On Thurday, August 16, the South Madison Community School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to oppose the possible relocation of an airport into Green and Stony Creek Townships in southern Madison County.
Superintendent Dr. Tom Warmke shared information on the possible loss of $114,000 per year in tax support for the school system, at 2006 tax rates.
Board members deplored the secrecy shrouding the entire process. One refused an invitation to a clandestine meeting.
"Good projects come in the front door," said another board member, paraphrasing a comment heard at Commissioner Paul Wilson's July 31st meeting.
Recent aerial photos of five relief airports around the Indianapolis International Airport, including Anderson, Mt. Comfort, Fishers Metropolitan and others, were shown. Though some of the airports have been in place for 30, 51 and 56 years, little development has occurred. The person who distributed the photos commented that only Fishers Airport shows surrounding growth, but that the growth has not been due to the airport; in fact, the Fishers Airport is preventing further growth, which is why Fishers Town Council is trying to get rid of it.
One board member shared her concern that the withdrawal of 4,000 acres from the tax rolls due to airport and TIF grants would cause current taxpayers to shoulder additional tax burden just to keep the school system at its current level.
She also noted scientific research finding that students in schools located within a certain radius of an airport suffered significant drops in reading scores on standardized tests. Since the Board had recently voted to spend $500,000 on a state-of-the-art reading improvement program, it was critical to oppose a project which could nullify the positive effects of the program.
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1 comment:
So proud of South Madison School Board for the stance they have taken! And especially for not taking part in the "back door" dealings that seem to go along with this sad, unfortunate project.
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