Longview schools may ask voters for two levies
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:30 AM PST
By Leila Summers
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Longview School Board on Monday discussed proposing two levies to voters next year — one of which could include artificial turf for Longview Memorial Stadium.
The first proposal, a maintenance and operation levy, would help the district pay for day-to-day costs of running schools.
The district’s existing M&O levy, which expires next year, accounts for 16 percent to 20 percent of the district’s operating budget. The replacement levy, which they have not yet set an amount for, could go to voters March 10.
The board is exploring a second proposal — a capital levy — to pay for projects such as building renovations, technology improvements and possibly laying FieldTurf at Longview Memorial Stadium.
The fragile condition of the field, used for football and soccer games, limits its use to about 30 times a year.
M&O levies traditionally can cover minor projects, while levies target specific improvements.
The plus for running two separate levies is that more M&O money could be freed from facilities and invested in educational programs, said Longview School Board member Ted Thomas. That could allow the board to consider expanding all-day kindergarten or invest more into improving state-mandated test scores, he said.
One board member, however, expressed doubts Monday that voters would pass a capital levy in the current economic climate.
“As much as I think these are worthwhile (projects) ... I honestly can’t see, with our economy doing this, a capital levy,” school board member Barb Westrick said.
The board next meets Nov. 24.
Lance Johnson wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:57 AM:
" Do we really even have the money to give you Barb? Maybe if people hadn't run off poeple with money it would be esaier for me to vote yes on atleast the money for the football field. But with Barb Westrick at the helm I will NEVER vote for ANY levy! "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 6:20 AM:
" The operating money will most likely go to the administration. The raises don't go to the teachers. It always goes to the administration. Why does a school like Kelso High require 4 vice principals? How many of them have their personal administrative assistants that are grossly overpaid as well. That is where the money goes. The administration is like a mushroom cloud that only grows bigger and never decreases. Look where the cuts are made when they cannot make ends meet. The poor teachers and kids programs are the first ones on the chopping block. I have but one question for the schools; how many people does it take to sign a check? "
viper wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:08 AM:
" You know I don't think it will pass either as my kids keep asking the teachers for help on problems that they don't understand and the teachers refuse to help them so what are we paying them for I tell my kids to ask the teacher for help as I don't understand alot of this new stuff that they are teaching it's time the teachers do just that teach leave no child behind, not everyone learns at the same rate, some require it being explained a little differently and some teachers just don't have what it takes to teach
until I see some improvement in the way they teach and show they are trying I won't vote for any increases in taxes or pay raises . first do the job you were hired to do then we will talk money "
until I see some improvement in the way they teach and show they are trying I won't vote for any increases in taxes or pay raises . first do the job you were hired to do then we will talk money "
kelsograd wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:24 AM:
" Does the Longview School Board live in a vacuum? This is not the time to be asking the citizens for more money when we are experiencing an economic downturn. "
cheney119 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:42 AM:
" and possibly laying FieldTurf at Longview Memorial Stadium. What the hell do you mean by possibly? The possibility of me supporting either are nill until the district comes clean and tells the truth. The field turf is simply pampering a bunch of jocks and their incredibly indulgent parents, it is the height of extravagance in such times as these. We are in a recession everyone is tightening their belts except the public sector which never has to earn a nickel, they just think of ways, many of them stupid ways, to spend. "
tatman wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:04 AM:
" We all need to be at the next board meeting, this way you can make your voice be heard. I for one will be in attendance, they are fools to think I will support such wasteful spending, the last levy they said they needed it to keep teachers and paras, but after it passed from that bunch of lies they sent them packing anyway. Also with the cost of maintaining the turf and such, there is no real savings, so the grass should work just fine. Kids have been playing on it for as long as i can remember, so come up with a levy for books,supplies,etc. then and only then will i consider backing you, lets look out for all the kids and not just a select few who play sports. I do hope the newest board member can and will have a voice and let it be heard that this district needs a complete makeover, so good luck Jerry Stinger, your gonna need it. "
