at this point will inhibit growth. Can somebody explain that to me? Yes, yes, I understand that people will pay more money to taxes, and that pisses nobody off more than I, but seems to me that the jewel in the crown of this backwards little town is the school system.
So, the damage is done, and we’ll see what gets cut out of the budget. Betcha its not going to be sports, which, in my mind, is least important, but which gets the most attention.
May 10th, 2006 at 11:01 am
I’m glad that you brought this up. It has me pretty steamed, too. I think it’s safe to say that our primary motivation for staying in Oak Ridge is the school system. We’re certainly not here for the variety of housing options, job opportunities, or cultural events.
Who is the City catering to with this decision? The City is constantly trying to lure middle and upper class families to the area. It seems to me that many (not all, of course) of the folks who would support a tax increase for education are the same type of people who are educated themselves, earn a decent income, are responsible homeowners and most likely parents. Kids are expensive, so in theory these types of families will generate a good bit of sales tax revenue. You know what? As the schools in Oak Ridge begin to decline, these families will move elsewhere in search of a better education for their kids. Bye-bye, property tax income. Bye-bye, sales tax revenue.
Are there expenses that could and should be cut from the school system’s budget? Maybe. I don’t know. But one of the programs they’re threatening to cut is the 4th grade strings program. That would be a damn shame.
May 10th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Man, that ‘d be a really big shame. This is apalling.
May 10th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
I’d be interested in seeing a breakdown of the school system’s budget, put in layman’s terms. Being on the policy committee for the preschool, I’m privy to seeing their budget, but much of it is put in such broad strokes that someone like myself, who has no experience in such things, has no idea what it means.
I find it interesting, not to mention somewhat scary, that an ability in sports is more desirable than academic prowess. Not to say that physicality is unimportant, but I’ve always felt that a fit mind is moreso.
A winning football team is great… for the team. The few select players on it might succeed and go on to play college and even professional sports. But good education benefits everyone in the school system, not just the 20-odd people on a select team.
That was a bit rambly. Sorry.
May 11th, 2006 at 7:05 am
Welcome back, AT & company… I’ve missed you. Thank you for your support.
Mrs. Eaves, the 4th grade strings program is one that got hauled out three years ago, and was narrowly saved (by a one-vote margin). As a parent of three viola players, I addressed the board during the public comment period, with a stack of references to research showing that early music instruction helps young brains develop new neural pathways that increase performance in several other areas — including math.
I’ll fight cutting it again this year, only from the other side of the dais.
There is a copy of the school budget at the public library, and the highlights and summary has a good breakdown in layman’s terms, but nowhere in it will you find a breakdown by program — it’s all by classification (salary, benefits, materials, utilities, etc.). As I understand it from former Board member and accountant Tracy Larabee, the State requires us to keep the books that way.
GAC, drop me a line (you have my e-mail address, and I’ll send my phone number). I’d be more than happy to sit down with you and go over the whole thing, answering any questions I can. Sadly, after about five years of restricted funding, there’s not a lot left that doesn’t impact educational programs. Still, there’s always the possibility that a fresh pair of eyes can see something that the rest of us have missed… that’s why we govern OF the people, BY the people, FOR the people — or at least it’s supposed to work that way.
May 11th, 2006 at 8:13 am
Thanks for finding your way back here, NM, and for keeping us informed during all this. I am in the process of rethinking my longstanding belief that the world can run without me getting up and bitching in front of civil servants.
May 11th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Showing up at the meeting and bitching on TV makes a public statement, but the more effective route is to CALL your elected officials (or e-mail them) in advance of the meeting where a decision will be made. Then after you’ve made contact far enough in advance for them to consider your input and look for a way to accomodate your request, show up at the meeting so that they have to vote while looking at you.
I truly believe that we have a good City Council, made up of people who want to do what is best for Oak Ridge. I know that they do listen… but that they have to hear from you first.
May 11th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Seems to me tho, that the discussion here is pretty one sided in favor of the schools. The reporting slant by both local newspapers seem to be favoring the schools. The people who showed up at the meeting are overwhelmingly favoring the school. The discussion on the oakridger.com forum seems to be favoring the schools.
What interests are they looking out for, if that is the case? Is this a gilded cage kinda thing?