School board member says resident is “completely outrageous and wrong”

Jody, I think the headline should read “Taxpayer accuses school board member of being sneaky, things go downhill from there.”

What moderation? It’s a direct quote.

Joan, Your letter makes a good point and provides a voice for not just you but many voters with similar concerns. Mr. Copp’s reply makes it pretty clear he doesn’t like what you had to say. I bet more residents agree with you than him. We not only give everyone a fair hearing but the chance to comment, expand on their comments, and reply to what other say. Thanks for speaking out!

Joan, why was the name of Mark Heerman mentioned?

In response to the email exchange between Joan Elliott and school board member Mr. Copp. I would like to add my thoughts.

Is it ignorance on the part of taxpayers in questioning the school administration and the school board members in spending an extra $50k in taxpayer monies to hold a referendum in July instead of holding it for free or much less expense at the regularly scheduled election dates in May and November. Mr. Copp states the reason for that move is in the best interest (please note the order) of the school system, those who will choose to support it (I will assume he is meaning those in support of more funding, being the school board, school administration, teachers, school employees, parents with kids in the school system and others who believe that a school with the largest dollars to spend produce the brightest kids)as well as the general public(Is this us ignorant taxpayers that dare question the referendum timing or how much more, again more, in taxes we want to pay?). Seems to be a fair assumption that a greater number of residents/taxpayers will vote in the general elections (May/November) than in a special referendum held in July. Last I checked November is later than July should May not be enough time to define needs. Not to question the integrity of the school system but I would think they would want the largest possible number of taxpayers to vote on handing the school system more of their own dollars for brighter and more well educated kids this money will bring the community. Or, do the adament supporters for more funding want to have a smaller turnout in hopes the odds will be better. Sorry, but the July date has that smell. If May is too soon and needs are still being defined hold the referendum in November and give yourself enough time to fully define needs. Personally, not sure why even consider the referendum prior to knowing the needs. My definition of need and wants/desires, along with many other taxpayers giving the money may differ from the school administrators and school board. There is a differece between educational wants/desires(fyi- these include pool(s), pool maintanence, over the top locker room facilties, sport facilities, private offices, employee vehicles/leases, no cost or low cost adimistrative insurance plans, pensions, paid out of state training for administrators, communication directors or any other employee salaries have zero responsiblity in educating students or keeping the building clean/safe, buildings that house no student learning could be sold to raise monies, sport/art/music equipment, etc…) and needs. Guess need is what the school is waiting to define. Some examples would be teachers, study materials, heated class rooms, school lunches, parental involvement, etc… May should work! We as a country seem to have a whole publicly educated generation, possibly 2 generations, not knowing the difference between the two. Will come back to want and need later.

Mr. Copp/School board members, please excuse me and possibly other taxpayers for wondering why spend money for a seperate referendum date to ask for this “needed” money not yet defined. Hold it in May or November and you have saved enough money for one needed teaching position.

The most amusing part for me, Mr. Copp, is your tiring of the fixed income argument. Would the amount of dollars the school system has to operate on not be the same as fixed income? Certainly or possibly less than what was expected and hard to operate all the wants and desires the school would like to offer. Joan, myself, you and all people/businesses have to be able to function based on what needs our fixed income allows. Many people and private companies took large income reductions last year and this year. I was on of them. I was able to survive by having saved for a rainy day (guess the school sytem did not save we just spent)and cutting back on buying/paying for non-essentials or want to have items. Sounds as though Joan and many other seniors living may not be able to continue to cut back to pay for many other peoples needs as they and we also have needs. Our elected officials in local, state and federal governments, along with school systems continue to come back for more in what they define as needs. Please show us all the cuts of non-essentials school expenses first and I mean all non-educating classroom costs. What I tire of hearing first from school corporations is we will have to cut teachers, transpotation and any other item that directly affects students and not what they can cut that has zero educational/classroom/student affect. Maybe, this is purposeful to spark support. Certainly, personnel salaries are the large portion of the budget. But the budget is large and I would hope if the school system wants more of our money every non-essential better be cut first. It is a tough time for most everyone.

Now the bright side of this situation! The best lesson we can teach this generation of kids is the difference between need and want! We have to work for it and not expect it to be handed to us. We may need to do many fund raising events, car washes, etc… Hopefully, our elected officials on all levels we lead that charge and be able to say here is how we will do it without asking for any help with our money problem. We need more revenue for our wants and here is how we can get them. We need our students and their parents to help us raise these funds. It will be the best lesson the students will learn and help them for a life time.

Mr. Copp: Although I disagree with your point and the tone of your letter I have never said I agree or disagree with the need to raise property taxes to fund the school. I do not believe that spending money for a special election is a good idea and I agree that debate is the heart of politics which is why I posted your comment to our forum. Thanks for keeping the debate going.

Tom – what is your relationship with Joan Elliot?

And why was your name mentioned in the response from Jim Copp?

There does seem to a back story to this e-mail exchange that could change the context.

So there is a back story.

So I, as a member of the public just seeing this e-mail, have no idea the context to place this discussion. It’s one piece of a puzzle of who knows how many pieces.

And without being able to see the entire picture (basically, every e-mail/presentation/discussion that you & your org has had with Jim Copp & the CG School board), it’s hard to really put any stock in this e-mail exchange.

http://www.cgscu.org/