McDonald schools’ financial problems shouldn’t have come as a surprise

McDonald schools’ financial problems shouldn’t have come as a surprise

EDITOR:

The headline on the Sept. 22 article pertaining to financial problems at McDonald schools read, “Financial problems alarm board.” They also alarm the taxpayer. Your article’s sub-headline stated “McDonald schools find themselves in an unexpected deficit.” Unexpected? Is it asking too much of the administration to review the monthly treasurer’s report? Bills totaling $1,517,000 from June 2009 to August 2009 not being paid should have given the administration some concern. Is the administration now telling the taxpayer they just found out about this? If so, why?

We do appreciate Lori Simione, treasurer at Trumbull County Education Services, giving our schools’ finances a “cursory look.” At least someone has. We also appreciate Ms. Simione finding stacks of checks not sent out in June and August. Sounds familiar. You mean to tell the taxpayer that no one in the administration knew this until Ms. Simione pointed it out?

Board President Robert Jones stated “We’re in a mess and we’re going to get out of this mess.” Is the plan to get out of this mess, taxing the residents more? I for one feel uncomfortable voting for any school levy under the present circumstances.

JAMES BORDER

McDonald

The little surprises found while reading the paper

EDITOR:

A couple of days ago I found another reason why it is imperative that one reads our only newspaper carefully every day.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, a small article on page 3 of The Vindicator stated that Congress had extended the budget while they try to figure out how to squeeze more out of the taxpayers. As a brief side note the article said Congress also raised lawmaker’s office budget by 8 percent. It certainly makes one wonder at the sincerity of our congressmen who pledge to do what is best for us.

I feel that the congressmen and women should find ways to cut their budget by at least 8 percent. Most union workers outside public employment have given concessions of much more than that. Even some public employees have given back some of their pork.

Every taxpayer who has had to tighten his belt should contact Congressmen Ryan and Wilson and offer to show them how to do so. Also ask Ryan what it cost us for him to make the trip back to D.C. so he could take that “cool ride” on Air Force One.

ROBERT HUSTED

New Springfield