People are struggling, new BG High School should be on hold

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To the Editor:

On Nov. 8, Bowling Green City Schools voters are being asked to approve a levy financing a new high school.

The board of education has provided minimal information as to how this levy will affect you financially. Many voters are not aware this levy was going to appear on the November ballot.

A Sentinel-Tribune Oct. 19 article (BG schools leader: Community wants new high school) stated that the decision for a new school was made by a 80-member facility advisory committee.

Did this committee consider the financial burden this will place on individuals? Voters are being asked to approve a levy that would add additional taxes to their real estate tax and the school district income tax. We are still paying on a bond issue for the past construction of the middle school until 2034.

How much will this new tax issue cost? You can locate your cost on the Wood County auditor’s website. This levy is a 30-year bond at 3.95 mills on property plus an additional 1/2% taxed on your income which will generate over $70 million.

Are you aware that in April 2021 the board approved $750,000 of pipeline money to be spent on stadium Astroturf that would only last a maximum of 15 years? If the teaching and learning facilities are less than adequate, then why was this money directed toward Astroturf in which not every student would benefit?

According to the state website, BGCS received $3.8 million in income tax in 2021. We have a current ½% income tax and the levy is asking for an additional ½%. It will generate $26.6 million over seven years and that’s a conservative estimate. Given they would take in over $70 million between the bond and income tax, what is their plan?

The reality is, people are struggling financially, living from paycheck to paycheck. Inflation is at an all-time high. Food, heating and gas prices are continuing to rise. Families are months behind on their utility bills, and are living off of credit cards to survive. Why did the board wait until interest rates are at a historic high to run this levy?

Consider how this levy will financially impact your family. I ask you to vote no on a new high school on Nov. 8.

Nina Ogden

Bowling Green

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