People Rally For Tax Hike To Better Esko Schools
Posted at: 10/14/2012 8:31 PM
| Updated at: 10/14/2012 11:21 PM
By: Laurie Stribling
lstribling@wdio.com
A group rallied in Esko October 14 in support of a tax increase that would help fund vital programs at Esko Public Schools.
They gathered at Eskomo Pizza Pies to educate people on the two different school proposals that will be on the November ballot. One is an operating levy which would fund educational programs and keep class sizes small. The other, is a facilities referendum which would build a new sports complex after fields were damaged by summer flooding.
"We've simply reached that point where we need this," Parent Dana Kazel said. "This isn't about luxury items for the kids. It's about maintaining class sizes and preventing cuts in the future."
The sports complex has a price tag of about $2.7 million and the operating levy will cost $341 per student. If these two proposals pass, the average taxpayer will only see an increase of about $10 to $15 a month. Both proposals have been shot down by voters in the past, but this year, Kazel thinks it will be a different story for two big reasons.
"One, the cost is a lot less," Kazel said. "Number two, the flood last June made it so much more obvious to people just how badly it was needed."
Several other events have taken place in the community to raise awareness about the issues and encourage people to "Vote Yes" come November.
 |
Print Story | | |  |
