I’m voting yes on the school levy

Everyone needs to decide what they feel is right for them. I don’t know what is right for you. I only know what is right for me. 

When the Gainesville School levy-increase proposal was on the ballot last time, I really struggled with what was the right thing for me. I vote my ballot; you vote yours. 

As many of you know, I came to Gainesville with 50 cents in my pocket, a car on its last leg, and two little dark-haired kids. I borrowed $500 from Don Rackley to pay some medical bills, using only my watch as collateral. Paying taxes was the least of my worries. 

I came to accept the job I currently have and worked additional jobs for over 20 years. Now my taxes are a little higher, and it is something I have to plan and budget to pay. 

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Gainesville School needs and deserves upgrades to the buildings, and classrooms need upgrades so the kids have the tools to learn what is needed to be successful in this ever-changing world. The teachers and staff deserve an increase in salary. They have spent hours in college, and many are still paying back student loans. Every working person deserves an increase to make their lives a little more financially stable. 

The kids of today and tomorrow deserve an opportunity to be all they can be. The building needs to be safe, classroom materials are needed for learning, and a pay increase is deserved. Happy  teachers make for happier days in the school. 

The 75-cent levy-increase proposal would have been tough all at once, especially for this tax year when we hadn’t planned for it. But on Nov. 6 I will graciously vote yes! It is affordable for me and something I have time to plan and budget for.

Donnis Taylor

Gainesville

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423