Candidates are Alex Edache, Jameelah Surgeon, Agurs L. Cathcart and Dorian Hurtt. There are three three-year terms up for election every year. The winners will take their seats at the reorganization following the election. According to the meeting calendar on the district web site, the reorganization will take place at 7 p.m. May 3 in the Plainfield High School auditorium. A president will be named to serve until the next election in April 2012.
The budget question is for $22,285,795 to be raised for the 2011-2012 school year, but as Plaintalker understands it, the increase is mandated by the state. Last year, the budget was defeated and went to the City Council, but the governing body took no action.
From a May 11, 2010 blog post:
"The governing body took no action on the defeated school budget. As officials explained at a special meeting Friday, the council could not cut the $21.8 local tax levy because it was mandated by the state. Council members said attempting to identify changes that could be made among budget lines was pointless, as the council would not have time for a thorough review. The state deadline for changes is May 19."
The local school tax levy was constant at $17,683,906 from 1992 to 2008, with state funding making up about 80 percent of the total cost of operating the schools. The 80/20 ratio between local and state funds was generally just the opposite in neighboring districts. The School Funding Reform Act of 2008 kicked in for the 2008-2009 Plainfield school budget and the local school tax has increased every year since. There is more to this story, but those are the basic facts.
Please take the time to vote today. Many crucial decisions will be coming up in the 2011-2012 school year, including a search for a new superintendent, so make your choices wisely.
--Bernice
From your 2010 post: "Council members said attempting to identify changes that could be made among budget lines was pointless, as the council would not have time for a thorough review."
ReplyDeleteMake the time. Get started earlier. Like with PMUA, the Council keeps its head in the sand until whacked on the behind. Forge some meaningful and comprehensive shared-service agreements between all these city entities that will improve services and utilize our resources better. Save us some money. Don't let this 3-headed monster continue to eat our lunch.
Congrats to the newcomers. This should serve as a lesson to all those who can't get it done in three terms. We will get you out. On the council it's two terms or you are done. On the Mayor who knows. For PMUA commissioners you basically have a life term. Don't know why becuase you don't do anything for us except keep raising rates.
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