Petition for School Consolidation “We The People” Citizens of the borough of Mt. Ephraim have endured an increase in County, Municipal and School taxes that has placed a much larger tax burden causing many longtime residents to move out. Over 50 % of the total tax assessment go towards school taxes, The fact is that our small community has no other means to increase tax ratable, the borough departments are under scrutiny and trying to cope with the state budget changes. The Municipal departments are working to make necessary changes to meet the 2% state budget cap with discussions of possible shared services and major concessions by municipal employees with success to allow for continued services that residents have come to expect. The Mt. Ephraim Board of Education is again asking for a major increase of $95.00 on an average house for 2011 to the municipal school budget as it has over the past 8-10 years with no signs of stabilization. The Mt. Ephraim Board of Education needs to take steps to explore all avenues to help stabilize or reduce these tax increases. The Petition “We The People” Are requesting that Mt. Ephraim Board of Education establish a fact- finding independent study to consolidate with the Audubon School District or another district . Furthermore provide to the taxpayers the unedited findings. All findings need to be presented to the citizens no later than September 30th 2011. If the findings prove that consolidation is suggested, an immediate move to accomplish consolidation be should be put to the voters as soon as law provides.

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