LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: SURPLUS IS SEEN IN LEVY INCREASE

To the editor:

We are writing concerning the 40-cent levy increase proposed by the Jackson Board of Education. If passed, according to school officials, this increase would result in approximately $2.3 million of increased revenue to the district this year and each year in the future. As assessed valuations increase and new homes and businesses are built, the $2.3 million should increase. The increase over the next five years would total $11.5 million.

For the five school years 2000-01 through 2004-05, the Board of Education is projecting deficits totaling $5.9 million.

Currently, the district would like to hire 11 new teachers. If these teachers are hired now and are paid on average $30,000 a year, including benefits, the cost would be $330,000 per year. Over five years the total cost would be $1.65 million.

With the passage of the 40-cent levy, the big picture would be a five-year total projected net surplus of $3.95 million. Even if we hire a few more teachers along the way, the surplus would still be sizable.

We do not think we need to raise our taxes to give the school district such a large surplus. Human nature is to spend, not to save such surpluses. Furthermore, during these next five years state aid may increase, reducing the need for such a large tax increase.

On Aug. 8, the voters need to decide if the 40-cent levy increase is too much.

MARY A. BIRK, JACK RUSHIN and PAT RUSHIN

Jackson, Mo.