Once again we are being asked for a Mill Levy Override; once again D38 Deserves Better(D38DB) opposes it. They suggest we wait another year to rebuild trust. I don't trust them and we can't wait; here's why.

1) At least two D38DB members were on the MLO Fact Finding committee. After researching district finances, they concluded the MLO could be reduced from $2M to $1.5M. This committee also investigated the need for more competitive teacher salaries. They presented their findings to the D38 board of education, resulting in the BOE placing a $3M MLO on the ballot - $1.5M for high school operational costs and $1.5M for teacher salary increases. D38 is ranked 5th overall when comparing teacher salaries/benefits to 6 comparable districts including Academy, Harrison, Falcon and Douglas. Without the MLO we will not retain our experienced, qualified teachers. We will open Palmer Ridge HS, but with substantial impact at every grade level.

2) D38DB asks the district to use "excess reserves" to help cover the two items listed above; they neglect to tell you this is already being done with $1.5M of undesignated revenue earmarked for these purposes. However, excess revenue is finite and not a solution for ongoing expenses.

3) D38DB criticizes the BOE. However, in a petition they claim was successful, asking for BOE members to step down, only two board members were named, and neither stepped down. Why weren't all 5 members included? Stephen Plank, Dee Dee Eaton and Gail Wilson were on this board; all participated in decisions D38DB cites as fiscally irresponsible. Voting records are public. Check for yourself to see if those votes were split. I submit they were not.

4) Mr. Plank recently said the BOE has final authority over everything in this school district. Our BOE is made up of volunteers - moms, dads, business people; they are not hired to run the schools. They are elected to create goals and policies, and to HIRE a superbly qualified Superintendent to run the day-to-day operations of our district. They have done that, and I trust that Dr. Blanch and his administration will use the MLO for exactly those items stated on the ballot. I urge you to attend Dr. Blanch's next "Coffee & Conversation" and judge for yourself.

Don't believe their propaganda. Do the right thing for our kids - do the research, get the facts, and vote FOR the MLO.

Kelly Kempf-Mobley
Black Forest, CO