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Not true

An unidentified author states in the Jersey Shore Area School Districts fall 2016 newsletter, “the JSASD has never used exceptions to increase taxes above the index,” the Act 1 Index. This statement is not true, please reference Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas Dock No. 05-00, 778 Re: Increasing Real property of tax revenues of Jersey Shore Area School District for the tax year of July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006. In fact, the real estate tax levy was increased 16 percent above the 10 percent allowed by law on June 3, 2005 by Judge Anderson.

This past issue is worth noting because on Nov. 25, 2016, the outgoing business manager gave a preliminary 2017-18 budget presentation. The district has the highest millage rate in Lycoming County, the highest paid educators, 76 percent of the budget comprises wages/benefits, and now, we were presented with a possible $2.5 million deficit. This is a wake- up call to the taxpayers because the board responded on Dec. 11, 2016, under board meeting FAQs that preliminary cuts were already made and they might consider more.

The new superintendent has proposed the addition of not only seven new positions and other new initiatives totaling $943,197, but has initiated a $7,500 evaluation to add walls/doors to an open concept designed elementary school. To make matters worse, the district has received $487,000 in PlanCon monies which normally would be applied to the debt, but was recommended to be used to purchase a new Reading program which might not be needed based on the direction the new secretary of education wishes to proceed.

What was the premise of this superintendent hire, because her salary is $5,000 higher than her predecessors, who performed multiple functions? This board has its work cut out for them.

If the taxpayers in the Jersey Shore district do not want to see another tax disaster that occurred 10 years ago, they had better contact their board representatives and voice their concerns now. When you start out with a deficit of that magnitude, you don’t think about adding more financial burden to the biggest part of your budge, you put the kids first and salvage the integrity of their instruction first. We all know that education is about teaching our future workforce, don’t we? Spending what you don’t have isn’t setting a good example for the students.

Robert Pryor, Shelley Helm, John Shireman and Harry Miller

Past Jersey Shore Area School District board members

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom

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