Dear members of City Council and fellow citizens:
We are writing this letter in response to the Fiscal Year 2015 budget decisions made during the June 9 Oak Ridge City Council meeting. The Council’s overwhelming vote to maintain property tax rates at the same rate they have held steady at since 2009 may bode well for the short-term pocketbooks of our residents, but the long-term results are disconcerting and disheartening for many.
City Council is alienating the tax base that it needs to nurture. The young professionals, business owners, and families with school-aged children who once flocked to this city but now trickle must be heard by Council. These families have the disposable income to spend in Oak Ridge stores, and will pay the property taxes for decades to come that will keep this city viable. Yet at this Council meeting, our voices were not truly heard.
The argument that we continue to hear is that “our schools have plenty of money†and that the schools “need to learn to live within their budget.†The Oak Ridge Schools have proven that they can do this, but what is the cost of this attitude? How does this foster a strong relationship with not only the schools and their employees, but the families and students? How can the Schools continue to maintain excellence without, at the very least, inflationary and cost of living increases, when really it takes much more?
Here are some truths that we have uncovered, using the budget presentation supplied by Dr. Bruce Borchers. We know that ultimately the School Board will approve how funds are allocated and any reductions.
FALLACY No. 1—The property tax increase proposed by the Schools is the amount needed to pay for digital devices for all Oak Ridge students.
THE TRUTH—If all talk of digital devices and the positions needed to support the devices were stripped from the budget discussion, a property tax increase of .22 would still be needed in order to MAINTAIN our education system, while permitting a 2 percent cost of living increase (which all other city employees are receiving this year).
FALLACY No. 2—Teaching positions are being taken away to pay for digital devices.
THE TRUTH—The proposed budget actually created ADDITIONAL positions, including additional teachers, and did not specify any tax funds to pay for devices. Grants and private funding are being researched to pay for devices.
FALLACY No. 3—Oak Ridge Schools have plenty of money, they just need to manage it better.
THE TRUTH—The Schools budget (allocation from the city) has been flatlined since FY12. You cannot continue to offer the same services, year after year, on a flatlined budget while mandatory expenses continue to rise due to new requirements, inflation, and other increases that cannot be controlled by the Schools.
FALLACY No. 4—We raise property taxes every time the Schools need money.
THE TRUTH—The last property tax increase was in 2009, and yes, the School System justified the need for this increase, not City Council. At that time the Council said “What we do for one side of the house (schools), we do for the other (city employees).†That seems reasonable. That year, city employees also benefitted from a pay raise. We agree that it was wise to hold the tax rate steady during the recession. This year, city employees will receive an increase but not our teachers without additional funding. Where is the reciprocation?
We do hope that one day sales tax revenues will materialize. While we are banking our hopes on several large projects that are in process, we do believe that things are going to come to fruition soon. Each of us wants that. But will it be too late?
There remains one answer that we have known since our town was created: Invest in our schools, and we will attract the population we need. And no, that does not mean give the schools the minimal amount necessary for the schools to function. That gives us AVERAGE schools, and that is where Oak Ridge is heading without further investment. We need to maintain GREAT schools to insure our city keeps moving forward—the kind of schools that our town’s forbearers would proudly send their children too. This is the tradition of Oak Ridge; please do not let it diminish. Please do not let mixed priorities and lack of vision take this away from our community and from our future, our children!
While the undersigned are responsible for the content of this letter, please know that there are many, many Oak Ridge residents who agree with its content and implications. We encourage residents to copy this letter in its entirety and send it to City Council to show their support. We ask that City Council prioritize the School System, not just with its words, but with its votes. We ask that City Council show faith in the elected Board of Education that has vetted the proposed FY15 Budget options. We stand with them.
“Say Yes! Oak Ridge Schoolsâ€
Jutta Bangs
Donna Butcher
Fernanda Foertter
Greg Foertter
Mike Mahathy
Other concerned citizens
Andrew Howe says
“need to learn to live within their budget.†The Oak Ridge Schools have proven that they can do this, but what is the cost of this attitude?
