Guest Commentary: Vote YES on Prop A

It’s editorial policy at NOCO to avoid politics and remain neutral on ballot issues. But as a community service, I’ve decided to publish this guest commentary on the Ferguson-Florissant School District’s proposed bond issue. If you have an opposing viewpoint, please contact me and I will consider publishing your commentary as well. Thank you.

Keep Ferguson-Florissant Strong
by Dr. Rance Thomas

As a retired educator and passionate local volunteer, I understand the importance of schools to the communities they serve. That is why I strongly support Prop A — Ferguson-Florissant School District’s no tax rate increase bond issue on the August 3 ballot.

Dr. Rance Thomas

The district, just like the rest of us, was hit hard by the ongoing recession. Cuts in funding from Missouri and lower property tax revenue caused by falling housing values combined to reduce the income available to Ferguson-Florissant.

Before asking voters to approve a no tax rate increase bond issue, the district tightened its own financial belt. It cut $15 million from the 2010-2011 budget without laying off a single employee.

If approved, Prop A bonds will be used to support student achievement, to maintain aging buildings and to enhance safety and security.

Ferguson-Florissant has a history of careful money management. But, like a family that dips into its rainy day fund to fix a leaky roof, the district can no longer use regular operating money to fund capital projects.

Ferguson-Florissant remains fully accredited by the state of Missouri. Keeping Ferguson-Florissant strong is critical to our children, to our property values and to the economic viability of the communities the district serves.

Join me in voting YES for Ferguson-Florissant’s Prop A on August 3. Together, we can keep our communities strong.

Rance Thomas, Ph.D, is a retired professor from Lewis and Clark Community College. He also is the co-founder and president of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) and has served on the board of numerous civic organizations.

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