Economy to have impact on bond proposals

Historically, passing bond issues for the Tecumseh Public Schools has been a tough sell. In 1998, great lengths were taken to get a $33 million bond approved for a new high school, which passed 2005 to 1,763. Proponents were expecting a better margin.

Three other proposals on the ballot failed. One to renovate the high school for use as the new middle school; a second to renovate all elementary buildings; and third to make additional improvements to the elementary schools.

It took a huge campaign to win the first proposal, and it also took a decent economy to help fuel support. Also, voters had several choices on the ballot.

Jump to the year 2000. The school board came back with a second request to renovate the former high school and all four elementary buildings for a bond proposal of $28 million. The bond passed narrowly 1,830 to 1,676.

The schools have received great district support in the past 10 years with $61 million in building a new high school, and additions built at all of the elementary schools. The schools waged a strong campaign focused on needs. We should be proud of our facilities.

It’s 2008 and look at the economic conditions today: a near recession, record gasoline and fuel costs, soaring prices for food, loss of jobs, loss of Tecumseh Products, and declines in student enrollment. And perhaps no other sign of the times is more sad than the record number of families losing their homes.

If the bonds pass, the millage rate will not increase, but voters should not be blind sighted. One reader has compared the financing to a mortgage that goes from 12 years to 22 years. A bond extension is a tax increase, period.

We strongly support Proposal 1 and hope voters will see the true “needs” that have been outlined. Boiler replacements and roof repairs are worthy of our support, landscaping and outdoor patios in Proposal 2 are not.

Vote Tuesday.