The petition
On Monday, May 19, 2008 the Hempfield Area School District School Board voted to make cuts throughout Hempfield. These budget cuts included the jobs of 15 teachers, world language programs in elementary schools, and many other programs dealing with arts, sports, and activities as well.
The school board had proposed a budget of a 1.68mill increase which is a deficit budget. The budget violates the Pennsylvania State School Board's association's policies, and it guarantees we will begin the next year's budget process at least 1.1 million dollars in debt!
Instead, if the board would have passed a 3.56 mill tax increase, the average homeowner would have experienced an increased tax payment of slightly more than $8 per month. At the same time, all Hempfield Area homeowners will receive a $7.33/month credit from gambling revenue. This would mean that Hempfield Area homeowners would be paying 67 CENTS per month.
For less than 75 cents per month in increased taxes, the district could have avoided curriculum cuts, replaced retiring teachers to keep class sizes reasonable, and avoid passing a deficit budget.
So why did the school board pass a budget that adjusts millage only 1.68mills?
THIS 1.68 mill DEFICIT BUDGET HAS BEEN PASSED AND CUTS HAVE BEEN MADE.
IT IS TIME FOR US GRADUATES TO STAND FOR OUR ALMA MATTER AND DO SOMETHING FOR THE FUTURE OF HEMPFIELD.
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