FISCAL MISMANAGEMENT

As any homeowner knows, you cannot ignore maintenance issues or keep postponing them.  To do so is to allow a crisis to eventually develop.

The schools have a Sinking Fund to address maintenance and repairs.  This is why we voted for a sinking fund to be added (?)  It is unclear why this fund was not used to address issues the bond proponents now are describing as a crisis.

While a sinking fund is already in place for some maintenance, the board's statement that the bond is "to make necessary upgrades and renovations...that exceed the scope and funds of our sinking fund" should be challenged. An opponent could argue that the school board should have more effectively managed the existing sinking fund or explored less costly alternatives before asking for a substantial, long-term tax increase.  

How has the sinking fund been used...and how could this "big ask" have been avoided?  

Taxpayers deserve answers to these questions before we agree to another $69,000,000.00 bond lasting 25 years.

There are more ways than 1 for schools to gain access to funds for their needs.  Voters need not be the source to which the schools always turn.  In fact, voters & millages should be a LAST resort only after all other options have been tried.

Federal & state grants are available for many facilities-related needs.  Writing a grant forces those asking for $$ to think through & "make their case" for being one of those grant recipients.

Corporations & businesses will often make donations for specific school needs...especially if doing so will bring them increased visibility & good favor within the community.

Booster clubs are another option.  Those who WANT to see these improvements can donate themselves or work to gain others' support for the facility needs they want to see addressed.

Alumni can be another source of funds.  Many would like to make a contribution to their alma maters after they have found their place in the workforce.

Even "GoFundMe" projects can bring in funds for some of those desirable (and even critical) needs.

Before we impoverish our township residents, we expect our school board members to make serious efforts to exhaust other sources.  

After all, we are talking about only 4,600 youth vs. the full population of 41,361 township residents & 18,660 households (2023 U.S. Census data).