From Deb Myers

Juda

To the Editor:

Another referendum for the Juda School is on the ballot in November. On Monday, I heard the same information presented but in a different format. The $500,000 recurring referendum was divided into two components: $350,000 recurring operational and $150,000 non-recurring for capital projects. The $150,000 for capital projects ($750,000 over 5 years) lists projects valued at $1.5 million, with an additional $900,000 in projects, pending consideration. This raises the first concern. The $350,000 recurring operating, while the proposed uses for the funds appear substantial, it presents a second point of concern. The residential student population for the 24/25 school year is 219, a decrease of 5 from 23/24. Currently, 280 students attend Juda School, of which 89 are open-enrolled in, while 44 students have open-enrolled out to other schools. The final point of concern relates to the tax levy for 24/25. Last year, the tax levy was set at $10.96 per $1,000 of equalized property valuation. This year, we will not know until December, whether the equalized value has increased, which could result in an additional 60% added to the tax levy. I urge a vote of NO in November, there is insufficient tax information to support any other decision.