Just livin the dream...

Apparently, my child has taken the term "sharing" to new levels, as he has so graciously shared his nasty germs with me. I could really take a pass on this sore throat, runny nose and throbbing headache...but hey, just another day in paradise.

So, a few boogers and a sore throat were no deterrent for me today. I spent the better part of the morning calling former graduates from my school who are now of voting age. Like many other school districts, we are in a serious financial pickle and the only cure is more cowbell...I mean a referendum. Yep, that's right. I was calling former students and their parents to ask them to skip on over to the polls and vote YES to increasing their property taxes. A fun task, I tell ya! Fortunately, most of the calls we made resulted in more support. (I was with about 8 other teachers from my district. It's spring break, but I had to tell the little one that I was headed to work so he wouldn't go ape nuts when I left...) Anyway, in case anyone gives a rat's ass...here's why my district has to beg the taxpayers for money. See, there is this huge corporation called Allstate. Their headquarters are in my district. One might think that is a good thing because their property taxes would be huge and we would benefit from that. And that is exactly what has been happening for decades. Until recently. Allstate started appealing their property taxes some years back. They won. We pay. ($2.2 million!) Then they do it again. Another appeal. Another victory. That'll be $3.3 million, please. No lube. Just bend over. It's worth mentioning a few things so you really understand.

1. My school district is a two-building district.
2. My school is a blue ribbon school. (http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html)
3. My school district has not tried to pass a permanent referendum for these purposes in over 35 years.
4. My district has one of the lowest tax rates in the state and definitely the lowest in our township.
5. With the referendum, we would still have the lowest rate in the township

I realize that none of you reading this care much about my district or have any ability to do anything about the situation. But it's a frustrating one. And there is opposition. Loud opposition. Spreading misinformation. Just like the media does regarding schools, teachers, pensions, benefits, and more. But I digress. I was just trying to fill in my ever-growing audience (of 5) on what I did today. After all, if I want you to hang on my every word...I must provide said words. This was the best I could do for today. Not impressive? Call your congressmen. ;)