Posted By: A Real Supporter of Okemos
Over the past several weeks, numerous Okemos teachers, many of whom do not live here, have urged us to "invest in Okemos" by passing the technology bond. Parents of school-of-choice children who live in such places as Mason and Lansing echo the call for us to make an "investment" in Okemos that they are unwilling to make. And as this website points out, a large share of Montessori students are from out-of-district families who will not be "investing" in the technology bond and in our schools.
Most of the pro-bond campaign seems to be aimed at making Okemos homeowners feel guilty for not supporting the technology bond, as if those of us who think it is an extravagant boondoggle don't care about our children or have an irrational opposition to technology in education. But somehow the pro-bond crowd is never embarrassed about how many of their supporters have a personal interest in the bond passing and how many of their supporters will not be "investing" in Okemos themselves. If they are so pro Okemos - please move here and pay our taxes. We have at least 7 homes in our neighborhood for sale, so there are plenty of homes to choose from. Plus we have numerous new housing developments, including one on land the schools formerly owned that was sold at a bargain price to a local developer despite higher offers on the table. At a time of supposed fiscal crisis, the school board is willing to make a sweetheart deal with a big developer and hire new administrators, but then threaten us with cuts that directly affect our children if we don't pass their bond.
I am fed up with out-of-Districts Teachers, Families and Administrators - VOTE NO - until they say yes to Okemos.