Longview 88 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:06 AM:
" I can see running a levy for things the district truly needs. Things like technology improvements and building renovations I don't have a problem with, as these will benefit many. However, FieldTurf, like Cheney119 said, will only benefit a few jocks. The Longview and Kelso school districts put way too much emphasis on sports. Our high school stadiums can be considered extravagant by some districts which have nothing more than sets of bleachers. There are more pressing matters in the district, and they are out of line to even consider FieldTurf with the economy in its downward spiral with no end in sight. This is HIGH SCHOOL, not the NFL. If FieldTurf is part of a levy that will guarantee a NO vote from me. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 11, 2008 11:14 AM:
" Money for the turf should come from the private sector. Let the athletes and the parents, the boosters and jock sniffers pay for it. Get old Joe Moses to pitch in some money. Using tax dollars for that idea is not going to fly. Not when R.A. Long is rated as a drop-out factory. "
Ella Mentry wrote on Nov 11, 2008 11:23 AM:
" When I receive a school supply list that does NOT include "please do not write your child's name on the following supplies because they will be collected and used for the class throughout the year" I might consider going for the frills. "
yakima bear wrote on Nov 11, 2008 12:28 PM:
" Stay on the subject. Quite slamming athletes. they are not the ones asking for the turf. I do agree that we need more pressing things than field turf. If we were in a good economy, I feel turf would give a far greater number of people to be able to use it. But, when we are cutting staff, supplies and programs (special Ed.), turf is not a choice. And don't blame the teacers for the turf. Everyone wants to scream and shout about how rotten the teachers are and how terrible the jocks (athlete is a better term) are. Get a life. I wouldn't want to be a teacher in today's society. And quit calling RA Long a drop out factory. yes there is a drop problem, but that is not the teachers and administrations fault. It is our society. Maybe you could volunteer to help with the problem.
there was a company that volunteered to put in the turf and have there name on the field. But our great thinking Board said no. so now they want you to pay for it. WRONG. "
there was a company that volunteered to put in the turf and have there name on the field. But our great thinking Board said no. so now they want you to pay for it. WRONG. "
Roudyruss wrote on Nov 11, 2008 1:05 PM:
" Sorry yakima bear but we call RA Long a drop out factory becouse the Daily News and State of Washington calls RA Long a drop out factory. You must have missed that artical. "
Rastor wrote on Nov 11, 2008 1:25 PM:
" RE: CommonSense24, Kelso High School is not part of the Longview School District! So don't criticize the Longview District for your dislikes of the Kelso Schools. "
DW wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:33 PM:
" Hey, why can't we play football the old fashioned way.....in the mud, grass in your hair, dirt in places that you will be cleaning for days. I remember my highschool football, and we loved getting all grimmy and wet, and then you get to hit somebody on top of it!!! Please don't make football a sissy sport and not let the kids get dirty. Heck, if your going that route, why not get the taxpayers to put a dome on the thing!! Then they won't have to get cold or wet. I won't be voting for any levy as long as this is on the table. Well except if you make it smurf bright blue, or Jacks dark red.
Imagine that Cheney119 and I agreed on something.......I need to check my blood pressure...... "
Imagine that Cheney119 and I agreed on something.......I need to check my blood pressure...... "
Nom D'Plume wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:50 PM:
" Viper, if your student's teacher is refusing to help them it is time for you to speak to their supervisor. If you get nowhere there, then speak to the superintendent. Whatever the case, a no vote on the M/O levy will result in an even worse state of affairs. We finally have a superintendent in our district who is willing to do the right thing and work hard for kids. Don't sell her short. As for a turf field: it is NOT the time. When the district can afford materials and books for students, then we can talk about frills. I, as a teacher, am very upset that our board can't see that a turf field is out of the question in this budget situation. Common sense 24, our new superintendent cut some admin already. If you vote no on the levy it will cost teachers and students in a big way. Please Vote YES on the M/O levy. "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:59 PM:
" Has anyone noticed the significant change in the look of the Administration Building within the last six months? That takes money...OUR money! A new super with high salary, low test scores, managers/administrators that should have been gone, inappropriate board member comments and hiring practices and they want us to trust them with wise use of your tax dollars. Your kidding, right. As if the economy and laid off tax paying citizens isn't enough we are suppose to continue to support a local school system that operates below par to begin with...NOT! "
old bag wrote on Nov 11, 2008 3:20 PM:
