To the editor: Shame on you teachers and administrators of the Woodmore School District. A tax is a tax, no matter how you spin it.

On Aug. 3, the voters of the Woodmore School District are to decide on a 2.9-mill levy for a $450,000 shortage for the upcoming school budget. Let’s look at the facts. Of the needed $450,000, approximately $360,000 (80 percent) will be for pay raises and fringe benefits. Approximately $90,000 goes to the district’s operation (utilities, maintenance, transportation, etc.).

As stated in an earlier letter, the average wage and benefits of the teachers in the Woodmore School District is approximately $71,000 annually ($51,900 wages plus $7,200 retirement plus $12,000 insurance and sick leave). Not bad for 180 days of labor. I believe that any further education needed to continue teaching is also reimbursed by the school (property-owner).

Not only is this an incentive for higher wages, it also is used to calculate larger retirement benefits. Seems to me, if the district was in such “dire straits,” pay raises would be put off and the minimal amount needed to keep the district in the black would be put on the ballot until the unemployment stats are lowered.

The average taxpayer in the school district earns approximately $48,000 annually, including insurance (if offered) and other fringe benefits. The unemployment stats for the three counties that support the district for May 2010 are somewhat better, but they are still higher than May 2009 (seasonal farm labor included). The unemployment rates for these counties are as follows: Ottawa – 10.8 percent; Wood – 10.1 percent; Sandusky – 10.3 percent.

It amazing that those who have still want more from those who have less. How many employees for the schools have been collecting unemployment? Schools want pay raises in spite of the fact that many of their neighbors can’t afford higher property taxes – many are unemployed.

Shame on you teachers and administrators. Once again, I will have to take the time from my job to vote no for pay raises to the Woodmore School District.
Terry Lee Dembowski
Gibsonburg

Out for the dollar
To the editor: I liked your story regarding speed traps. I agree with you that Northwood and Woodville need to put their priorities in check.

They are out for the dollar when times are tough for most people. I, for one, do not use their businesses. I will go 10 miles out of my way just because of their cameras.
Claudette Allred
Martin

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