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Community Corner

Voting Yes

The August Election has passed.  There are now two new proposals for voters to consider. I have what I need to help me make an informed vote about Proposals 1 & 2 on Tuesday.

To put it simply, I believe in looking to the future and putting kids first. Just ONE child is worth our household investment of $9 (est) per month. It becomes even clearer when I stretch that to the over 11,000 annual students and staff that will benefit from this money throughout their many years in FPS. This does not even consider the 1,000 (est) new students that will enter EACH year over the course of these bonds. This money will benefit students as they develop their academic skills, as well arts and athletics. To me, this is a so clearly worth my $100 (est) a year.

But if I needed more to inform my decision, it is there.

The information on the district web page, with the breakdown of work and estimated costs at each building, is there. The approximate monthly cost to us is clear. The opinions of those on both sides are available. 

My faith in the board and administration is strong. My experience (from working in FPS for over 20 years) with the unfortunate, but fiscally-responsible cuts that have been made at all levels (due to little or no increase in state funding in 10 years) is first-hand. My desire for students and staff be in a safer environment more conducive to 21st-century teaching and learning is paramount. 

The daily frustration the kids and I feel with blown circuits, frozen computers, small screens, and outdated software is real.  The fact that infrastructure repairs need to be made, no matter what, and that the money will come from funds for teaching and learning if this bond does not pass, is frightening. My dedication to Farmington/Farmington Hills, where I grew up and still live, is solid. My knowledge that some families have stated that they will look for homes in other school districts if these proposals do not pass is disturbing. 

My gratitude to those taxpayers who helped to pay for my years as an FPS student 30+ years ago and for those who now support me as a teacher is sincere. My wish to be part of doing the right thing for the kids who are part of FPS now, and will be for years to come, is unwavering.  My belief that strong schools attract new families and benefit my home value, community, and society-at-large is fundamental. And my passion for truly putting kids first is shared by all who believe in these proposals.

I have what I need to help me make my decisions about these current proposals. Whatever people think they know about past proposals or decisions does not help children, nor does it help us to teach children. Voting yes on both proposals WILL.

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