Furthermore, we have laws and consequences in place for a reason. We're living in a world where the consequences put in place by our elected officials are being called inhumane by the same elected officials that put them in place. SMH
If I recall (I'm not going to research to confirm) the last two or three bond issues did address academics/buildings with little to no athletic improvements, even voting down turf one time. The fact that they addressed athletics in the last bond and the voters approved does not mean they have neglected academic facilities.
By the same token, bond passing doesn't factor much in their academic fails. They have struggled for some time but I would say this is probably the first time for most to see their rating in black and white. They better wake up and focus strongly before things get worse.
It's an available program for kids in a district that the majority are eligible for free or reduced lunch. I think it is a good think as long the students take advantage of it.
Once programs like education and energy are established it is very hard to revert back. The same is even so for social security. It was never intended to be mandatory or a primary retirement income but that's where it is.
I would have no problem eliminating either of these. However, would you also propose eliminating the funding of each that goes to each state? If so, how would that affect each state? If not, how would we managed the allocations?
The state regularly changes education requirements which affects facility needs. The teacher to student ration requirements have changed over the year resulting in more space needed. Additional required special needs or programs also contribute to the need for more space. It's not always about population growth.
You expressed concern over raising taxes. Are you in favor of the second proposition for only athletic improvements that will have virtually no affect on your taxes?
156 mil is a lot of money but construction costs are well over $200 a sq ft right now and not sign of stopping, much more than when the last failed bond was proposed. The prices are not going down anytime soon.