Writer opposes Medford Area Senior High School referendum, says it is unneeded

Vox Pop

It was not long ago those who are in charge of our Medford school system asked us the taxpayers for 40 million dollars. They said they needed the money for various needs, well now these same people, minus three, are saying they need 30 million dollars. Here’s the thing if they really needed the 40 million, they still would be asking for $40 million.

Now they say they need $30 million. I think not. What they need is normal budgetary money to keep what we have in good condition.

It was reported recently that the Medford school system had fallen below state average, in test scores. As reported the U.S. is 25th in average learning ability. So where does that rank Medford in these same scores, fortieth or so.

The school board does not represent the people. I do not understand why it is. But none of them, even for a moment questioned this unneeded request for money. Even as the taxpayers turned down their last request. You would have thought that at least one of the school board members would have said no.

Who do they listen to. Star News, Jan. 27, 2022. Erika Freeman. Hired, I believe. To educate the public why you should say yes to this unneeded expenditure. Note especially and primarily to the three new board members. What was and is her job to brain wash the school board and public. At least it has worked on the school board, to this point, in my opinion.

Then we have state superintendent Dr. Jill Underly. I cannot write what all this Dr. says. But she did say she deals with fact and not fiction. Fact, she never, never says anything how to teach children.

Dr. Underly never talks about what a poor job our education system is doing. It is a failure. Instead of facts she indeed talks in smoke and mirrors. The solution to all problems perceived or real is to of course throw money at it. This makes the outside look good but the product is less than what is payed for.

Now we have Peggy Wirtz Olsen writing in Star News 12-30-2021. She says our educators need more money. Of course they need more money. Do a poor job, get more money. But really what should happen, is we should give them less money or ask them to find another job. It happens all the time.

You’re not doing a good enough job. You’re fired!

The school board, the superintendent, the principal, some teachers. You need to do a better job.

There is nothing ambiguous, or skirting the issue. The people would protect their jobs by, not dealing with the issue.

In my opinion vote no for the $30 million unneeded referendum.

— Charlie Heath, Medford