From my perspective and experience, I disagree, and this disagreement is the root of why I’m against any property tax increases for the schools.
I’ve never seen a school system ask for public funding so often. And at the same time we are so high up on the list of well-funded systems.
The Blankenship Field bleachers is an example of “oops” events that end up affecting your budget. There have been others, of course, some extremely costly if you go back a few short years.
During the school construction era, under Bailey, the residents ended up feeling used and taken advantage of. This issue only just recently got corrected by a joint decision between The City and ORS, some would say to the detriment of the residents.
Over the past decade, what I’ve seen is evidence that the system has NOT been able to live within a budget very well. If it had, we’d not be where we are now, nor would we still be hearing “we need more funding” every two months.
Yes, 1:1 is cool, but it’s not essential. I find it much easier to get behind teacher raises than new toys, but when we get into that we’re faced right off with the administration / teacher ratio that everyone keeps mentioning. I hate to see anyone loose employment, of course, and there are ways around that, but until that ratio is no longer a point of contention it’s even hard to back a tax increase to help the teachers.
Thankfully, I believe everyone on the board is truly invested in the schools and the children. In a way I think it’s their job to push as hard as they can for as much as they can. I can’t fault them for asking and certainly I thank them for their public and open candor about the budget and their reasoning.
At this point I just feel the ORS is asking too much, after a decade or more of asking too much. It’s rather tiring.
Mike Mahathy says
We stand by our letter and the facts. You cited feeling and opinion. If you had read the letter you would know the tax increase wasn’t going to be used to buy devices for students.
Andrew Howe says
Right now, at least, or in one version of the possible budget. I know folks are down on Chuck Hope and Charlie Hensley after the council vote, but I think their motions to go after a 10 and 12 cent increase was a valid starting point for how to achieve these goals over a longer roll-out time frame.
Feelings and opinion are valid. What greater characteristic do have in us that can make the difference between happiness and sorrow than our feelings? We can have the best schools in the world but if the people are unhappy because they are broke, well…
Let’s talk some facts. A few months back when the concept of outsourcing our TAs and Subs came up, it was made blatantly clear that the main need for this was because our schools were still keeping track of things via “paper and pencil”. Borcher’s made it clear that in this instance he simply didn’t trust our internal processes and protocols. My first thought was “with all the administrative overhead and high tech computer upgrades why are we still using pencil and paper to track TA and Sub hours?”. In this example, the choice was to spend a bit more rather than address the short comings of the internal process.
Just a few years ago a million dollars was spent on some software package that never came to use, and those inside who spoke out against the waste were fired for being vocally upset about it. Bailey era, time to move on, but I hope you see where I’m coming from now that I’ve shown examples of ways to improve that affect our bottom line.
And my bottom line, after watching these goings-on for a decade is that I’ve lost trust, not in our school leaders’ intentions, but in their abilities to achieve their goals with reduced fiscal waste.
Dave Smith says
What was the “software package” to which you are referring, and who were those fired for “speaking out against the waste?”
Joseph Lee says
Say Andrew,
If you are tired, please move. Education is what we do here.
Thank you. Joseph Lee
Andrew Howe says
And we do that education very well. It’s a great system with great tools and great teachers and passionate leaders. But it’s partially in spite of the budget, not due to it.
Just so we’re all on the same page, the more I hear “just move if you don’t like it”, the more I’m sure that I’m on the right track, that I’ve somehow struck a nerve or got closer to the heart of the matter.
I applaud anyone trying to do their part for the city, even if they’re ideas and approach diverge from mine, which is why I put in that penultimate paragraph. I respect differing opinions, even yours, Joe (and we are usually in sync, believe or not).
In short, those who see reality-based arguments against their concept as a ‘threat’ instead of an ‘opportunity’ are doing a disservice to their role. I’m certainly not alone in my views on this matter, and those differing views are quiet valid.
Aaron Wells says
Great response Andy.
Mike Mahathy says
FALLACY #5: Oak Ridge Schools have more administrators than Maryville.
