Letter to the Editor

The NEVC levy is the highest in Vernon County -- vote no on Proposition S

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Dear Editor:

The NEVC bond issue that is proposed will not be enough to build the new school. The money to pay for the lease-purchase agreement, which completes the funding for the new school, will come from state money now being used to operate the school. How will this operating money be replaced? Not from the state.

The following information is from Jefferson City, Mo. (AP) The Missouri House rejected a funding increase for public schools on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. Missouri's tax revenues continue to fall and the situation will only get worse when the federal stimulus money runs out in 2012. The operating budget proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon faces a shortfall of at least $200 million and perhaps as much as $500 million. Some of the suggestions for budget cuts made by the congressmen are:

* Combine the Higher Education and Elementary Secondary Education departments

* Merge some of the 523 school districts

* Reduce the state prison population

* Allow tolls on express lanes of urban highways

* Merge the state highway and water patrols. No doubt, all of these suggestions are serious cuts with dire consequences.

The NEVC school levy is now the highest in Vernon county, and with the 94 cent increase it will be more than $5. The district cannot afford to lose state funding, diverting operating funds to pay for a new building while continuing to pay salaries and operating expenses.

Vote NO on Proposition S.

Linda Gundy