Class Reaction for April 7
I thought our class discussion on how schools get funds was very interesting. I always knew that schools got money from property taxes but didn’t understand how property value was determined. The reason that most people don’t know how this works is because it is extremely complicated. At first, it seemed counter intuitive that the higher the property value the lower the taxes. I always thought that the higher the property values the higher the taxes. Once the reason was explained to me, it made complete sense. One thing that didn’t make sense to me was why some of the counties in South Carolina were in blue which indicated higher property taxes but schools were run done. For example, Dillion was in blue which means they should have more money for schools but one of the schools they were using was built in the 19th century. I hope that I got that right. If I didn’t please correct me. I think that it is better that South Carolina changed the way schools received funds from property taxes to sales taxes. The current economic situation that we are in does not give me a lot of confidence in this system either. Is there not a way that we can combine the two systems to make distribution more equal and less dependent on the economy. Also I think that legislators should take a serious look at public service programs or other projects that could be cut from the budget. Case in point, in Charlotte, the school system is being asked to fire 500 teachers, I think that number is accurate, but the Board of County Commissioners are still debating if they can bring baseball to uptown Charlotte. Does this sound responsible to you? It doesn’t to me. Why would anyone think that you could afford to build a baseball stadium when you can’t afford to keep teachers in the classroom? More than that what does this say about their priorities. It seems to me that they care more about recreation/entertainment than the education of our children. Please let me know what you think.
3 comments:
This is a grand illusion about why no one seems to understand how politics works. At first, I believed that it was a huge mistake for the state to reduce the property taxes since it would hurt public education. Which explains why I answered last night that property taxes (as per my understanding) pretty much aided the financial cost of running public education in all 50 states. But, every state is different!
I was also thinking about the route that I take to (Drive through Lancaster, Kershaw, Darlington, Lee, Marion and Horry counties) and from Myrtle Beach (Highway 9 from there back to Lancaster). This in addition to seeing the condition of schools in Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper counties. It can be apparently clear that in either set of locations, both of which fits the "cooridor of shame" (along Interstate 95) that South Carolina still has, why having a low rate of property taxes (with poor sales taxes also) hurt districts like those and more. However, you do bring up an excellent question: "Is there not a way that we can combine the two systems to make distribution more equal and less dependent on the economy?" It would make sense to say yes, but with the officers of both the state senate and house are from the more prosperous counties like Charleston and Spartanburg, I doubt that at all!
Another point that I will agree with you on is how well our politicians could care less about the state of public education, even though groups like the National Education Association are still shouting for attention on a daily basis. What I still have a hard time wrapping my head around is why can't Governor Sanford realize that by accepting the federal stimulus money that will help all 85 districts?!?!?!
I think the argument with the baseball stadium is that it will be a revenue producing project. Baseball brings people to Charlotte that spend money for more sales tax. In addition, the recreational facility adds to Charlotte's push to bring a residential climate to uptown. If this works, than Charlotte will collect more money from this influx of population. You just can't compare schools and other projects as equals. The debate continues, but remember that in the long run, more revenue for Charlotte is better for schools
I think the argument with the baseball stadium is that it will be a revenue producing project. Baseball brings people to Charlotte that spend money for more sales tax. In addition, the recreational facility adds to Charlotte's push to bring a residential climate to uptown. If this works, than Charlotte will collect more money from this influx of population. You just can't compare schools and other projects as equals. The debate continues, but remember that in the long run, more revenue for Charlotte is better for schools
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