THE TRUTH: Maryville reports 19 administrators. Let’s count them.
Maryville High 4
Maryville Junior High 3
Coutler Grove Intermediate 3
Montgomery Ridge Intermediate 3
Three elementaries 6
Total: 19
Now, let’s count administrators from Oak Ridge:
Glenwood Elementary 1
Linden Elementary 1
Willow Brook Elementary 2
Woodland Elementary 1
Jefferson Middle 2
Robertsville Middle 2
ORHS 5 (one is head of guidance)
Total: 14
So we see that Maryville has five more administrators than Oak Ridge.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Stop wasting time on the OR vs, Maryville comparison! OUR budget needs to get settled! OR BOE has a budget, work it! They were given a mandate last week. Hopefully they have used the time since then wisely.Come back to the table with a REASONABLE request. Perhaps a real solution can be had then. Til then we( the public) are all just arguing in social media and comment sections!
bill bradley says
It’s your buddy ms baughn who keeps making the comparison. Now u want to run from it. Make up your mind which argument u want to run with.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
It’s time to work on OR. Enough of the comparisons already That is my own thought. iI you have something to discuss with Ms. Baughn, go for it!
bill bradley says
U forget that she doesn’t respond to requests for the truth.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Again, discuss whatever concerns you may have with, about, concerning Ms. Baughn with her, not me. Time to say …later….
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
I run from nothing and no one! The comparison with Maryville is just getting old. Time to move forward with the plan for OR and with the funds we have. You are more than welcome to stay stuck on a topic and try to start an argument. I have better things to do with my time than spending it responding you, your argument “bait”, or whatever other ridiculous comment you want to make in order to get a rise. Move on, Mr. Bradley….Oh, …. and have a good day!
bill bradley says
And yet, you yourself got involved in another comparison of Maryville to OR today at 3:00. But as usual, you asked someone else (this time raj) to assemble the information as you didn’t have it and didn’t have the time to do it yourself. Just like you used to ask Mike Mahathy (sp) to do. It’s laziness. If you’re going to engage in the conversation try doing your own homework.
I keep reading all your comments taking people to task about being rude….first me, and tonight Angi Agle.
Here she was home alone, and her dog apparently did EXACTLY what it was supposed to do … protect a women at home by herself. What in the world would you expect out of your dog? No, you just wanted to comment on her behavior and how you expected more. If a politician campaigning for votes walks into someone’s yard, he understands what MIGHT happen.
I’m embarrassed it took me so long to figure this out…it’s really you who’s rude. Why one woman would jump to criticize another woman so quickly just shocks me. You wanted HER to put up a “no solicitation” sign…yet, it was some guy who walked into HER yard.
And then you posted to Aditya Doc Savara that “civility is a wonderful thing”….try it sometime. Especially to other women, whether you politically agree with them or not.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
I’m civil. Please review the posts for their content and their sequence. If you still feel/believe as you do, it’s a free country of course. I stand by my comments.
Linda Wells Mabry says
What about the admins removed from a $90,000 position, given a different job at the same over inflated rate of $90,000? A Terrible waste of money.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
The BOE needs to rework their budget and afford raises if they see to do so. Andrew Howe…. so right!
Mike Mahathy says
So it’s OK for schools to justify raises for city employees but not vice versa. Andrew, the bleachers are actually owned by the city; you know that right?
When the schools die, Oak Ridge dies.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
The schools are not/will not die. It does not matter whether i believe it is OK for 1 group to have a raise and not the other. The 2 groups are separate groups and governed by different means. That is the way it is. If the city charter or the BOE need/want to amend that situation, that is most likely a general vote in a different context … for another day.
The BOE needs to rework their budget and afford raises within their budget if they see fit to do so.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
BTW….The schools are not justifying raises for the city employees either! it doesn’t work that way.
Mike Mahathy says
They did in 2009 Jeanne, or were used for that purpose. Sorry you were late to the game.
