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Numbers just don’t add up

To the editor:

Recently, it was reported a drop in population in the Ohio Valley. Jefferson County had a 555 population reduction from 2016-17. Did this reduction reflect a drop in the student population of the Indian Creek Local School District? What were the district’s student population rolls for the past three years? What is the district’s projection for the next three years? Will there be a levy to pay for teacher raises, staff, new buses, increases in vehicle and building fuel expenses or building insurance for the next five years? You know there will be. New buildings will not reduce financial needs, but will add a monthly cost to the taxpayer. We know there are always “unforseen” expenses, and they, too, will be added to the bill.

I’m not impressed that the state is giving the district $16 million. It’s our tax money they’re giving back to us. What is the price per student for this venture? If there are roughly 2,000 students and they are divided into $63 million, it comes to about $31,500 per student. What is our return on investment? Of course, the price per student goes up when the enrollment goes down. Has anyone explored the true cost of refitting or refurbishing the existing structures? For student safety, it might be less expensive to not only install mechanical devices, but also hire armed retired police or military to be stationed in each building. Paying them between $25, and $30,000 each, plus one extra to cover sick days or as a rover will be, at most, $150,000, including insurance, etc., each year. The total cost for 37 years — less than $6 million.

Indian Creek is recognized by the state as a wealthy district, and Steubenville as a poor district. So, we receive less for expenses from the state and have to pay more locally to support Indian Creek. I never thought I was upper class.

I must reply to Jeff Greco’s letter to the editor. He is a pastor and puts forth an argument to accept the cost relating to the bond issue. He states he has two things to say about the bond. First, he informs that there is a steady decline in our area. True, which equals reduced enrollment. He states it’s the responsibility of citizens to improve the community. I agree, however, raising taxes on seniors and poor citizens has a debilitating affect on them. As a pastor, does he live free, in a parsonage, or receive revenue toward his rent, get an expense stipend, salary, paid insurance, etc.? Does his wife work and contribute to the house finances? I’m not envious, but disturbed, that he doesn’t see the need of many in his community.

Just because you can afford it doesn’t mean everyone can absorb the expense. He never gives a second reason.

Patricia Morgan

Wintersville

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