*Note: This is reader-submitted. Opinions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@crawfordcountynow.com

I would not have gotten involved in promoting Wynford’s income tax levy if I didn’t think it was needed. I have spent time with the superintendent and the treasurer, and I’ve attended board of education meetings in order to educate myself on the financial matters and management issues of Wynford. Anything I have said in promotion of the Wynford tax levy is based on truth and facts I discovered on my own, and numbers don’t lie.

Here’s an important number; 23. That’s the number of years since Wynford has asked for a new tax levy for operations. Through all the ups and downs of the economy, through constantly rising costs of running a school district, Wynford has made do with a fixed income for 23 years. Common sense tells us that is not a sustainable way to operate.

Here’s another important number; 10. That’s the number of years Wynford, if the tax levy is passed, will operate before asking voters to consider either renewing the levy, or approving a new levy.

Here’s another important number; 1.75%. That’s the earned income tax rate being asked of Wynford voters. An earned income tax only applies to wages and self-employment income, and is calculated based on a combination of factors with both gross income, and adjusted gross income.

This is the biggest number, and it’s a number that will dramatically increase if the tax levy fails; $750,000. That’s the amount of money cut from Wynford’s budget over the past two years. Wynford did not go to the voters to ask for an increase in operating funds without first tightening its belt. More cuts are planned should the levy fail, such as the elimination of the librarian at the elementary school. That means no trips to the library to check out a book. I haven’t told my granddaughters this, yet, because I know how disappointed they’ll be.

As chairman of Wynford for Kids, the school’s levy committee, I’ve heard the objections voiced by those opposed to this issue, and many of them are either untrue or are based on personal perspectives, but not the bigger picture. Some of the objections are legitimate concerns, and good conversations have come from those topics. Your taxes are too high? So are mine. What I paid for my kids’ education, and now what I pay for my granddaughters’ education, are not taxes to me – it is my chance to pay tuition.

Whether the income tax levy passes or fails, there is always work to be done to make Wynford the best school it can be. I would encourage everyone to come to a school board meeting, talk to a board member, or talk to the superintendent. I also encourage voters to say “Wynford Yes!”

Jay Scott, Chairman

Wynford for Kids

1828 Spore-Brandywine Rd.