In a comment to an earlier posting, KD notes the increasing amount of propaganda being dispersed by the "other side" in the levy issue.
I think there's an obvious reason we're seeing this, and it just adds to our opinion that the district simply never listens to the taxpayers and the voters.
Back in May, the pro-levy folks ran a "stealth campaign" where they made no outside noise, no yard signs, no letters to the editor, etc. Their goal was to make sure as few people knew about the levy as possible so that their supporters would show up and pass the tax increase.
They failed. Miserably.
But not because not enough folks showed up to vote for the tax increase, but because the voters in the district didn't support the tax increase.
So now we are faced with the complete opposite.
Talk about swinging from one way to the other! Instead of a stealth campaign, we now have an "in your face campaign" and, frankly, it doesn't resonate well with most people. They see the cut list for what it is -- threats to get people to vote -- and they've had enough.
In the next posting we're going to look at some numbers that will shock you. Numbers that should convince most folks that another tax increase is simply not the answer.
Might I also add that I am tired of my kids being used as pawns! They come home nearly everyday now with a comment such as "mom, you HAVE to pass the levy or Mr./Mrs.______ will lose their job." or "If you don't pass the levy I will have to pay to do _____." Please schools...leave the kids out of it!
ReplyDeleteKD -- You're absolutely correct on this. Frankly, the behavior of both the school district, the schools, and the pro-levy campaign in this regard is, at best, distasteful.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, for once, our schools should be encouraging dialogue and debate, rather than imposing a simple viewpoint...
I have also noticed that the district is not interested in our opinions on Facebook. There is no way to comment!
ReplyDeleteKD -- That's an improvement; last time they simply deleted comments that disagreed with their propaganda.
ReplyDeleteSad really; maybe if they saw what people felt, they might actually start to listen.
Have you gotten the very nice color, heavy stock, glossy, Hilliard District "Passing Notes" newsletter? No one is skimping on those!
ReplyDeleteI work in the food service department...a portion of it is catering. I found out today that if the levy fails that there will be less catering because apparently that is part of the budget. Great way to spend out money huh? Why would they use budget money for something that does not benefit our kids in the least?
I went to a jr. high last night to see my child play in a band concert. I expected to levy talk since I was yet again in a captive audience...what got me though was the intensity of the threats. By the end of the speech I felt like a bad parent for even thinking of voting no. It was more so what this will do to your kids if YOU vote no. I am really tiring of not just being able to go to a school function without hearing it. Oh and you will be glad to know that they PROMISED to make this levy last 3 years! Please! I have a friend in another district trying to pass a levy and it is their first in 20 years.
ReplyDeleteFor those of us on the various schools e-news lists, I must get 4 emails a day regarding this levy. They are now making it look like the principals are emailing us telling us how great the schools are. Looks at these two emails, one from Station and one from Hoffman. Look at all similar to you?
ReplyDelete(email 1)
Dear Families:
Just a quick note to let you know that our district has had one of the finest starts to the school year that we have ever seen. Our teachers and staff have done a marvelous job and not a day goes by where I don’t see what a great job that is being done by our staff and professionals. I hope you have found the same and I am grateful to our parents, families and community for your part in helping our year get off to a great start.
Sincerely,
Shelli Miller
(email 2)
Dear Station Parents,
Just a quick note to let you know that we have had one of the finest starts to the school year that we have ever seen. I appreciate all the efforts of our wonderful students and families! Our teachers and staff have done a marvelous job and not a day goes by where I don’t see what a great job that is being done by our staff and professionals. I hope you have found the same and thank you for your part in helping our year get off to a great start.
Sincerely,
Bruce P. Stephanic
@bub
ReplyDeleteThey were not the only schools. This piece came from every one as far as we can tell.
The really sad part is that someone is advising the district to do this, but most people see it for what it is.
And it doesn't make them feel good about the schools, it makes them feel used.
More on this in a new posting.
This week the high school football games are going to be used to push the levy. All the kids are being asked to wear orange in support of the levy, they are calling it an orange out.
ReplyDelete