BUDGET REFORM for STUDENT LEARNING at lmsd.info - the lower merion school district alternative information source

Taxation to Eliminate Representation

I would like to share with you the comments I made to the Lower Merion School Board at the February 12, 2007, board meeting, as my questions and their inability to provide answers should concern us all:

"I have carefully listened to Mr. Shafer’s explanation of the new financing plan, and I have carefully read the Superintendent’s “Win-Win” letter.  While the Superintendent’s characterization that the new financing plan is the result of patience and careful planning may be correct, I believe it is the result of lies that have been patiently proffered and deception that was, in fact, carefully planned.

School District "Spins" the Facts

The following was emailed by the Lower Merion School District to all public school parents in mid-December.  Because of the nature of the content, Budget Reform for Student Learning believed it was necessary to prepare the commentary that follows.  The original words are in black and our commentary is in blue (italics).  While you read this, please keep in mind our overriding concern is the distorted priorities that guide the Board's spending. 

Resident Questions the Board's Intent; Board Defends Using Students to Promote its Agenda

This resident questions the board's promotional materials that were prepared by district staff at the expense of the public and handed out by students at the poles on Election Day (click here for district's flier). He is concerned about the welfare of the children and the express Act 1 prohibition of the use of public funds for political purposes (see page 44, paragraph m. of Act 1, click here to view the entire Act).