Big Hollow spending plan sought

Now that voters have approved a tax rate increase, residents who supported the Big Hollow Elementary District 38 referendum want board members to specify how that money will be spent.

Steve Lanham, who headed the Big Hollow referendum committee, said he is hopeful board members will reinstate program cuts made when struggling for money in 2007.

He said class sizes should drop from their current levels and that music, art and computer programs should be reinstated as soon as possible -- just as board members promised when campaigning for the tax hike.

In January, District 38 officials said a hiring freeze now in effect -- which led to the larger class sizes, some up to 35 students -- would be lifted should the tax hike request be approved. More teachers would be hired and class sizes would drop, they said.

"If it is successful, then we can bring class sizes back down to normal levels," said Ron Pazanin, superintendent of Big Hollow, in late January. "We can also reinstate the art and music programs and bring back computer instruction."

Lanham said parents also would like to see buses that were decommissioned put back to use, new textbooks, updated curriculum and increased staff in lunchrooms and on playgrounds.

"When we went out to the community, people said they were mistrusting of the board and were reluctant to give them money," he said. "But residents passed the referendum. Now, the board has an opportunity to regain that trust and stick to the promises made throughout the campaign."

Big Hollow officials asked residents to increase tax rates by 54 cents per $100 equalized assessed valuation for the purpose of obtaining a $10 million in bonds.

Voters approved the Feb. 5 referendum by a final of 1,763 "yes" votes to 1,658 "no" votes.

The owner of a $280,000 home will see their taxes increase by about $380 annually.

Lanham said campaigning committee members told voters class sizes would reduce to "acceptable sizes," as stated by the board.

He said it's time for the board to decide what they mean by "acceptable class sizes."

"We want them to quantify that number," he said. "We understand new teachers wouldn't be hired until the start of the next school year, but they need to quantify the number, then get the class sizes down."

But board President Vickie Gallichio said due to contract negotiations with the Big Hollow teachers union in March, it will be hard to immediately pinpoint the number of teachers that may need to be hired.

"The board needs to and will exercise due diligence to make the most of the opportunity at hand and use every dollar for the good of the entire district," she added.

Gallichio said the board will review options available to lower class sizes and reinstate art, music and computer programs, but that it might take time for residents to see the results.

"One thing I need people to keep in mind is that board meetings are work sessions," she said. "We will sit there and throw around ideas, and talk about things, but sometimes more research is required before a decision is made."