As local school districts prepare their Year 2000-2001 budgets for voter approval, they are faced with a new challenge. It is unknown what effect the county's current fiscal crisis will have on how residents vote on the school budget.

With all local districts proposing a tax increase to meet rising costs, including those associated with new technology and additional teachers to help meet growing enrollment and state learning standards, residents are being asked to dig a little deeper to support their public school system. Meanwhile, homeowners are anticipating a significant increase in county taxes this year to bring the municipality out of financial chaos.

We hope, however, that as residents head to the school voting polls they will have in mind more than just the expected county tax increase, and will have weighed the reasons for the increase in the budget at hand. As the budget process kicks into full gear, and the May 16 vote quickly approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to get educated on the details of the budget, either by reading district newsletters, newspaper articles, or attending the ongoing public meetings on the matter. Considering the impact that the quality of the local school system has on the viability of a community, residents cannot afford not to.

-A.M.