Under this school budget, Bingham has to pay $918,142, and Moscow has to pay $1,044,398.

The state suggests a 3 percent surplus. This school district is sitting on approximately 18 percent surplus of more than $500,000 plus a CD for $135,000 totaling more than $600,000 in surplus; and more is wanted. That money should be returned to the taxpayers, not thrown into the next budget to allow for more spending.

Note Article 7, system administrative cost: $255,269; and Article 8, school administration costs: $324,752 — making total administrative costs of more than half a million dollars.

Total wanted to pass this budget: $3,622,000. This brings the cost per student up to more than $18,000. That’s unreasonable, unacceptable and unnecessary.

The district record in budget reductions has been to cut student programs and social activities. Schools are for educating students; they should not be a haven for retirement incomes.

The budget could easily be reduced by $150,000-$200,000. It’s possible, if current negotiations are not tied to any surplus funds, and if budget reductions are taken out of administrative expenditures.

There are some teachers who pay taxes toward the budget. Many live outside the district or rent within the district.

Runaway school budgets force property taxes to rise. Your vote is your voice to stop the practice of school districts hoarding surplus funds to spend more. Vote on every public budget in your town. All taxpayers need to vote.

The school board of directors need to be told to vote their individual conscience as servants of education, not to vote as advised or directed by the preparers of the budget.

When it’s wrong, it’s wrong. Rubber-stamping does not make right. The board votes on the revised budget July 11.

Essie Golden

Bingham