To the editor:
DOSE, the Department of School Efficiency. The Suring Public School District is asking voters to approve a $1.5 million referendum on April 1 — a 55% increase from the previous $900,000. Meanwhile, the school board chose to build a $370,000 experimental community center, known as SMAC, without a separate building referendum. This cost does not even include the land.
A school official has confirmed that less than $200,000 has been raised to fund this project. The board proceeded without ensuring full funding, relying on the assumption that donations would cover the costs — but always knowing that taxpayers would be forced to bail them out. Most school districts hold a building referendum before approving such projects, yet Suring bypassed that process.
As a self-employed business owner for 34 years, I am outraged that my tax dollars are being used to build a marketplace that directly competes with local businesses. Small businesses must cover overhead, wages, taxes, and utilities — yet this taxpayer-funded market receives an unfair advantage. At a time when new businesses are working hard to establish themselves, this project undermines their success.
The district claims this project teaches students valuable life lessons, yet the real lesson seems to be: “Charge it now and figure out how to pay for it later.” There has been minimal community outreach regarding this referendum. Many residents I’ve spoken to were unaware of it. The district even failed to send a representative to the Maple Valley Town Board meeting on Feb. 20, despite previously stating they would attend.
While the district insists that this is a “community” center, I have spoken to far more individuals who are unable to use it than those who can. This was an unnecessary financial risk, and I will be voting no on April 1.
Furthermore, I believe that the school board members who approved SMAC should be held financially responsible for the unfunded balance — not the taxpayers.
Mike Van Den Elzen, Suring
