As a resident, taxpayer and former Salt Lake City School District student, I am deeply concerned about the use, or misuse, of my tax dollars. First let me say that I believe in paying taxes. I feel that it is a privilege to support the community we live in. I see this as an investment in our community and future generations. However, I want my money used wisely and carefully. I do not want it misspent, abused or squandered.
In the last few years, the Salt Lake School Board has made reckless decisions that have caused a wasteful use of taxpayer monies. The endless stream of recruiting, search committee fees, contracts, lawsuits and replacement of superintendents has drained money from the needs of the students and teachers. I would love an accounting of the dollars that have gone into these continual processes that have taken resources and focus of resources away from the classroom. We deserve to know much of our tax dollars has been used in this way.
When I pay my property tax, I assume the money is going directly to student and teacher needs. I want my money to create smaller class sizes, increased teacher salaries and benefits. I want all necessary resources and experiential opportunities available to every student and teacher across the district. I want upgraded and state of the art facilities. I want equity and diversity across the entire district to be addressed.
If we are ever again to become a respected, top-rated school system that is respected and sought after, the needs of the children and teachers must be at the top of the priority list. The continual revolving door of superintendents distracts and deflects the purpose of education.
It is time to turn off the light bulb, rewire the system and turn it back on. This means voters must vote for board members who will make student educational achievement and well-being the top priority.
Jeannine Marlowe, Salt Lake City
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/Wim1aRr
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