Many Collier student programs in jeopardy

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Many Collier student programs in jeopardy

By Melissa Cabral, WINK News

NAPLES, Fla. - No more sports, band, or extra programs for all Collier County students.

Some say that will be a reality if voters don't pass a referendum in November.

Ann Waters doesn't have any children in the school system, but is saying Yes for Collier Students.

Waters says, "It just makes sense to me I want my tax dollars spent wisely."

She's one of more than a dozen volunteers in a grassroots group called "Yes for Collier Students." The goal is to pass the flexible funding referendum.

Debbi Grant says, "I have an elementary and high school student and both of them are going to be affected tremendously."

The referendum will allow the district to transfer up to 80 million dollars to cover the cost of student programs for four years.

Waters says, "It does not cost taxpayers anymore money. All we're doing is shifting money."

If it doesn't pass, anything not required by the state will be on the chopping block including marching band, chorus, AP courses, and related arts programs.

Becky Newell says, "We don't need to lose these opportunities for the kids.

It's the last item on the November ballot.

The referendum needs 50% plus one vote to pass.

For more information you can e-mail voteyes@comcast.net

Thursday, Oct 23 at 8:29 PM k wrote ...

SAY NO to the referendum

Tuesday, Sep 30 at 8:15 AM Rene wrote ...

If you vote yes it will save a lot of teachers jobs.......rumor has it that if it is voted down that cuts to elementary art & music will happen at the end of first semester. not only will you loose teachers, you will loose kids - parents will be forced to move, and the kids will have no creative outlet & probably will have no interest in the band in high school without the elementary music teachers there to nurture their musical talents. PLEASE VOTE YES

Monday, Sep 29 at 3:50 PM Sammie Evelyn wrote ...

I think this should be voted as a yes. We need stuff other than regular old math & science classes, something to make our brains more efficient when we finally get to math or science class.

Monday, Sep 29 at 2:54 PM tonya wrote ...

why would you vote no?

Saturday, Sep 27 at 12:58 PM tj wrote ...

vote yes the kids need an outlet in school and to be able to express themselves. its not going to cost us anything its just giving the board the power to shift money its like having money in savings and you need to put it in your checking account to use.

Friday, Sep 26 at 2:57 PM Clay Cartwright wrote ...

As I child, if you woke up in the morning saying "I can't wait to go to math and science!" your a doctor or engineer today. For the rest of us, music, band, art, drama, or any other related arts was why we liked going to school. What would we all have done if Elvis hadn't found himself in 8th Grade choral class? This doesn't cost a thing. Vote YES!

Friday, Sep 26 at 2:55 PM David Llewellyn wrote ...

Many folks may perceive this as an add-on. All it does is move money from part of the budget that is designated for capital expenses, like buildings for example, to the operations part of the budget that is used for program expenses. I was one of those kids who stayed in school because of music. I know others for whom Art or Physical Education was what kept them in long enough to graduate. If we allow these programs to be cut, we are doing a grave injustice to our children. VOTE YES!

Friday, Sep 26 at 12:32 PM Sammie Evelyn wrote ...

I say no to this vote.

Friday, Sep 26 at 12:28 PM Mary Lynn Fisher wrote ...

Music and Art classes allow children to express themselves artistically. This is an important outlet for all students. Imagine Florida Schools without Choral, Band or Elementary Music Programs. I have many students come in and say Ms. Fisher, this is my favorite class all week. I think that taking out music and art and other related arts from school would be a gigantic no --collosal mistake. There are so many things that music does for us: fills our heart, frees our soul. Vote yes!!!!!

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