The Useful Idiots

Supporters of the levy can be divided into two groups: those looking for a financial gain over their neighbors; and, those wanting to believe that school officials are looking out for the taxpayer. Let's take a look at the latter group.

The district loves to state that its building cost less than the Ohio School Facilities Commission standards. This certainly implies that the OSFC standards are the benchmark of efficient school buildings. Not even close.

During my service on the board, I attended one of the OSFC design review meetings -- meetings where the commission seeks public input regarding the Ohio School Design Manual. The Design Manual contains the state-recognized set of standards for new school construction. According to OSFC, "OSFC’s Ohio School Design Manual provides schools with standards of design and construction that assure a statewide standard of quality."

The key is this: If a feature (building size, technology component, etc.) is in the manual, the feature will be allowed in buildings funded through OSFC programs. And, if the feature is in the manual, it becomes part of the cost standard used by OSFC -- the same cost standard that the district quotes before each bond issue.

The meeting I attended was more "Name that Tune" than "protect my wallet." Those in attendance had a stake in the outcome. District representatives, vendors, and contractors, sat around one-upping each other. There was no one -- certainly no one on the commission -- saying, "What about the cost?" Instead, the commission employees were excitedly nodding their heads and noting recommendations.

The Design Manual is not a document listing efficient, tax-wise standards. No, it is simply the wish list of those looking to build school buildings at taxpayer expense. A form a taxation without representation.

I bring this up since the useful idiots of the district want to believe in their local officials. Of course, this desire to believe suits the district just fine.

Keep in mind that the state cost standard is not a mark of efficiency, it's the hallmark of inefficiency and waste. So, reviewing the expense of district schools and concluding that the district is cost-efficient simply because it beat the state standard of inefficiency and waste is a fool's errand, or idiot's errand, indeed.

To those who say, "Enough is enough!"

The time to act is now.

As the base grows, so grows the next levy. The actions that the board takes in the next few months decide the timing and amount of the next levy. If the board controls costs, this levy can stretch and the millage remain relatively low. If the board negotiates away its new cash balance, the base grows, and the next levy is set in stone.

To cut the base is to cut programs. Under this scenario, the board and administration win due to the way folks in the district tremble at any threat of cuts. So, the solution is to stop the base from growing; and that time is now.

You can expect that the next contracts will be for three years, and that they will include large increases since the unions will demand raises commensurate with the supposed support of the voters. If the board negotiates away its cash balance now, the community can do nothing later.

Either a recall campaign is started soon, or pressure is put on the board to negotiate in the interest of the taxpayer; pressure at board meetings, via emails, phone calls, letters, etc.

The future is today!


Note:

The reality is this: Boards use residual negotiations. They look at what they have as far as cash over the levy cycle, and negotiate it away.

Olentangy Levy -- Voter Check-List

Here's a final check list as you prepare to vote. I encourage you to read all my other postings so you can understand that there is no need for the March levy.

Let's focus on just five of the things we know:

1. The $10.5 million in cuts is not required.
2. Bond investment is available and can be used.
3. The administration and board have no intent on negotiating tighter contracts.
4. Schools cannot be closed to the public, churches are safe.
5. The last year(s) of all district levies have deficit spending.

Additional explanation:

1. The cuts list is a threat; plain and simple.
2. The fact that there is bond investment income means that the district is not selling bonds only when bond money is needed. I don't think anyone wants the district to sit on a pile of bond money -- funded by tax dollars -- so that investment income can be earned. The board will consider this option after the levy fails.
3. The negative balance in FY09 is cleared by tighter negotiations. It's that simple. The district is not currently proposing this as a solution, but it will after the levy fails.
4. The district can't close schools to the public. Never could. State laws will not allow it.
5. Deficit spending in the out-years of a levy is normal, in fact all district levies are structured that way -- including the one on the ballot.

Talk about scope creep

The Children's Hunger Alliance has expanded it's horizon, they now want Ohio state government to fight both hunger and obesity. Seems like a name change is in order.

Regardless, these nannies want government run more and more aspects of our lives. It's not enough for the state to provide breakfast and lunch, they now must enforce reduced caloric intake or mandate more activity.

When is enough, enough?

I have no issue with these folks grabbing the soapbox and attempting to influence individuals, but these folks want to force us all to live as they choose. Another example where the motto "Don't Tread on Me!" has been replaced by the the authoritarian "Do as I say!"