The two biggest issues seem to be the cost to the taxpayer and the District’s hiring of retired administrators, commonly called double dippers.  How should I, as a property owner and tax payer in the Northeastern Local School District, vote?

Currently, about 64% of my property taxes go to the schools. About 63% to NELSD and 1% to JVS. That’s a lot. And now they want more. But this money will build brand new state-of-the-art schools and upgrade others. District voters have said “no” twice now to an increase in property taxes. The district has reworked the proposal, shortened the duration and changed which schools would be effected. But many voters have said they cannot afford any tax increase no matter how long it lasts or how much it will cost them. Some have voiced disappointment, disapproval and outrage over the Districts hiring of retired administrators, a.k.a double dippers.

Here are two ideas that would help convince me to vote yes. One, a nominal voluntary wage cut by administrators, teachers and support staff for garnering general support of the upcoming vote for increased property taxes. This might well help get voters behind the increase and prove that it’s all about the kids after all.

How nominal a pay cut for the non double dippers? How about the exact same amount a property owner with a home or land worth $100,000 would pay annually? That’s $237 a year for 28 years and that doesn’t seem to be too big a sacrifice for teachers or administrators to come up with. That’s less than $20 month. A number of the veteran teachers make over $70,000 a year so I’ll suggest they can afford it.

Part two is for all double dippers to work for $1.00 a year or at a greatly reduced salary (75% or more).

I long for a local retired administrators to volunteer to work for $1.00 a year. Can you imagine the number of textbooks and laptops that could be purchased?

Most of these retired administrators have advanced college degrees and are currently covered by generous retirement plans. I can only assume that few, if any, retired with unsound financial positions.  I also believe that most have done their financial/retirement planning thoroughly enough to live comfortably on their pensions.

However, it looks like some may well be working the system, retiring at the earliest date possible and being rehired into a position close to where they just were. This way they actually end up making a good deal more money in the long run. Legal, yes, ethical, maybe not. And it doth bring the wrath upon them.