School Tax Proposal Opposed, Supported

The Black Parents Association has provided the first organized opposition to the Board of Education's proposal for renewal of a three-roill operating levy. Several other groups have issued statements supporting the millage proposal which will be voted on in next Monday's election. The Black Parents Association said it opposed the proposal because its bers "doubt the ability or commitment of the present board and administration to use the millage money to the benefit of all the children because they have consistently provided inferior educational opportunities and services for Black and poor students; constantly meted out unequal, harsher discipline to them; and continued to pay teachers who threaten them in callous insensitive ways throughout their school lives." The Black Parents Association has some 200 members, according to Mrs. Mildred Officer, president. The Ann Arbor Board of Realtors issued a statement supporting the proposal. "For the public to disapprove this request for renewal would cut another three milis from an already curtailed program," the realtors" statement said. "A study is currently being conducted of projected need and educational direction. It's important to maintain the present program while this study is being completed. The Board of Directors of the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors hopes that this public endorsement can aid in making clear to the public that the Feb. 15th request will not increase the tax rate." The following organizaüons have passed resolutions in support of both the millage renewal and the assumption of indebtedness proposition. Ann Arbor Branch of American Association of University Women; Wines I School Executive PTO Board; Tappan Junior High and Eberwhite Executive PTO Boards; Recreation Advisory Committee; Dickens School PTO Board; and the Clinton School PTO. The Ann Arbor Parent-Teacher Organj ization Council also expressed its unqualified support for the two proposals and encouraged voters to go to the polls even if no other contest exists, to vote "Yes" Ifor the two nroposals. JBM