Ada Community:
We write not to direct an outcome, but to ensure a balanced perspective. Ada Schools has a levy set for our vote this March. However, it is out opinion that the approach to this levy has thus far proven concerning. The levy is being placed on the ballot as a “continuous renewal”. This means that the tax is essentially permanent.
In our opinion, the first, and perhaps most significant, concern is the approach to placing this permanent tax on the ballot. Based on our readings, we are not of the opinion that Ada Schools made any effort to be upfront about this drastic change from past levy practice. Per our readings, we are of the opinion that Ada Schools only “came clean” about their intent to request a permanent tax after it was drawn to the community’s attention via a billboard in front of the school, and multiple persons and civic organizations having to question school officials on the matter – though this was of little help, as we are of the opinion that citizens had to call the board of elections to get a straight answer. It is our opinion that this is of the utmost concern: Schools are public institutions, run by elected officials and financed through tax revenue (our money). It is essential that these institutions conduct their business with the utmost transparency. Ada Schools did not lie – they did not say this levy was not a permanent tax. However, we are of the opinion that they failed to appropriately notify the public, until after being called out, of this drastic change.
We are of the opinion that Ada Schools’ proffered reason for this change is also concerning. Ada Schools suggests that this levy will help “avoid voter fatigue”. It will save us time and energy, as we will not have to vote for their levy again. And this opportunity will not arise again until 2027. However, we are of the opinion that this rationale is painfully arrogant and entitled. It is our opinion that the idea that making the tax permanent saves us – the tax paying voters – time and energy implies that Ada Schools is entitled to our money and that we are obliged to provide it, without any future accountability. That our going to the poles is merely a formality, and a technical step to them getting that which they are entitled. It is our opinion that this is painfully offensive. This country was founded as a direct result of government entities (the British monarchy) demanding tax revenue without representation or accountability at the poles. With the threat of Socialism on the horizon in the national election, it is our opinion that the prospect of our local governmental units feeling entitled to our tax revenue – and taking it in perpetuity – is deeply concerning. If property values decline, if future generations cannot afford this tax, we are stuck with it. Talk about Socialism.
Ada Schools applauds the fiscal responsibility of previous boards and administrators. And correctly so. But, we believe, this was, in part, because those boards had to be accountable to the public for the renewal of funds. If that accountability is removed, what prevents the erosion of that fiscal responsibility? The Federal Government is able to set their own tax structures for us to pay – without direct check and accountability to the people. We may have the option to vote those representatives out of office – after the tax plan has been implemented – but we have no say in the tax. The result: a ballooning national deficit. Is this the structure we want to see for our local schools? More important than their fiscal responsibility, it is our opinion that previous boards and administrations respected our role as community members and never sought to remove our oversight by usurping our primary means of holding them accountable – voting on funding.
We have a relatively new board and administration. Is this the time to approve a permanent tax? We are of the opinion that many have been frustrated at the lack of transparency, refusal to hear the concerns of the community, and general disregard for our status as community members and voters. Whether these frustrations have merit, is likely an individual determination. But we are of the opinion that they should give pause prior to approving permanent funding. Ada Schools also touts some recent accomplishments and fiscal philosophies. Ada Schools states that they weigh “each purchase against our vision and continuous improvement goals”. What about our vision for the school as the voting-public? Again, it is our opinion that we return to arrogance and entitlement.
Ada Schools also touts the achievements of the district as a means of justifying these levies. And rightfully so. However, public accountability is a means of ensuring this excellence continues. By having to come to the voters every few years, Ada Schools is motivated to maintain its quality. Who is to say this motivation remains if they no longer answer to us for funding? How hard would the average person work if they received money regardless of output? Ada Schools wants your tax money regardless of output – in the private sector we would likely call that Socialism. It is our understanding that Ada Schools recently terminated an extra-curricular activity, ignoring the voice of around 32 of us at a School Board meeting – it is our opinion that 32 people in an approximately 260 member high school is a staggering number of tax-payer voices to ignore. Ada Schools recently cut their French Curriculum – granted, replacing it with another option – while students were midstream in this curriculum. When were we consulted?
If we approve a permanent levy, Ada Schools is correct: we will never have to vote for it again. However, this also means we will never get to vote for, or against, it again. We lose oversight of our funds, and our greatest resource: our schools and children.
It is our opinion that Ada Schools will need to regain our trust before we can support any, let alone a permanent, tax levy.
Civically Yours,
Taxpayers for Excellence and Accountability
Kevin Eberly
