This post at Brown County Matters

“2016” Referendum. I came across a letter I wrote in 2016 published in the Democrat in response to then Superintendent David Shaffer’s article explaining the need for additional revenue.

His reference in citing a loss in revenue due to “declining enrollments and affordable housing” led to my interest in researching the issues and root causes that are “systemic.” This led to published research on our economic base. Better methods for addressing the issues are needed. Enrollment has continued to decline and affordable housing is still a challenge.

A good argument also requires a response to the counter-arguments. This can be facilitated through public forums.

Submitted to the Democrat on Jan 29, 2016.

School referendum – additional options?

I applaud the success of the Brown County schools in achieving “A” ratings from the state Department of Education and especially the success that the We the People team has had at state and national competitions.

In his article: “Referendum needed to maintain assets,” Superintendent David Shaffer of Brown Country Schools made a compelling case for justifying a referendum. Key points in the article included the following: (1) The school funding formula from the state is inadequate; (2) Maintaining current quality standards and expanding and enhancing programs at projected budget levels is not possible without new funding from the local taxpayers; (3) School funding is linked to enrollment and enrollment has been declining; and (4) Declining enrollment is likely due to the lack of affordable available housing and competitive-paying jobs that attract young families.

A successful referendum may represent an immediate and near-term budget fix but may not adequately address the systemic issues regarding the adequacy of state education funding or less funding due to declining student enrollments.

Consequently, without changes in how the state funds education or a successful community strategy that results in stabilizing or increasing student enrollments, property tax increases through the referendum process could likely be a recurring solution for balancing the budget.  Community support for relying on referendums may not be sustainable in the long term.

An additional strategy could include developing innovative solutions to maintain high standards while operating within available budgets without resorting to future tax increases.

Tim Clark