OPINION: Vote Yes On Revere Schools Levy

As you know, May 3 is a critical date, not only for our schools, but our community. Revere’s emergency levy on the ballot would be the first new funding approved for our district in 10 years and is critical to its continued success.

Revere is one of only 18 schools in the state to receive an "Excellent" rating 11 years in a row, but now faces a tough economic situation that puts its long-standing tradition of success in jeopardy. Because of the recently announced cuts in the state's budget, Revere stands to lose more than $3 million a year in state funding.

The levy opposition group has not included this in its financial estimates. Additionally, they incorporate revenue growth for Revere as the economy improves, but in actuality revenue growth is not tied to the economy, but to state funding and local property taxes. Opponents of the levy propose living off the existing money in the school's reserve at a time when expenses exceed revenue. Not only is this a very risky approach, it could put Revere in danger of being placed on a financial watch list by the state because of deficit spending.

Just as you would not run your personal checking account down to a zero balance, neither should a well-managed school district exhaust all funds. If the levy is approved, Revere will not receive any of the additional revenue until 2012, further depleting the reserve.

The fact remains that in October, a committee of residents with business and financial backgrounds evaluated the district’s financial forecast and determined that the levy is the most cost-effective way to maintain the investment we have all made in our children, schools and community. Those committee members still strongly support the schools and the need for this May levy, despite being misrepresented by the opposition.

With the failure of the last two levy attempts, Revere has given layoff notices to almost one in six teachers. Because of these cuts, class sizes will increase and programs will be eliminated, including gifted and advanced placement programs designed to help our students excel in college and beyond. These layoff notices are not a scare tactic; they are necessary to comply with state law requiring a balanced budget. Our teachers are some of the best and brightest around, and one of the keys to our success. Revere’s teachers stepped up to help out in March by approving a three-year total pay freeze along with additional contributions to health care. While this action is welcome, it is not enough to offset the loss of state funding. And, unfortunately, the administration and school board had to reject the offer because state law requires them to certify that sufficient funding will be available for the entire three-year term of the proposed contract. Passing the levy will save teaching positions and prevent program cuts.

A great school system like Revere has a very positive impact on property value. Local real estate agents confirm this and cite Revere Schools as a primary reason why we have some of the highest home values in the region.

F.A.C.T.S. (Families and Community Together for Schools) was formed by parents and community members who support Revere.  We have grown to almost 700 members in just over five months, validating the community’s support for Revere.  

 The emergency levy will only cost 41 cents per day for every $100,000 of property value, a small investment we can make to protect our children’s and community’s future. Please vote YES and join us in supporting Revere.  

Thank you.

Dave Gifford, president of F.A.C.T.S.

Please visit us at www.WeAreRevere.com or  www.facebook.com/WeAreRevere.