The News Republic editorial published Saturday included some inaccurate statements about the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce's letter of support for a 4K program for the public school system.
The editorial stated that Gene Dalhoff, executive director of the chamber, neglected to mention that local taxpayers would be expected to pay for a portion of the program. That is not accurate. In his letter, Dalhoff wrote: "We understand that some of the costs associated with the program would be passed on to local taxpayers in their property taxes." Dalhoff's letter in its entirety is printed here:
"Providing leadership for economic and community vitality." So reads the mission statement of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber strives to fulfill this mission through a variety of means, including taking a stance on important issues facing our area. One such issue is the Baraboo School District's proposed 4K program.
The benefits of a sound local educational system to area businesses cannot be underestimated. A quality school system is of paramount importance when trying to attract and retain the best employees to our area. Talented people with families choose to accept jobs and move to our area in large part because of the quality of education our school district offers. Similarly, the quality of the local school system is an important factor for companies considering locating in a new community. If we fall behind surrounding school districts in terms of the quality and breadth of education we offer, we will be at a competitive disadvantage that will affect our employee base, our current businesses and our ability to attract new businesses. If our school system declines, our business community will also decline.
The Chamber Board understands that, generally speaking, the benefits of 4K programs are widely accepted. It is our further understanding that language and vocabulary development often take place at an astounding rate during this young age and that 4K programs can allow for the early intervention in children at risk for learning problems. We believe this would be a good thing for our school system.
The Chamber Board has also considered the financial ramifications of the proposed 4K program. It is our understanding that by the 2012-13 school year, the Baraboo School District will be over $300,000 better off if they establish a 4K program now (beginning with the 2009-10 school year) than they would be if they do not establish a 4K program now. (We understand that this is the overall net effect for the first four years of the program, not just the budget effect during year four.) Even though there are considerable up-front start-up costs, by year four the Baraboo School District is better off financially because of the program. In that sense, it is a good investment.
We understand that some of the costs associated with the program would be passed on to local taxpayers in their property taxes. The Chamber Board encourages the School Board to explore any means possible to reduce this potential tax increase. The Chamber Board recognizes that, in these difficult times, it is very important to consider the ramifications of passing on any additional costs to taxpayers. However, the Board also recognizes that it is precisely in these tough times that true leaders in a community need to look beyond what is happening in the short-term and also consider what is in the best long-term interest for a community. As such, the Chamber Board believes establishing the 4K program is in the best long-term interest of the community.
Based on the considerations above, the Chamber Board endorses the School District's proposal for the establishment of a 4K program. With that endorsement comes the requested provision that once the program begins to generate more revenue than expenses, the general fund be reimbursed for the entire deficit in program costs accumulated during the preceding years.
Please support our area's economy and our children's education by voting in support of the proposed 4K program.
Submitted by Gene Dalhoff (Executive Director- Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce)
