Do you want to know why I voted against the School Budget? Well here are just a few reasons:

* The arrogance of the school board when just after we receive notice that we are getting a STAR rebate they suck it all up under the guise of a small tax increase. This just angered me.

* "Fortress Division Avenue HS" - It is an American tradition for the people of a community to use the local school track. Well Division is either all locked up so that access is denied or the other thing is the inconsistency of the policy. What I mean by this is that we never know what gates may be open if at all. Please don't tell me that the gates are all locked because the kids hang out and drink there. First of all the kids need a place to hang out and or play ball (if there is a need for late weekend activities let's get it done). Beyond that though if they are making a mess like breaking glass let's appropriately punish them and their parents but don't punish those of us that trample a few cinders. This is a pet peeve that I have complained about for years.

* Why is MacArthur so far ahead of Division academically? I don't want to average them down. Let's raise Division's scores. Our kids are just as good if not better. "Oh is that maybe the hint that competition might be a method (I mean administration, staff, teachers, students, etc.). If our highly paid superintendent can't produce bring in new blood.

* The school board should look beyond just raising taxes, they should bring in local business and community leaders and solicit their ideas on how to raise money and the standards. Be innovative. For example "How can we make it unprofitable for owners to have buildings un- or partially-occupied?"