KCDP Endorses Tax Levy Renewal

In its September executive committee meeting, the Knox County Democratic Party (KCDP) voted unanimously to endorse the Mount Vernon City Schools’ renewal levy, which is on this fall’s election ballot.

A renewal levy, the Committee to Support Our Local Schools explains, is a previously passed operating levy that is due for renewal.  It does not increase the amount of funding the schools receive from taxpayers.   It does not result in a greater tax burden for homeowners.  At the same time, it will not restore busing services for the high school, nor will it bring back jobs that were eliminated after the May 2011 emergency levy was voted down.

KCDP’s executive committee, reflecting the values of the Democratic Party nationwide, believes that all children deserve the best possible education.  As a community, Mount Vernon residents have benefited from a school system that has continually found creative ways to save money, one that has made do with less and less each year and still delivered on our expectations.

The renewal levy will maintain the same $846,000 that the school system has received since 1981.  “Imagine if we all had to go back to the wages we earned in 1981.   Many of us would not be able to afford our homes, let alone care for our children,” said Meg Galipault, chairperson of KCDP. “Our demands of the Mount Vernon City Schools have, for too long, far exceeded capacity and it’s time to step up our support.”

The Committee to Support Our Local Schools, a volunteer group comprised of members of the community, teachers, and parents, have launched a web site to share information about the renewal levy. The site also features a FAQ page that addresses the Mount Vernon City Schools’ busing challenges and funding decisions.

“We urge fellow Mount Vernon citizens to stay informed and read about the levy.  Then vote for its passage this fall,” said Galipault. “Our children, who have done nothing to earn the dire consequences of defeated tax levies year after year, deserve better.”