R-9 Board Hears from Public.

Carthage R-9 School Board held a special meeting Monday night at the Carthage High School Auditorium to hear from citizens about the tax increase voted for last April.

Twelve people got up to speak before the board and were allotted two minutes each. Among the speakers was the Citizens for Fair Taxation founder Keith Spencer, who spoke out in the previous R-9 meeting about the issue and was one of the factors that led to this special meeting. Spencer says that the school board didn’t inform the voters that the reserves would be increased in addition to the tax increase and asks that the public be allowed to vote again on the same issue in November. He also clarified that he was not trying to hurt the R-9 school system.

"We, the Citizens for Fair Taxation, are not out to attack the educational system in this city," said Spencer "what we are attacking is the way the school board went about getting this amendment passed."

Susan Wagner, former teacher and parent of two recent graduates spoke with the intention of dispelling some of the misinformation about the tax levy. Wagner says that the people have not been lied to by the district officials and that the additional tax money is still needed despite the increase in the reserves due to legislature reduction of the funding for the 2003/2004 school year.

"2005 funding has been restored to the ‘03 level, but that level has been grossly underfunded" said Wagner. "Our kids deserve better and it’s up to us to show the responsibility."

Of the speakers, four were in favor of the board restricting the tax raise or not raising taxes at all, and eight were in favor of the tax increase and its proposed benefits for the schools.

I don’t have any idea who left the handy poncho on my windshield a few weeks back. Seems there was some reference to one in a column I did.

It came in a small pack that could be carried in a shirt pocket. I left it in my truck just in case thinkin’ I might hear from the donor.

A couple a weeks ago I was down at Dry Valley for their music festival and low and behold it began to rain. Havin’ forgot my umbrella, I was forced to pull out the carefully wrapped plastic poncho and slip it on. Although the apparel is intended for temporary use, it was perfect for the occasion and I was able to enjoy the stage show in comfort. Whoever dropped off the poncho, it was more than a good joke, it was greatly appreciated.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• It’s back-to-school time, and here’s a tip for parents with school-age children: Prepare a week’s worth of acceptable after-school snacks, and keep them in a designated place in the kitchen for a quick pick-me-up after your kids get home from classes. It will save them the time of trying to find something to eat, and it will save you the thought of your children snacking on junk food.

• "To help get everyone ready in the morning, I set out cereal bowls, spoons, boxes of cereal and a bowl of fruit the night before. Everyone eats breakfast every day in our home." — Willetta M. in Baltimore

• "I have my middle-schooler pick out several outfits each weekend, which we hang together with accessories and undergarments in her closet. I use a large plastic bag to hold anything that doesn’t go on a hanger. This helps her get ready in the morning. All she has to do is choose the ‘outfit,’ and it is all together and all ready." — A reader, via e-mail

• "Here’s a great idea for personal message boards: Have each family member find a metal serving tray to his or her liking, then attach it to the outside of that family member’s door. Magnets can be attached to the metal, and it becomes a great place to keep track of permission slips, dry-cleaning tickets, etc., or to showcase artwork or great grades!" — Maline D. in Newport News, Va.