Letter to Editor: Time for Fiscal Responsibility, Transparency on School Board

To the Editor

A recent letter to the editor suggests that morale has improved under the current school board incumbents up for re-election. However, in discussions with current administrators, teachers, fellow parents and taxpayers, I have repeatedly heard a different story, including:

• Board micromanagement of district administrators and staff, especially at the secondary and district office levels.
  
  

Another recent letter also implies that taxes have gone down under the current board, however my Aug. 23 property tax bill states otherwise. School taxes were actually raised by 2.63 percent, an increase of hundreds of dollars. *

In addition, projects approved by the community have been put aside by the incumbents and taxpayer money has been used for other, non-essential classroom needs. At a time when we still have several safety and remodeling needs at Northview Middle School and other older school facilities, now is not the time to be wasteful with taxpayer money.

It’s time for change. It’s time for transparency. It’s time for fiscal responsibility.

Only one candidate is dedicated to improving these areas of need for the Ankeny School District.

Vote Justine Peebles on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

~ Sarah Ruba

President, Ankeny Parents’ Association and 20-year resident

*Editor's note: The Ankeny School District's tax levy has decreased from a high of $22.35 set in 2010-11 to $20.33 set for 2013-14, however other factors such as changing property values and a decreased property tax roll back affect the total dollar amount paid.

A complete tax levy history follows below:

2008-09: $19.58

2009-10: $19.84

2010-11: $22.35

2011-12: $21.07

2012-13: $20.59

2013-14: $20.33

---Source Ankeny Community Schools