JACKSON TO SUPPORT PROPOSITION

JACKSON -- The Jackson School Board voted 6-0 Tuesday to adopt a resolution supporting Proposition B.

The proposition, on the state ballot Nov. 5, is an education reform and tax package designed to provide increased funding for Missouri's elementary and secondary schools and higher education.

The resolution urged voters in the Jackson School District to support the proposition.

Superintendent Wayne Maupin said the resolution shows the board's support for Jackson students and those in other schools around the state.

"The monies generated by passage of Proposition B are desperately needed for the schools. The additional funding that Proposition B would provide is absolutely essential," Maupin said. "Basically, it is the only hope that we have."

Maupin said about half of the $385 million raised by Proposition B would go to elementary and secondary schools. The other half would be earmarked for higher education.

Of the money designated for elementary and secondary schools, Maupin said $60 million will be woven into a new, yet-to-be-determined school foundation formula that must be decided by the state legislature.

He said monies raised by Proposition B would come from increases in the state corporation tax, a tax increase on all tobacco products, and a 3/8 of a cent increase in the state sales tax.

The proposition would provide tax relief for families with dependents, and eliminate some tax deductions for upper-income, individual taxpayers. The package would remain in effect for ten years.

Board members Dr. T. Wayne Lewis and John Lorberg expressed concern that if Proposition B is approved by the voters, the legislature would simply cut back funding for education in other areas. But Maupin said most state lawmakers realize Proposition B is not the final solution for state education's financial crisis.

Missouri schools lost $40.5 million when cuts were made by the governor earlier this year due to revenue shortfalls. That was followed last week by another $34.5 million in cuts in education spending, for a total of $75 million. Add to that withholding funds, and the total loss to Missouri schools comes to about $90 million.

"It (Proposition B) is the only light we can see at the end of the tunnel," Maupin said. "The more I look at our school district, it is absolutely essential that Proposition B passes."

Maupin said he will discuss the proposition with the faculty prior to the election. He has been invited to speak on Proposition B and what it means to Jackson schools to several Jackson civic clubs this fall.