Letters to the Editor

Talk to lawmakers about Gov. Daniels' budget

To the Editor:

I wanted to drop you a line about my concerns over the proposed budget and school funding formula proposed by Gov. Daniels. I understand this is a process and the final product could look vastly different than the proposed product. However, I am concerned for the huge shift in philosophy in terms of the proposed school funding formula proposed by Gov. Daniels.

In past funding formulas, the formula has included a complexity index, deghoster, and flat grants to try to even the funding imbalance between suburban and urban schools and rural schools. Urban and suburban schools have a close proximity to businesses resulting in the receipt of more grants and gifts from the business sector. Additionally, some corporations like Bloomfield School District and Bedford North Lawrence schools are no different than 1973 when Otis Bowen froze the property tax levies.

A three-tired system of schools arose after the property tax levy freeze of high funded schools, medium funded schools, and low funded schools. The complexity index, deghoster or ADM average, and Flat grants were built to reduce this discrepancy in funding.

Gov. Daniels' proposed funding formula eliminates tools put in place in past funding formulas to reduce this imbalance. As a result, rural schools are seeing a large cut in funding while growing suburban schools are seeing increase in funding.

All of the Greene County School districts will lose funding as a result of Gov. Daniels' proposal. Gov. Daniels also reached the 2% increase in funding across the state by including Title I Grant funding for the first time in funding formulas. This is money coming from the federal government to assist schools in providing reading instruction. The more poverty a school has the more Title I funding the school gets. However, this funding is not new money. Schools have been receiving this funding for years.

Gov. Daniels' budget proposal gives the appearance of the money being new funding for legislators who don't understand school funding. He also is giving the perception to use the funds in a manner that is contrary to federal funding regulations. Representative Bill Crawford read a letter recently from U.S. Education Secretary Duncan if the Title I Funding is used as Gov. Daniels suggests it will preclude Indiana from receiving future Title I funding opportunities. Title I funding has regulations such as "Supplement not Supplant" and "Maintenance of Effort" which really makes spending the Title I funds difficult and staying within the regulations.

I would be happy to answer any questions you might have on this subject. I would urge the Daily World to ask Greene County residents to talk with their legislators about the budget adoption process. You can access the proposed funding by schools by visiting the following link:

http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committees/reports/SJBCC65.pdf

Dan Sichting

Superintendent

Bloomfield School District

Thanks for helping with 'Pack the Pantry'

To the Editor:

Thank you for all the generous support during the recent "Pack the Pantry" benefit concert. We hope those who attended were not only entertained by the energetic performance of Between Sundays but learned how the Linton Community Food Pantry works, our mission and future plans.

The response in food donations from the concert surpassed our expectations. Indeed, the pantry was packed and our shelves were stocked with a variety of food. But as numerous families continue to come in requesting assistance, the shelves will soon be in need of restocking. The continued support of this community is always appreciated.

This year, the LCFP is excited to offer a summer lunch program, which will run weekdays, June 8 through Aug. 14 from noon to 1 p.m., at the west shelterhouse at Humphreys Park. Children are provided free meals to help continue providing food during the summer break. Lunches are provided on the state level but local volunteers are needed to help serve, clean up and host the children. What an awesome opportunity for individuals or groups to be directly involved in helping the ones who cannot help themselves, the children of your community.

If you or your organization is interested in volunteering for the summer lunch program, you may call Linton First Christian Church at 847-9535.

Another unique way to contribute is by donating the extra fresh vegetables and fruits from your garden. Gardeners know the sense of pride they get when they share the bounty of their gardens. Imagine how much more sweet your sense of accomplishment knowing you've shared the fruit of your labor with a family who is having trouble making ends meet.

Remember, the pantry always accepts donations of food, clothing or money, no matter the season. Donations can be brought to the Linton Community Food Pantry. Hours of operation are from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The pantry is located at the north parking lot of St. Peter's Church, 489 E St NE, and can be reached at 847-9195. Donations of non-perishable items can also be made at any time in the drop-off containers at both pull-through drives at Linton First Christian Church, State Road 54 east of Wal-Mart.

Again, thank you to everyone who came to see the show and for all the community's heartfelt support.

Tim and Cindy Hale

Linton Community Food Pantry

Committee members

Linton

Couple appreciates 50th anniversary celebration

To The Editor:

A big thank you to everyone who sent cards, donated to the local food bank, gifts, prayers and attended our 50th wedding anniversary open house and renewal of our vows at St. Peter's Church.

A special thanks to our children and their spouses and our grandchildren who helped with the food and decorating and all the arrangements.

Outstanding job! It was a very special day for us.

Josephine and John Stefancik

Linton

Chamber event raised $250 for fireworks

To the Editor:

The Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Bloomfield Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star for help in organizing the bean dinner to help raise funds for the 2009 fireworks.

A big thank you also to those who contributed to the $250 raised at the event.

Judy Hammond

president

Carla Howell

treasurer

Bloomfield