Dearest reader,

A Hemlock resident recently reached out with some very reasonable questions about the district's Early Childhood Center and the proposed $17.75 million bond.

Does the center charge tuition? Does it generate revenue? And why are taxpayers being asked to finance improvements to it?

Well, here's where things get interesting. 🧐

According to Hemlock's construction planning documents, approximately $2 million to $3 million in proposed bond funding was identified for the Hemlock Elementary/Early Childhood Center expansion. The district has also identified approximately $1 million in federal funding for the project.

Now, here's something I previously uncovered while reviewing Hemlock's financial records.

The Early Childhood Center generates an operating surplus.

And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. A publicly operated program bringing in more revenue than it spends can be a good thing.

But it raises a much bigger question.

WHERE DOES THAT SURPLUS GO?

Is the money retained by the Early Childhood Center? Is it transferred into other district operations? Is it being set aside for future improvements?

And perhaps most importantly, how much of that surplus is being reinvested into the center before asking taxpayers to finance additional construction through a bond?

But that makes understanding where the money goes even more important.

I'm not suggesting anything improper. I'm asking a simple question about public money.

If a taxpayer-supported program generates more revenue than it spends, shouldn't residents be able to see where that money goes and how it factors into future spending decisions?

With receipts and respect,
Lady B 🕯�

#LadyBudgetdown #HemlockPublicSchools #EarlyChildhoodEducation #SchoolBonds #TaxpayerTransparency #FollowTheMoney