Archive
Letters for 05-09-2008
Citizens can be proud of school district
Dear Editor,
Who wants to pay higher property taxes and who does not want equity for the responsibility to pay for educating our students? Maybe you do not like or agree with whom Ennis ISD is educating, but you should not ignore the circumstances and just wish things could be different. To do so negatively affects everyone, especially our children, who are our future.
If you've compared EISD to other similar districts, you should be proud of what your district is accomplishing. Academic excellence is the goal and is being achieved in many areas. We have some of the most dedicated employees who strive daily to shape the future of our students. Financial responsibility is of the utmost importance, which is why EISD’s financial status is rated as Superior.
For three straight years, your tax rate was $1.65, which is a total of the Maintenance & Operations (“M&O”) tax and Interest & Sinking (“I&S”) tax. It was lowered to $1.57 two years ago and last year to $1.40. The Texas Legislature did enact a property tax rate compression for the M&O tax last year and your M&O rate dropped to $1.03, the balance of 37 cents is the I&S rate which is used to pay for our bond indebtedness. The I&S tax is the means by which your district has to generate new funds to build buildings because our State and Federal governments are not providing us with funding for new buildings. Neither EISD, nor any Texas public school district will be receiving additional revenue from a new Texas business or cigarette taxes.
The EISD trustees take very seriously their volunteer responsibilities to see that the district is run properly, without any corruption. It was a difficult decision not to invest millions of additional dollars into the now demolished Intermediate School. Part of the lessons learned from that unfortunate situation is that it is clear there is a need for an owner’s representative that works for us to be our representative in the construction of new schools, which is why we have one employed on our current projects and will use one on the proposed school projects as well.
Honesty and clarity have been the primary focus in our conveying of the facts. We want to ensure voters to know the truth and can assess the facts about proposed building projects. Please take the time to learn the facts. You may do so by going to EISD’s website, www.ennis.k12.tx.us, or call a trustee.
Pete W. Bibby
Ennis ISD Trustee
There are many reasons for voting
Dear editor,
Why I should vote:
• For those who have shed their blood and given their lives in defense of my right to vote.
• So the ‘Dream’ of America will live on.
• To be a role model for those who look up to me.
• So my government is accountable for its actions.
• So we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
• Because that is what a responsible, mature, dedicated American does.
• To honor my fellow Americans who were denied the right to vote for some many years, but who now have that precious right.
• To prove our Founding Fathers’ sacrifice of life, liberty, and property was not in vain.
• To show the world that America truly is the shining ‘City on the Hill’.
• Because I feel proud when I do.
• Because I live in the greatest country in the history of humankind…. and I aim to make sure it stays that way.
For anyone who would believe these words are ‘corny’ or ‘sentimental’, I would respectfully submit that our democratic way of life is founded upon informed, involved, and dedicated people who practice democracy and not just enjoy the blessings of it. Giving back to our community and our country is essential to our future. Voting is one of the most powerful and beneficial ways we can give back.
Eddie R. Dunn, Ed. D
Superintendent
Ennis ISD
