Kathy Hagnauer: Last April the voters in this community OVERWHELMINGLY rejected a tax hike to help out our district.
Mr. Greenwald gave over 200 presentations and informed the community things that may happen if this thing didn't pass.
Well...we are there.
The amazing thing that I have seen, so far, is the fact that we have NOT had to cut PROGRAMS. We have even been able, so far, to keep programs that are non-mandated.
YES...we feel that these programs are VERY important for our kids.
We are down 200 students from last year...we cannot maintain the status quo. We need to come up with a plan that continues to maintain our programs and keep our district financially stable.
My granddaughter attends ECC...YES...an absolutely wonderful program.
She wouldn't know the difference to which building I would be taking her. All that would matter is that she would see the sweet, smiling face of her teacher.
I attended the Christmas band concert last Tuesday at the High School...over 500 students on the floor performing...AWESOME...our industrial arts dept. ...AWESOME.
Many of you on FB are former students of mine, or parents of former students. You KNOW how I feel about our district and our community.
Please put some trust in all of us that we are doing our best to maintain the excellent services that we are providing to our students.
Dan Mercer: I don't have a student in high school band, but teachers salary not withstanding, isn't the band pretty much fully funded via fundraisers?
Matt Jones: This is so very well put Kathy! We are all very concerned about the students in our district.
We are also charged with balancing the budget and making sure that despite our state fiscal crisis that we remain strong as a community.
We love our kids...and we will continue to make positive change for years to come!
Kathy Hagnauer: We still need to pay for salary and benefits for a non-mandated program.
The band parents are OUTSTANDING in their fundraising.
I would love to talk to you, Dan...you have brought up many interesting questions.
Kathy Hagnauer: I must also add that our band directors are OUTSTANDING in what they do for our kids.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: It's great that everyone agrees that we love our kids and want the best.
The bottom line is that the board will continue to function normally with or w/o a new facility.
ECC will not continue to function normally if it is not moved to an appropriate facility, which is a vital part of its success.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: By leaving us in the dark on the plans until the night of the vote is simply unfair and gives us no time to think about the pros and cons.
Kathy Hagnauer: People sorta lost that when they voted down the tax hike...they left it up to all of us to figure out a plan.
Dan Mercer: Sorry. I'm going to have to call you out on that one Kathy. Tax hike or no, the board should have carte blanch.
Kathy Hagnauer: I am still waiting for that phone call, Dan. Out of curiosity, how did you all vote on the tax hike? Everyone was informed of what might happen if this thing didn't pass. I haven't read any suggestions on other things we may try to save money and keep programs.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: So it is the understanding of the board that b/c there was no tax increase, the board no longer has any obligations to the taxpayers?
Kathy Hagnauer: We ARE paying our obligations to the taxpayers...they told us loudly and clearly we must CUT, : Katie Ronk-Meyer Ok, but you still have an obligation to tell us what the plan is.
Kathy Hagnauer: And we will at the next board meeting
Dan Mercer: And you'll vote on it immediately. You're giving everyone opinion that the decision is already made.
Kathy Hagnauer: I am waiting on other suggestions you may have. We have been working on plans since last April when this thing didn't pass.
Dan Mercer: Have you provided these plans to the public since April?
The board meetings are at 5? Correct? Kind of hard for most working parents to make those meetings.
Kathy Hagnauer: Have you read anything Mr. Greenwald has posted??? Yes, the meetings begin at 5
Katie Ronk-Meyer: Kathy, your statements have perfectly showcased that the board thinks it can do whatever it wants regardless of public opinion.
You actually think you owe us nothing b/c of a tax vote? If there have been plans since April, why will the board not share them?
What is the board afraid of?
Dan Mercer: There are very few details in what has been posted by anyone.
There's no analysis on how any savings are going to be made by any proposals.
There hasn't even been any formal mention of what is actually being proposed.
Kathy Hagnauer: Katie...I am awaiting your suggestions on how we can save money and keep our programs...you, as a voter, left it up to us to make decisions...very loudly and clearly.
I do not know how I can explain this any more clearly.
We do the best we can do with the money we have and keep the best interests of the entire district in mind at all times. Public opinion SPOKE.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: Ok, when would I like to meet to giver the plans?
Katie Ronk-Meyer: *When wouldn't u like to meet to go over the plans?
Kathy Hagnauer: I will meet with you anytime...anyplace...let's do lunch
Katie Ronk-Meyer: Sounds great. Name the place, time. I would love to over the boards suggested plan
Kathy Hagnauer: How about Applebees at 5:30 on Monday?
Dan Mercer: Kathy, the board would still have the "power" to make these decisions regardless of the failed referendum.
Kathy Hagnauer: That is why you elected us.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: I am up for meeting Monday if you are going to share the plan w/me.
Kathy Hagnauer: I have it on my calendar...see ya then.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: So that is a confirmation that you will be sharing the details of the plan w/me?
Kathy Hagnauer: absolutely...we really aren't trying to hide anything.
Katie Ronk-Meyer: Well you could have fooled me. I've asked numerous times in numerous ways to get any kind of details, only to be given generic answers.
So I don't want to waste my time only to hear you say that it's a good plan. I expect actual details.
Kathy Hagnauer: Do you want to meet with me or not?
Katie Ronk-Meyer: If we are going to get into the specifics of the plan, then yes. I will see u Monday
Kathy Hagnauer: Then I will see you Monday at 5:30...Applebees
on December 19, 2015, 8:58 pm, in reply to "