" LGV Gal...I agree. There has been lots of money to remodel the administration building. A LOT. You never see that accounted for. Where did it come from? Who authorized it? What exactly was done? Why wasn't it spent for the kids needs? Until I get answers my vote is NO. "
bucko wrote on Nov 11, 2008 3:29 PM:
" If Longview schools want my vote, here's what needs to happen. On teacher in service days, they need to be at school the full eight hours. Whenever there is one, the parking lots are very empty with only one or two cars in them. And don't tell me that isn't always the case. I know of one elementary school teacher who goes shopping in Portland or Seattle every time. And I know personally five teachers who consider those days as vacation. It took going to the principal for my high school aged son to get help from his math teacher. She was leaving immediately at the end of last period every day. I'm seriously pushing for my kids to be teachers, while they won't be rich, it's a very good job. "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:11 PM:
" Hey Rastor: I used Kelso as an example of what is wrong with ALL the school districts anymore. They all play by the same rules. Are you trying to tell us that Longview School District spends their money more wisely than Kelso or that they don't have an extreme overabundance of administration? If you are, the you need to put down the Kool-Aid my friend and take a look around you. Thanks for the laugh at your naive expense though. "
El Gabilon wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:29 PM:
" NO, no, a thousand time no, we'd rather die than say yes. Through several comments and articles over the years we have provided information as to how our school system should be run, and it has been ignored. Basically, a four hour school day, an eleven month school year. This DOUBLES the capacity of any given school. For High School it would triple the capacity. The end result would be a two year college education for all students in the same amount of time it takes to obtain a high school diploma under the present system. American parents, children, teachers, administrators should get it through their heads that the end all and be all of education is not based on money. What is missing is a demand that our teachers, our children, our administrators, our parents take immediate action to put their efforts into learning, guiding, and demanding excellence within the entire school system. It is amazing that our educators cannot see (or don't want to see) that in comparision to the western and asian world (Japan, China) we are far behind the curve, even though we have far better educational buildings and services. Too large a percentage of our children are lazy, watch too much tv, and play too many video games, with parents who do not care as evidenced by their lack of concern and "leave it to the educators" attitudes. There is a marked difference in the educational achievements of children in private, Christian, Catholic schools. "
El Gabilon wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:46 PM:
" Teachers in these schools are paid less, yet achieve more. Children in these schools are disciplined as they should be for bad behaviour. School days in China and Japan are longer, as is the school year and the principle attitude of these peoples is THAT THEIR CHILDREN MUST BE EDUCATED, AND EDUCATED WELL. If a teacher and/or student does not cut the mustard in teaching and in learning they are out on their ear. And parents of these children are disgraced for their lack of diligence in raising their children. This economic downturn should be a warning to Americans that the most important thing in their lives is their children and the education of those children....for without it THIS NATION CANNOT SURVIVE. Education should be seen not as something that will help a child earn a better living, but as the development of its potential to the highest degree possible. In the present world we do not need video game players, rather scientists, doctors, inventors, people who have the knowledge and capability to contribute to making a world that progresses in the quality of life and eventually spreads the seeds of human life throughout first our galaxy and in the distant future other galaxies without the agression of war, hate, moranic attitudes of "subduing" all life and the planets in order to enrich themselves and enslave the rest. Today these people represent the bankers, industrialists, wall street manipulators etc. "
El Gabilon wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:59 PM:
" The Arab world should serve as a warning, as should Rome. Both were the most enlightened peoples in the world at their time. The nation that does not take care of its children and their education is committing suicide and within two or three generations a nation such as ours can fall just as surely as did the Arab and Roman worlds. The America we see today wallows in "pride", yet falls far short of other nations in health, mortality rates, education, scientists, and rehabilitation for its prisoners. We have more people in prison than the rest of the western world. At the same time we preach to other nations, and to ourselves about God, love, truth etc., while at the same time reak from the stench of evil. Wake up, set your priorities, your goals as a nation and educate your children whether they wasnt it or not. If not then may your "gods" have more mercy on you than the Romans, Aztecs, Arabs, American Indians "gods" had on them. This is not a "shining nation on a hill". It is a nation that is standing at the threshold of a manure pit readying itself to fall in. EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN, DEMAND EXCELLENCE FROM SCHOOLS, PARENTS, CHILDREN, POLITICIANS, RELIGIONS, or fall into the dung heap of your own making. "
