A Real Tax Break Coming for Senior Citizens: What are the Details?
The Newton County Board of Education has approved a Senior Tax Exemption to be put before the citizens of Newton County for a vote in November 2023.
School Tax: Balancing the Need and the Burden
In this article: school tax, millage rate, proposed senior citizen tax exemptions, and why your property taxes are so high.
A Thank You to Superintendent Fuhrey
We have led through trying economic times, education disruptions during a global pandemic, and we’ve grieved the tragic loss of faculty, students, and even one of our own board members, our friend and mentor Almond Turner. So, we’ve been through a lot of highs and lows, calm seas and stormy weather, and you have been a steady captain of this ship and crew.
Do “Politicians” Really Care?
Public servants must listen to the citizens, and then continue honest, constructive leadership conversations that draw us together to work toward an agreed vision for Newton County. Boards and councils cannot make decisions in a vacuum or in a silo. Every individual decision from every board and commission impacts the whole. Newton County is interconnected. As leaders, public servants, we need to be more connected.
Senior Homestead Exemption on the BOE Agenda
As I said at the meeting, this situation is unsatisfactory to me. I am a fiscal conservative, but I also believe that if we only look at the absolute “certain” data, then we will never move the needle. There must be a small risk we are willing to take to relieve the tax burden on our Senior Citizens without endangering the quality of education for our kids.
Elections: Not About “Winning” and “Losing”
At the end of the day, I received a majority of votes in District 1. That does not mean the other candidate “lost” anything. And that doesn’t mean I “won” anything. It means I was chosen by a majority of the people to represent ALL of the people.
Senior School Tax Exemptions: Will they ever happen?
There are several obstacles to creating a school-tax exemption for Senior Citizens (loss of revenue, shifting the tax burden, an economic development impact) but the process is what might be the most frustrating. But I believe we can overcome those obstacles…read today’s blog, see what’s happening now, and join the conversation.
Fall Break: a Good Time for Some Good News
A long overdue update: Fall Break, good beginnings, the new cell phone policy, Graduation rates, Eastside High School dedication & costs, and the Newton County Teachers of the Year!!!
Overwhelmed by Support
The unseen roots of the tree are what offer the support and strength needed in times of uncertainty. YOU have overwhelmed me with the support and strength you are providing as this campaign kicks off. YOU are the root system needed as we grow…
Interview: The Warrior Podcast with Matt Keller
I had the great pleasure of engaging in conversation with my friend, Matt Keller on The Warrior Podcast. During this episode, we talk about my time in the 90s alt-rock band, Rocketboy, my early life growing up in Georgia, the state of the church, as well as current issues being faced in our public schools.
A Millage Decrease is Still a Tax Increase
During the last three weeks, the Board of Education has met publicly three times to hear the Superintendent’s recommendation for setting the 2022 millage rate at 16.788 mills, thus “raising taxes” while actually lowering the tax rate. You can’t beat the dang tax man!!!
Differing Perspectives Do Not Mean One is Right and One is Wrong
I can only see three sides of the Rubik’s cube from my perspective, however, there are three other sides that matter, and one is a mystery to us all. Read how the BOE FY23 budget passes 4-1 and all sides of the cube are heard, especially the Superintendent’s.
Don’t Dip Into Your Savings Account During a Recession
BUT, in our meeting Tuesday, I warned that you don’t dip into your savings account during a recession. Yes, we have a healthy ending fund balance. But with the nation heading into a recession, now is NOT the time to dip into that savings account.
Why Local Politics Matter More
I could scream from the top of my lungs but not be heard on a national level, or even a state level, currently. But, I can certainly stay plugged in, weigh in, and buy in to what is going on locally. And you can too!!!
Gwinnett Teacher of the Year Resigns Stating 3 Major Problems in Schools
Allen gives three big problems in public school:
student apathy and disrespect for school rules/norms
mobile phone usage
a disconnect between administration and the classroom.
A Pearl of Great Value Starts as an Irritating Piece of Sand
You may feel like you are irritating people with your questions and ideas. And maybe you are. But maybe you are also the irritant, the tiny piece of sand, that creates the environment for valuable change to occur. In order for the pearl of great price to be realized, there had to be something initializing and catalyzing the change.
The Last of My Kind : a Moderate Republican Willing to Meet in the Messy Middle
We share more in common than our differences. We all want to see a thriving community and a solid school system. And in order to see that come to fruition, our community leaders must lean in, work together, meet in the messy middle, and make sure the main things remain the main things. That’s my work, the work of a moderate republican…but am I the last of my kind?
An Open Door is not Always a “Good Opportunity”
I believe a K-8th grade Performing & Liberal Arts Academy is an initiative you endeavor when you’ve taken care of the basics in all of your schools and have a few extra dollars in your account because you’ve trimmed expenses in other areas.
If You Only Have $20, You Can’t Spend $30
I believe we need to pay our teachers top-dollar. And if that means we need to scale down our program offerings to the essentials of teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic…then that’s what I’ll advocate for. I believe classroom management and discipline issues are MUCH more important than most of the new programs we are looking at funding. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I believe we need to get back to the basics and spend our money on the people who are teaching and managing these kids in the classroom.
Bailey to Seek Reelection to Newton County BOE District 1 Seat
Cut me and I bleed ‘Newton County’…in our school system we aren’t where we want to be yet, but we are ready for the challenge. I feel like there is much work to be done.