Dear Editor:
Can we use a little logic in addressing the JCPS ballot issues?
Prop. J, the construction bond issue that would build the second high school and update the existing high school requires a 4/7 majority (57.14 percent) to pass.
Prop. C, the operating levy increase requires just a simple majority (just one more person voting in favor than those opposed) to pass. This increase is designed to allow for the increase in the operating budget for not just existing facilities but also for the proposed second high school. The district office has broken this down as a $0.45 total increase with $0.25 of this for "Costs to Operate Second High School" and $0.20 for overall "Instructional Needs Grades K-12." This is stated in documents on the district's website.
Personally I felt that Jefferson City needed a second high school when I graduated from JC nearly 40 years ago and plan on voting for Prop. J.
It is very plausible that Prop. J could fail and Prop. C passes.
Because of this I recommend that Prop. C be opposed until we have the results of Prop. J. Without Prop. J passing the district would be collecting 125 percent more than their stated need for existing "Instructional Needs Grades K-12." I would be very wary of giving anyone that much additional revenue with no stated purpose. Additionally operating expenses for a second high school are not incurred until it is operational; several years from now, so what does the district plan on doing with this additional revenue until then?
After the April vote we can revisit the district's operational needs. Would a $0.20 or some other increase be appropriate? A vote on the operating levy can be voted on again as early as August if Prop. J passes.
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