More taxes should not fund schools

As I learned many years ago about facts and figures, figures don’t lie, but liars sure can figure. This refers to the manipulation of data and who collects it and where they collect it from.

The school board under the leadership and direction of new Superintendent Donald Fennoy wants to drastically increase property taxes for schools and hired Rick Asnani of Cornerstone Solutions Florida to help coordinate the strategy for pitching the tax increase to the public. This is the same Rick Asnani who wouldn’t reveal who donors were in a continuous West Palm Beach commissioners race.

I don’t believe Palm Beach County taxpayers are going to vote in favor of this proposed tax increase, and I really believe this opinion poll conducted had the desired outcome. (“Private polling boosted PBC schools’ push for a $150 million tax hike,” Tuesday)

If the school board wants to increase salaries for teachers, then look within themselves and cut back on administration positions, several programs that are not related to education such as athletic programs, free school meals and free afterschool care, ESOL and tutoring programs.

Time to get back to the basics and put the emphasis on education for students who want it and are there to get it.

RICHARD BRIANT, ROYAL PALM BEACH