We have been bombarded with bonds, millages and tax increases for the last ten years.

We have passed millions of dollars in repair and for new construction.

Now, here we are again faced with another tax increase at the same time the state has a sales tax increase already in process.

The subject is, yet again, the lack of communication in our parish to the citizens that pay the taxes to run the schools.

I clearly have this problem with the flyer that was sent out specifying to vote this Saturday. I know and I am sure we know that it is up to us to build better schools; after all we are in a state that is among the minority when it comes to funding for facilities.

We hear about the need for the tax increase because of mandates from the state. What are they?

We hear about the exodus of our students because of the voucher program. What are our numbers?

We hear about counselors in our middle and elementary schools. We have one per school unless they were move and not replaced.

We understand the need of a better economy and more jobs staying in the parish. It is our job to make this happen by assuring our children no matter what scale their parents’ paychecks, they get the best education possible.

On March 21, I filed a public records request with Superintendent George. I gave a flash drive for the information. On March 24, I was told there would be a cost and I would be notified after calculation of the cost was done. On March 30, I brought another flash drive and reminded them of the first. No need to make copies, no one was there to answer. I left the drive with the receptionist at the front desk.

On March 29, I sent in a complaint concerning the public notice information concerning a Block Grant that appeared in the L’Observateur in March.

They are concerned about community voting and community input, yet when the community asks questions, the community gets no answers.

I agree with many people on the parish renewals this time; although it is still a tax we already passed. Our community needs to have the health unit and, most assuredly, we need the library working well, especially since the system chose to close the school libraries.

Our students need to get that extra help using the resources with all the worksheets sent home in place of textbooks in most schools.

Citizens want to see improvement, but citizens want to see change and accountability with our MONEY! Research helps you in your decision before voting.

Retired teacher and librarian

Carolyn Jean Batiste

LaPlace