Opinion wanted, am I being a Scrooge? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 04-25-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

Truthfully, we find ourselves doing the same sort of thing for our daughter...and our relatives send the same stuff to us. The kids are trying to get "x" amount of credit for their solicitations, so when they've exausted the local pool, relatives follow.

Rest easy. They get credit for the solicitation whether or not you send money. I never do, unless I get an actual call from said solicitor indicating an urgent need to contribute.

We pay an exorbitant amount of taxes in our district (property taxes on the same $270K home here would be over $7000!)...you would think that should cover expenses. I blame a LOT of the shorfall on the "Robin Hood" mandates...many other upscale communities are dealing with the same issues because money gets spread out to the disadvantaged districts.

Don't feel too bad. I pay property taxes AND my kids go to private schools.

Man, I could use a voucher system!!!

el presidente · #2 04-25-2006, 10:40 AM

What if you simply ignored the request?

Lebenz · #3 04-25-2006, 11:01 AM

Education related costs are one of the entirely too few obligatory expenses that are far more than worth the cost. Education is the only thing that separates us from any 3rd world country. And it is due only to our education system that almost half the folks who start high school finish and get a diploma. Where would we be without it?

aklim · #4 04-25-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lebenz

Education related costs are one of the entirely too few obligatory expenses that are far more than worth the cost. Education is the only thing that separates us from any 3rd world country. And it is due only to our education system that almost half the folks who start high school finish and get a diploma. Where would we be without it?

The seperation is getting less and less every day. Somehow I am not convinced that is is an issue of money alone. People seem to think that if we throw money at it, it will cure itself. I think the largest part of it is the motivation of the student and the discipline in the school. The student is not motivated enough and the discipline in school is non-existant. Without those, learning is not going to be very good. The students have poor foundations in the necessary skills in math, sciences and english. If they wanted to concentrate on those and make it say 90% of the syllabus instead of fluffing it with all sorts of crap, I would be more hopeful. Does anyone know what we rank in worldwise for the sciences and math? Don't look at the top ten. We are at the point where a HS diploma is worth less than a roll of TP (Much harder than say Charmin on the butt). HS diplomas are good for people to go into manufacturing and what not. Those vocations are gone, period. History, Lit, and all the social sciences are wonderful. However, they don't sell in this modern world.

Hatterasguy · #5 04-25-2006, 01:20 PM

This drives me nuts, I never did any of those school fundraisers when I was little.

My parants pay tons of property tax that is supposed to go toward the school, if they need more money raise the tax and stop with this BS.

The problem is they spend money like drunk sailors so any tax increase is quickly wasted.

imagesinthewind · #6 04-25-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

The way I see it is this.

1) Why should I pay for your kids' school?

2) Isn't it your responsibility to take action?

3) You are part of the growth in your neighborhood. Shouldn't you be take responsibility?

It's not the $16 or so for the subscription. It's the principle. I'm not trying to start a political debate. I just want someone to give me a plausible principled reason why I should take responsibility for some other person's inability or non-desire to pay their fair share, especially when we're talking about their kids' future.

You should pay for other kids school because ALL kids need a good education.
They (to be cliche') are the future and if you cannot give a few extra bucks then when it's time for them to take care of you you cannot ***** about they way things are.

It's EVERYONE'S responsibility to take action. We all live on this planet together. Education is the one thing that can help everyone.

I'm pretty active at my kids charter school in Littleton, CO and know what our budget is and where the money goes. Anyone who thinks a school can 'live within it's means' has NO IDEA what it takes to run a school.
Unless you have seen the amount of money coming into a school and have seen the budget, please don't speak to that matter. You don't have the info to make a statement like that.

Anyway, I hate fundraisers too and always find out what the money is needed for and just give a gift. I always give no matter what school comes to the door. It's my moral responsibility to help make sure all kids have the tools needed to succeed. Someday they will be taking care of me.

Yeah, I'm a PROUD BLEEDING HEART LIBERAL!!
A Biodiesel-making, Berkenstock wearing, dolphin saving, water conserving, liberal.

A264172 · #7 04-25-2006, 07:31 PM

I once had a principal, sister Mary Ellen, who had us collect used newspapers and load them on a tractor trailer to raise funds from an insulation manufacturer.
Catholic school, obviously. That was the only really noble fund-raiser I can remember...

mikemover · #8 04-26-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imagesinthewind

You should pay for other kids school because ALL kids need a good education.
They (to be cliche') are the future and if you cannot give a few extra bucks then when it's time for them to take care of you you cannot ***** about they way things are.

It's EVERYONE'S responsibility to take action. We all live on this planet together. Education is the one thing that can help everyone.

I'm pretty active at my kids charter school in Littleton, CO and know what our budget is and where the money goes. Anyone who thinks a school can 'live within it's means' has NO IDEA what it takes to run a school.
Unless you have seen the amount of money coming into a school and have seen the budget, please don't speak to that matter. You don't have the info to make a statement like that.

Anyway, I hate fundraisers too and always find out what the money is needed for and just give a gift. I always give no matter what school comes to the door. It's my moral responsibility to help make sure all kids have the tools needed to succeed. Someday they will be taking care of me.

Yeah, I'm a PROUD BLEEDING HEART LIBERAL!!
A Biodiesel-making, Berkenstock wearing, dolphin saving, water conserving, liberal.

I completely disagree.

Why should I be forced to pay for public schools that I do not use, my child does not use, and will NEVER use, and which I disapprove of in general?

I am paying a large amount of money every year to send my daughter to a private school, which yields spectacularly better results than any of the nearby public schools... yet I am still expected to pay for this inferior public school system that I don't even use?!?!?!?! Infuriating.

Mike

mikemover · #9 04-26-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

We get this letter in the mail from our nephew. It's a solicitation for $$$ for his school district. We buy subscriptions to a magazine and 40% of the money goes to the district general fund.

Here's why I'm being curmudgeony. Their property tax on a 270k home last year was $2,000. Currently they're going to vote on increasing the levy of $2.70 per $1000 to over $4 per $1000, or on par with what we're paying here in my school district.

The way I see it is this.

1) Why should I pay for your kids' school?

2) Isn't it your responsibility to take action?

3) You are part of the growth in your neighborhood. Shouldn't you be take responsibility?

It's not the $16 or so for the subscription. It's the principle. I'm not trying to start a political debate. I just want someone to give me a plausible principled reason why I should take responsibility for some other person's inability or non-desire to pay their fair share, especially when we're talking about their kids' future.

I agree completely. I don't think you're being a "scrooge" at all.... Just standing up for your principles.

Mike