Two 'yes' Votes Critical

Editor, The News: v' fV,)l. Ann Arbor voters wil make two decisions on Nov. 19, 1973 that are critical to the operation of our schools. The first decisión concerns a proposal which asks for renewal of 6.67 milis for school operating expenses. This is a millage renewal, not an additional tax, and will not increase individual tax bilis. This millage represents approximately 20% of the 1973-74 school district budget. A reduction of this amount will mean drastic reduction of staff and program in our schools. The second proposal asks for a one mili levy for schools' Building and Site Fund. Revenue from this millage, if approved, will support a five-year program of repair and maintenance operation for sites, buildings, and equipment owned by the school district. This millage will help us to maintain the investment we already have made in our schools. It will, for example, provide funds to repair the roof at Tappan, provide a fire door at Haisley, provide security gates at Lawton and Mitchell schools, and modify buildings for handicapped students where needed. Money provided by this millage will not be used to purchase new sites or buildings. It will be reserved for maintenance of buildings, site, and equipment already constructed and owned. It is imDortant to remember that 'igan school disfricts such as Ann Arbor can.no longer wait for the State Legislature to act concerning financing of our schools. The Ann Arbor district has included in its budget for the coming school year all the funds it expects to receive from sources outside our community. The funding requested in these two proposals must come from the Ann Arbor community. If we expect to continue the level of education at which we are currently operating, without decreasing educational services to our children, and if we will be able to continue to maintain our buildings and other capital investments, the responsibility to do so is clearly our own; it rests within our own community. May we respectfully request, and enthusiastically encourage all Ann Arbjar citizens to vote YES twice on Nov. 19.