To the Editor:

The Whitehall-Coplay Press edition of May 13, 2021, reported on the proposed Whitehall-Coplay School District final budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Another year and another school district tax increase - this year, another 3.5 percent. All members present voted for the increase except one person. Two others did not find it important enough to attend and vote on an $80 million budget. Another punch in the gut for the taxpayers.

With the election season upon us, I would hope we have candidates that are interested in a board that will look out for the taxpayers, too. After all, one of their responsibilities is to be good stewards of our taxpayer money. I do not think that is happening. Of all the mailings and articles for school board members, I do not recall any mention of fiscal responsibility.

I am sure there are plenty of areas to cut fat and reduce the spending. The school board should learn it cannot have everything and make tough decisions. We do not need rubber stamp directors. There are probably too many wants that people think are needs. This cycle of endless spending and tax increases needs to change.

Our school funding continues to be ignored year in and year out by our state legislature in Harrisburg. Meanwhile, people lose their homes while taxpayer-funded bloated salaries and retirement funds leave a burden for all of us to saddle the bill. If school districts want to have high wages, benefits and retirement, fund it yourself. The deficit for pension funds is already being bailed out by the skunks in Washington, and we, the taxpayers, have to pay for it again. Last fall, I contacted my state senator, Lisa Boscola, and my state representative, Jeanne McNeill, and did not receive a response.

It’s time to end the tax increases and have a responsible budget that will include painful cuts. Meanwhile, our state senators and state representatives should do the hard work to resolve the funding. I am tired of excuses. Be accountable and get the job done. If not, the taxpayers will always be the ones to sacrifice and provide the school district a blank check. With a new superintendent and new board members elected for next year, now is the time to think about the taxpayers. After all, we pay the bills.

Bruce D. Charles

Whitehall