kitten wrote on Nov 11, 2008 5:28 PM:
" Society is broken and throwing money at it is not going to fix anything. School systems haven't changed all that much in the past 20 years, yet kids are failing. Is that the fault of the teachers and curriculum? "
khs06 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 6:09 PM:
" most all of you are rediculous. the tax increase would be so small you would hardly notice it and the reason the teachers dont want to help like they should is because they had to work like crazy for masters degrees and get paid peanuts. You really should approve these lecies. and the football field is so terrible if it was field turf they could use it alot more and make more money for the school. "
critter wrote on Nov 11, 2008 6:09 PM:
" They pulled the breaking news story about how much teachers make in this state. Maybe they figured that article and one about the school district asking for money was not a good combo. "
Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Nov 11, 2008 6:12 PM:
" critter: We didn't "pull" the story. It moved early this morning and has been bumped by more current news. If you click on the red "Update" header on the home page, you'll find all the breaking news articles we've posted today. "
US CITIZEN wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:05 PM:
" I WOULD NOT VOTE YES FOR ANY SCHOOL LEVY AFTER SEEING HOW THEY SPENT THE MONEY BUILDING ROBERT GRAY AND ST.HELENS. EACH ROOM WITH ITS OWN COMPUTERIZED HEATING AND COOLING CONTROLS, THAT COST TENS OF THOUSANDS AND ARCHITECTURAL GARBAGE THAT SERVES NO PURPOSE.TAKE TIME AND LOOK UP AT THE ENTRANCE INSIDE OF ROBERT GRAY SEE WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT. "
Buford McGee wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:08 PM:
" You give administrative employees 10% raises while cutting special education and class room assistance. You hire a board member in violation of state law for an over $80,000 job. Heck no, we won't vote yes until you clean house. "
Rastor wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:26 PM:
" Admin building remodel????
Do you mean the building re-using the classroom portables from all the other construction projects completed four years ago on a construction bond that included building a new middle school and remodeling Monticello and Cascade Middle School buildings that were falling down? "
Do you mean the building re-using the classroom portables from all the other construction projects completed four years ago on a construction bond that included building a new middle school and remodeling Monticello and Cascade Middle School buildings that were falling down? "
91910 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 11:47 PM:
" To Roudyruss: Thats why we call some people leaders and others followers. Well, I guess we do need some followers like you in the world. Anyways, what everyone calls Longview Memorial Stadium just isnt cutting it. Things like this have just been going on for to long now I believe the school district before even thinking about spending a million dollars on turf, should consider another idea!!! Why dont you spend a few thousand to build MM there own little football field and change the Stadium back to its real name R. A. Long Stadium!! What a wonderful school and campus, however having to share one of its pride and joy with a cross town rival has been going on for to long. Let us see some change.. "
crowsfeet wrote on Nov 12, 2008 12:31 AM:
" And remember folks the super-majority required to pass school levys was voted out. You need to vote NO more than ever. "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 12, 2008 6:20 AM:
" Wow, it sure isn't hard to see who pays Rastor's paycheck or khs06's for that matter. So which school do you guys work for? "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:20 AM:
" Rastor, no that is their Business Office. I'm talking about the building that holds all of the "upper management"...super, exec directors. That building got new furniture, new paint, etc. at OUR expense. It seems the first thing they did was spend OUR money for beautification...that was NOT needed! "
khs06 wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:24 AM:
" Im 20 years old and i dont work for the school. You do need to vote yes on both but atleast let them fix that field. Oh by the way I dont care to much anyways because my siblings go to the real school across the river and my kids Will to. "
rastor wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:39 AM:
" How many of these "complainers" actually show up at any board meetings? You might actually learn what is said, instead of what gets reported. Get out and participate, sitting in mom's basement, reading TDN and "blogging" doesn't count. "
dude wrote on Nov 12, 2008 12:25 PM:
" I was just commenting about how great the field looks. They've have always done a great job with it. Why would we want to replace a great grass field with an fake one? Doesn't make sence. "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 12, 2008 12:30 PM:
