Your thoughts on a new middle/high school in Madison City?

[autobahn]

Originally Posted by Charles

"The proposed tax of about 5 or 6 mills would cost property owners about $50 to $60 per $100,000, said Fowler."

from


New tax sought for high school - al.com

Ready for an increase to pay for our new high school!

[BKOTH97]

Originally Posted by boilrmkr

I am amazed when people talk about overcrowding in the school. One of my kids has 17, one has 24 and one has 13 kids in their class.

When I was in school there were 30 per class. It was a Catholic school and we were way ahead of our public school counterparts. I was at St. John the Baptist school this week and noticed that one of the classrooms has 28 kids. I bet they are getting an excellent education.

It isn't all about classroom size (however, that is a key stat to watch). If you put all 9-12 kids in one school it will approach 3,000 kids in the building. Look at that number again, 3 0 0 0 kids. With only 3 grades attending it is already the largest high school in the state. You could split the school into two equal sized schools and both would still be large enough to qualify as 6A schools. I am all for a big school. Big schools bring opportunities that small schools can't touch, but there is a point of diminishing return. There is no reason that a high school should be as large as a small university.

I am for additional millage to pay for a second high school on the west side of town.

[autobahn]

Opening Fall 2012:
Team to manage school project - al.com

[ionlife]

I doubt we'll see a new MS any time soon. And as far as the HS goes, there was an article about in the TIMES. The city gov't has asked for a huge chunk of change in stimulus money to help build it.

I don't mind a tax increase, but if it is property tax, then this area will become eerily like Fairfax County. Sales tax is already very high here. I don't relish the thought of paying even more for my groceries, but it is a more fair way of taxing EVERYONE and spreading the burden so the bulk is not placed on homeowners. I just wonder how we can really afford it when the school budgets are cut to the bones.

Hopefully in three years, we'll see the new school. But right now, BJHS is fabulous. And though it has a large populations, the students who participate in smaller group activities thrive. The main reason we chose this area is for the schools. And in that regard, we are very pleased with our choice.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ionlife

I don't mind a tax increase, but if it is property tax, then this area will become eerily like Fairfax County. Sales tax is already very high here. I don't relish the thought of paying even more for my groceries, but it is a more fair way of taxing EVERYONE and spreading the burden so the bulk is not placed on homeowners.

Theoretically, a property tax affects renters too as a landlord would pass the increased property tax on to his renters.

[ionlife]

I'd rather see the property tax, tho that would bite a bit as that is the main incentive for moving here--lower taxes are touted all the time up in DC as a carrot to come here.

I'm not sorry we came. I'm sorry that we weren't aware of all the realities even after several trips and a lot of research. It really does take living somewhere for at least 1-2 years to develop a feel for the place.

This is our second year. First year was decent till the HOA CC&R debacle. That one burns. But overall, not a bad place to live despite many of the aesthetically unappealing areas. Of all the places I've lived, I feel I really have to hunt for the pockets of loveliness. But I was spoiled in NoVA--it is by far the most lovely area I have ever lived. The west coast, Pacific Northwest, is by far the most beautiful area I've ever visited.

[julilg]

Originally Posted by ionlife

I don't relish the thought of paying even more for my groceries, but it is a more fair way of taxing EVERYONE and spreading the burden so the bulk is not placed on homeowners. I just wonder how we can really afford it when the school budgets are cut to the bones.

One of Alabama's major problems is too much dependance on sales tax Vs property tax. Sales tax revenue is volatile, changing with every change in shopping habits, and even slight fears of a possible economic downturn can cause people to shop less. Whereas property taxes are generally a more stable source of revenue.

[julilg]

Originally Posted by BKOTH97

You could split the school into two equal sized schools and both would still be large enough to qualify as 6A schools. I am all for a big school. Big schools bring opportunities that small schools can't touch, but there is a point of diminishing return. There is no reason that a high school should be as large as a small university.

And two schools would double the number of students who can make "the team" (or be elected to SGA, exhibit at science fair,....). It doesn't matter if a school has 300 or 3000 students, there can still be only 9 players on the baseball field. The higher the enrollment, the lower the % of students who can participate in extra curricular activites, which are known to be beneficial for education overall. In part by increasing loyalty to and interest in school for more students.

[ionlife]

Originally Posted by julilg

One of Alabama's major problems is too much dependance on sales tax Vs property tax. Sales tax revenue is volatile, changing with every change in shopping habits, and even slight fears of a possible economic downturn can cause people to shop less. Whereas property taxes are generally a more stable source of revenue.

Another drawing card to come south taken away if property taxes here model PT up North in NoVA.