On March 22, The Clarkston News began a survey asking readers their opinions on various aspects of the Clarkston School District and the upcoming school millage ballot.
After two and a half weeks of collection, the final numbers are available and 52 surveys were submitted. Eleven were delivered by hand and 41 were entered through our Web site, www.clarkstonnews.com.
Following is the first in a three part series discussing the results.
Let’s talk schools
Of the 52 surveys, only one question received a consistent reply: Clarkston Schools does a good job of educating students. Some of the terms used in describing the district’s general performance included excellent, wonderful, couldn’t be happier, above average and great asset.
‘I think Clarkston Schools are exemplary and should be a model for other districts in our area,? wrote one responder.
Eight responders did voice displeasure with the district. Fiscally, responders wrote on what they consider the district’s ‘over spending? and ‘palace building.? Academically, one respondent commented that ‘student performance expectations are not as rigorous as other states? and another said higher levels of education are not available.
How about taxes
Whether or not residents support the 10-year, 19.2491 mil ballot request was close: 26 support, 20 do not support, three are on ‘the fence? and three did not respond.
Reasoning behind was diversified. Some commented that due to Proposal A, the funding is necessary. Others liked not having to vote on the millage again.
‘There seems to be a difference between perception and reality in the news coverage we have read. The realities are a.) Proposal A originally passed with the expectation that 18 mills would be levied on non-homestead property and b.) no more than 18 mills can be collected on non-homestead property. Unfortunately, most people do not understand these facts and may thus be alarmed by the perception that the district will actually collect the 19.2491 mills. It certainly seems prudent to minimize the election costs (non-value added expenditures) as the board is doing with this request. More news articles clearly and factually defining the situation would be helpful to the community and might positively affect circulation.?
‘They can not collect more than 18 mills ? What is the issue??
‘I think it will save the cost of having to vote on it.?
‘I think it is a wise decision. It saves time from going to the ballot every couple of years and allows the schools to focus on education.?
One responder, who did not state an opinion for or against the millage, gave this summarizing statement: ‘It’s wrong for the right reasons.?
The reasons behind not supporting the millage were broad. Some responders cited the sluggish Michigan economy, while others focused upon length and amount of the millage.
‘Lots of mills ? lots of years.?
‘If 18 mills are needed and required, then we should be voting on an 18 mill proposal. Increasing the millage amount to cover the Headlee Amendment is a blatant attempt to circumvent a voter-approved amendment to the State Constitution.?
‘I think it is against the law.?
‘Too long, should be illegal.?
‘This is in true violation of the Headlee Amendment we worked so hard to get passed. The school administration should be ashamed of themselves.?
Looking at salaries
When asked if Clarkston teachers are paid fairly, a large majority said they are and other even voiced the opinion they are underpaid.
Following is the break down of responses: 26 said paid fairly, 1 said paid proportionately (to other districts or states), 16 said are under paid, 2 said are over paid, 5 are uncertain (did not give opinion) and 2 did not respond.
‘Yes. However, as with other companies, retirement costs and healthcare coasts are consuming the majority of the budget. Modifications to these benefits (in line with corporate restructuring) needs to be addressed at the district and state level.?
‘It is the district’s reputation, not the salary, that draws new teachers.?
‘Very fair. The health benefits and time off benefits are huge.?
‘For a little over half a year ? plenty.?
‘What teacher in any state is paid fairly??
Although many responders felt Clarkston Schools administrators were paid fairly (proportionately), very few felt they were under paid.
Here is the break down of survey results: 23 said paid fairly, 4 said proportionately (to other districts or states), 3 said under paid, 9 said over paid, 11 are uncertain (did not give opinion) and 2 did not respond.
‘Overly fair.?
‘Yes, but could be more accountable.?
‘Fair only to themselves. They are paid too much, and are an unnecessary burden on an already overburdened system.?
‘Yes. In fact, they should be taking cuts like upper management in the big three.?
Regardless their stance on salaries, a good portion of responders (24 surveys) said they were uncertain what teachers and administrators are paid.
Many individuals used the phrases ‘I think,? ‘I’m not certain but? and ‘I believe.?
‘I have only seen a generalized statement of what Dr. Roberts income is, and have never seen anything in print about the rest of the administration.?
‘Who knows what they make? never published.?
‘While I am not aware of all individual salaries, what I know of seem high. If the paper would publish a salary schedule it would be helpful.?
With this thought in mind, The Clarkston News asked the school district for salary and benefit break downs for employees. Please look in this week’s issue for the story on Reporter Andrew DuPont’s findings, page 1A.
A glance ahead
Please look in the next edition of The Clarkston News for Part II of the survey results. The News will review whether or not responders own non-homestead property and how these individuals view non-homestead property taxes.
Also, The News will provide a listing of questions asked by responders concerning the Clarkston School district.