" Sorry Rastor. Most of us have to work for a living unlike the Schools Admin who can take off anytime on a whim. We actually have to contribute to our employer. Because of this, we people who work cannot always attend these meetings. By what you say, nonattendance means that we authorize the complete disregard of common sense and say that whatever they decide to do is ok. It is assumed that an entity should be fiscally responsible with whatever money they are given; however, school districts currently overemploy needless overpaid administration personel at the expense of the taxpayer. Excuse me if I do not feel sorry for the system that cannot responsibly manage the money they currently have and yet always asks for more. "
rastor wrote on Nov 12, 2008 1:06 PM:
" RE: Common Sense; Obviously you have some grudge or axe to grind towards public education. Guess what, it costs money. I have a full time job, as do each of the school board members, but yet they find the time to participate. What is with your anger at the "Schools Admin"? Have you met the new "boss"? Do you know anyone who has meet the new boss? Buildings wear out, furniture wears out, computers wear out, and the State doesn't provide the money for these items, so they have to come from local dollars. If you, or a trusted friend would have gone to the board meetings you would see and hear ENTIRE conversations, and read the "tone" and hear the questions about these issues. You can't read intent, or hear impressions over email or in newspapers. The board is fully aware of the difficult times for all of us, and most likely not run the Capital levy and just attempt the M&O levy. But it is still important to plan, debate, discuss, and open up forum to new ideas in order to find solutions to all the problems. If you can't attend, write a letter to the board, call or write the board member that was elected from your residential area. Sitting at your employers computer, on his/her time, complaining about items you have incomplete information on is not beneficial to you OR your community (and could still get you fired). Use some common sense. "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 12, 2008 4:10 PM:
" Yes Rastor; I do have an axe to grind with any public funded entity that flushes my tax money down the toilet and asks for more before the tank even finishes refilling. Why don't you use some common sense yourself? You might find it a refreshing break from the Kool-Aid you've been so happily drinking. "
Caddyshack wrote on Nov 12, 2008 4:32 PM:
" Answer to Dude: The grass field looks great because it is seldomly used. It was last replaced 23 years ago and the last school year it was used heavily it turned into a muddy, awful mess. So to preserve it the school district now only allows varsity football and soccer...about 30 events a year. So the field goes unused 335 days a year. I think that is a supreme waste of a facility that could be used daily by PE classes, HS and middle school sports, soccer clubs, youth football, etc. Charge a rental fee for the youth sports teams. Communities like Camas, Washougal and Tumwater have figured out how to get it done and those artificial fields are constantly being used...all year long, rain or shine. Hopefully we can find a reasonable solution in Longview. "
Nom D'Plume wrote on Nov 12, 2008 4:54 PM:
" Oh wait, I get it, schools should never paint or buy new furniture unless the school board and staff fund these items on their own. Good grief! I am a teacher in Longview and spend enough money out of my own pocket for items that used to be purchased by the district and/or parents. The amount of funding for schools has dropped dramatically during the last 20 years. I am resolved to fight tooth and nail to ensure the passage of this M/O levy. Citizens have a responsibility to ensure that basic education is offered to all children. The school district is changing by leaps and bounds since hiring Superintendent Cuisick. She is a fine professional and has already made great strides in fixing the budgetary issues in our district. Most importantly, people need to realize that a no vote on the M/O levy will ultimately hurt children. No doubt the naysayers will then have the guts to gripe about how the schools aren't doing anything. If you want to make a difference do the mature thing and talk with the administrators and school board. If your gripe has merit it will be taken into account. "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:26 AM:
" Nom D'Plum and Rastor are obvious supporters...what is funny is that they do not SEE the true waste that goes on in public schools. Fixing budgetary issues...again, your kidding right. You cannot say in one sentence that you are fixing budgetary issues and in the next sentence allow costs such as paint and/or furniture. Just to "update a look" does not cut the UNWISE use of OUR funds. I do not want any child to be hurt educationally, but I also do not want public schools to use our children's education as a THREAT against us either! "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 13, 2008 2:08 PM:
" Nom D'Plume: You are unfortunately in a bad position. You are forced to struggle to make ends meet while others are cutting your budget to employ more wasteful staff. If put in charge, I would immediately fire most of the administration and their personal staff. The $ millions $ saved would then be sufficient surplus to help you educate the students with whatever supplies you could ever want. What could your individual school do with several million dollars of extra money each and every year? "
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