Vote yes today for schools
Today citizens will decide whether to continue a mill levy for Santa Fe Public Schools, as well as the approval of operating dollars and $17 million worth of bonds for Santa Fe Community College. It is election day, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. encourges voters to say yes to all three questions on the ballot.
SFPS is asking to continue a $2 mill levy per $1,000 of taxable property to help pay for repairs, maintenance and improving public school grounds, as allowed under Senate Bill 9. The tax is already in place and this vote is for approval to continue it.
These dollars ensure that the millions spent on constructing buildings are not wasted — with SB 9 dollars, the district can fix leaky roofs, for example, preserving taxpayer investments. SB 9 funding goes to both traditional and charter schools — all children who attend public school will benefit. What’s more, property taxes will not go up if this levy is continued.
Then, there are two ballot questions concerning the community college. One would raise the college’s existing tax levy of $3 on each $1,000 of net taxable value to $3.35; at the same time, SFCC wants to issue $17 million in general obligation bonds, which would lower the property tax rate. Those two actions mean that property tax owners would keep paying the same rate. In other words, this election does not raise property taxes.
If the measure passes, the public schools will have the money needed for repairs and maintenance. The community college will have funds to pay for operations, maintenance and capital improvements, as well as the essential $17 million from the bonds. That money will be spent to repair the fitness education center, improve college classrooms and build a 17,000-square-foot automotive technology center. There also will be infrastructure and facility improvements across the campus.
In particular, we believe that building the automotive technology center is important. Its construction will allow the expansion of automotive classes, improving economic opportunity for students who want careers as mechanics and ensuring that local shops can hire the workers they need.
But don’t just listen to us. Marc Brandt, owner and president of Capitol Ford Lincoln, had this to say in a letter to the editor. His words are worth repeating: “Automotive technology today involves more than just knowing auto mechanics. It also requires knowledge and understanding of electronics and technology. Santa Fe Community College is committed to expanding this program to double the number of students who can be educated each year with a new center. A new automotive technology center will be an asset to Santa Fe and the entire region.”
Polling places on election day will be located at various voter convenience centers. That means a voter can stop wherever convenient to cast a ballot. Take the time to vote. Your local public schools — whether Pre-K through 12 or at the community college level — deserve your support. Vote yes on all three questions.