Jeanne Hicks Powers says
Could you clarify your comment please, Mike? Do you mean the BOE may have to use their funds to afford the teachers raises now? What “game” are you referring to? That term seems rather glib for such a serious situation. I really would like to see the full meaning of your response. Thanks
Andrew Howe says
All school property is owned by the city. But the ORS should be monitoring their conditions, which is why I felt the bleachers sit was a slight “oops.”
There are many, many things to monitor at a school, so it’s pretty understandable that bleacher rust might slip by, but now that we have encountered such a 11 o’clock problem protocols should be in place to prevent such things in the future – annual calendar reminders to have professionals inspect all sporting structures, etc. The complete annual or semi-annual checklist would contain a complete list of everything that needs doing regularly to keep an eye on the ball and to reduce surprise issues.
Then there is the minor sinkhole in the soccer field which, in addition to having an extremely poor study attached to it, was fixed by spending a bit more money than needed to correct the issue, and said issue may have have actually been initially mis-identified (I trust the real culprit was fixed once hole was opened and the infrastructure and strata was visible).
If the ORS goes for a couple of years without last minute emergencies that could’ve been avoided, or spending on projects that don’t seem out-of-line, I’ll start feeling more confident again. 🙂
Confidence and trust. Emotions. And based on the council’s vote, they apparently matter.
johnhuotari says
Bill Bradley,
I have removed your most recent comment. Our guidelines ask those who comment on Oak Ridge Today to not get personal and to stay on topic. Please review those guidelines above and let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
John
bill bradley says
John, it’s your site. But you let this remain and you removed my post?
Read your reply, maybe a team of optometrists is what you need when you reply. Police patrol roads 24/7, not just an 8 foot section for 2 hours. What is your point about two hours except that they close shop or that God is found on a pole? Being that you can read and you misspoke about police coverage, the police are available for band members, athletes and anyone else including people who are not in public schools. It is worth stating again, your debate has worsened, and by your double standard you are a woman who has a hatred for authority. Transgender much Bill?
Raymond Charles Kircher says
The bearing of this letter by a few citizens is to set blame for average schools onto the city. Do they really expect me to blame the city for average schools? That isn’t going to happen. In addition, to set the perception that the city is blamed for average schools while stating retail to happen at a greater pace in Oak Ridge tells me they are expecting the city to attract visitors. That is setting up current and future residents and visitors of Oak Ridge to a school and city budget that is funded twice (by residents and by visitors) for the same school and city rankings we have. At some time both budgets have to look at the waste of resident and visitor taxes paid. It starts by stop asking for more.
David Allred says
“THE TRUTH—The Schools budget (allocation from the city) has been flatlined since FY12. You cannot continue to offer the same services, year after year, on a flatlined budget while mandatory expenses continue to rise due to new requirements, inflation, and other increases that cannot be controlled by the Schools.”
I wouldn’t mind a bit more fact-checking here for a play on words. Flat-lined by the city since 2012… clears throat… a year and a half ago… maybe. I’d be curious to see what “grant” funding has done for the expenditure per pupil, that is to say, besides Las Vegas trips.
Furthermore, I would like to see the numbers going back say a decade – to 2004. I do know that from 2009 until today the budget is up over 2 million. At a time when companies have been cutting back, citizens have been cutting back, I don’t think it’s wrong to ask the public education trust to consider ways to cut back. I see inflation when I look at a 10-year chart.
Inflation is a reality… but you see if the private sector isn’t getting raises, then the tax base remains pretty much flat-lined. Hence, the school funding remains flat-lined. If the schools want more money, we need to create more wealth and bring more wealth to the city. That doesn’t happen with a higher tax rate.
Now, this statement above does hit on “new requirements” that cannot be controlled by the schools. I believe it 100% because education has lost it’s mind in our country. But remember, the State of TN cuddled up to many of these new requirements in exchange for more money. It was educational prostitution if you ask me.
ORS has a real opportunity to be at the forefront of a fight that needs to be fought. Rather than playing the game of “Oh, we have new requirements that cost us more,” how about pushing back against the State and an education system that is completely off the grid insane? I would fund that in a heart-beat.