by Matt Marquardt –
MASON CITY – Jack McCourt doesn’t want to see any school levies passed anytime soon here in Mason City.
He says he helped defeat the last two and that the school board plays dirty by holding elections in the cold winter months.
Now he has heard that the Mason City School District will be pursuing another levy.
“I am a voice against everything they do,” Jack McCourt said this weekend, referring to the Mason City School Board.
McCourt had a cement block painted at Max Weaver’s garden on 2nd Street NE, speaking out against any levy from the district. (See photo of Jack McCourt next to his painted block. Weaver says that there is a block reserved to be painted by anyone in support of a school levy.)
McCourt is a Korean War Veteran and an honor guard member, who participates in the firing of volley shots at funerals for military veterans. He says that raising taxes will hurt the elderly and the poor.
In a video interview, McCourt says the school district is wasteful and didn’t need to refurbish or rebuild any school buildings. He is also upset that school district administrators and teachers get a raise “every year.”
“I think they’re nuts,” McCourt said. “They have declining enrollment. They should be lowering taxes not looking for more.”
For more, watch the video interview:
httpv://youtu.be/O-GqvfjvGN4
“I am a voice against everything they do,” Jack McCourt said this weekend, referring to the Mason City School Board.
This statement makes me believe that Mr. McCourt is much like the tea party members in Congress who stated once elected they would never agree to anything that came from the White House and they would vote no until President Obama was out. McCourts’s type of negativity solves nothing and presents him as a grumpy old man. All it does is prolong the agony that we are going through. And, what if the school board did something he liked? Would he still not admit they had done something right? Grumpy old man is a good definition for him.
I agree with you 100%, Bodacious. On top of it all, the guy is wearing a Mohawk Wrestling shirt. The year is 2012, Jack. The world has passed you by.
Thanks Ben. We don’t always agree but at least we can be civil.
I have a person I know that graduated from Mason City school. Went to Niacc for 4 years graduated. Wanted to go in the air force. Took the examine and flunked. Could not add. Now working in a restraunt.
……and I am quite certain that the effort (or should I say LACK of effort) all through school had nothing to do with failing the test. So easy to blame others when failure occurs in life. We are a society of blamers. It is quite pathetic…..and we wonder where kids these days get it from.
Taxation WITHOUT representation! No more money for these projects or teachers!
One big factor people are ignoring is the very high cost of educating special needs students as well as taking care of all the delinquents who would have just dropped out years ago. This stuff takes money away from the traditional students and the district has no choice. That being said, I dont like the super and teachers need to give a little too. This. Community is dying…a sub par education system will speed that up. Newman has never looked better.
About 5 years ago the MC School Administration and Many Clergy from local Churches campaigned and succeeded to vote down a New Casino For Cerro Gordo that ended up 20 miles North. They would not listen to all the supporters for the Casion and how it would financially impact the community. Now you want the tax payers of Cerro Gordo County to pay for your actions. Sorry, Go Fish!
Gardenplots nailed it on this issue. It is comical watching Worth County spending all its funds while stuffy old Cerro Gordo continues its steady decline.
The anti Casino element did not think people would make the drive up to the casino and would sit in Mason City and hang around the Music Man Square.
Wit a declining school age population and sharing a superintendent that lives in Clear Lake does anyone think a levy will pass?
It is time for the Mason City school district and local governments to get out of the fantasy world they live in and join the real world.
“Add & Subtract”… I like “Faye’s” comments about the checker that could not count change back. I had a very similar experience recently at a restaurant (no name). My bill was $29.50, so I gave the cashier $50.50, whom I’d say was approx 32 y/o. The change I received was $71.oo ! Imagine that – being paid to eat there and receiving a hefty tip to boot!
I corrected the cashier and had to tell that person how much change I should have gotten and the cashier’s reply was ” I even have a college degree” DUMD A$$ !
That’s just one of the problem with the education system in our country these days. Students are not being taught the necessary Math skills, etc, to survive without having a darn calculator at their fingertips. The whole darn education system has failed us. So will shoving more money into the program provide smarter students ? HELL NO But the school board and teachers pray upon the taxpayer and say “IT’S FOR THE CHILDREN” ! Hogwash ! It’s for the support of the teachers union and the NEA has failed the US taxpayer greatly !
I will be voting “NO” on any upcoming school levy. Enough is enough !
I want to live in Jack McCourt’s world. A world where no company makes a decision on where to locate or expand based, in part, on the quality of the schools. A world where no physician makes a decision on where to practice and raise his family based, in part, on the quality of the schools. A world where NO ONE makes a decision on where to live and raise their family based, in part, on the quality of the schools. Do you know where that world is Mr. McCourt? It’s only between your ears. But could I ask one favor? When you get mad enough to leave, take Max with you.
When is it enough? How much do you want for schools? Does anyone ever get to stand up and say I think you better slow down the spending without being bullied with “but it’s for the children” and scare tactics? Yes, people that don’t want to keep funding what seems a bottomless pit for schools don’t want quality physicians in town, they want stupid kids, and we don’t want companies to locate here because we don’t fund out schools. Whatever…I think people are sick of hearing scary stories. Newsflash- companies, physicians, etc. also don’t want to locate where taxes are too high. Doh! Increased spending equals increased taxes does it not? Or does this money magically appear? Why don’t you start a private citizen’s donation fund and you can hit up all the people that think like you do and leave the rest of the people alone? If you are so sure of your logic you should have no problem collecting money, right?
As a new commenter, I will be voting no!
Can’t justify more money when they just gave some nice fat pay raises.
Thank you.
How would you define a”fat” pay raise.
By looking at your Mom.
Ahhhh…. I see. We are dealing with someone with a middle school mentality.
I don’t mind reading Mr. McCourt’s opinion. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but appreciate his passion. A couple things struck me in his video. He mentions some things going on at the high school, like students not being able to add and subtract and no foods courses.
Kids at the high school can add and subtract, and there are foods classes offered at MCHS. There are a couple of other inconsistencies, but I would have to watch the video again to fairly comment. My issue is with a lack of research or any effort to get the other side of the story.
Again, I’m not saying he’s wrong, but wouldn’t it be worth taking some time to look at how this money being spent impacts student learning?
Add and substract? I was waited on by a high school gal at HyVee one day. The cash register lost power and she stood there dumb founded. She then told me she didn’t know how to count change. I counted out my change for her. I have heard a few other reports of simular storys over the years What a shame.
What school building did they sell for a dollar and how long ago was that, just wondering.
Washington School was sold to Charlie Brown Daycare who is already subsidized by our taxes.
Charlie Brown did purchase that building and paid a lot more than a dollar, actual closer to $180000 for it. And if you do some research Charlie Brown is not supported by tax payer dollars. . I suggest checking the facts before commenting. They do have parents that receive financial assistance for child care, due to their own individual needs. But you could then say HyVee, Fareway, Walmart ect are supported by taxpayers just because people spend theirs food stamp or other financial aid to purchase groceries at these business.
Within the last year or so.
Well done Jack. Public schools need to realize how ridiculous they look when they spend millions on new buildings for declining enrollment, then cry they have no money left.
Reminds me of people who have brand new cars in their yards, smart phones, and satellite TV. Then stick their hands out for public assistance for food.
Get your freakin’ priorities straight!
Vote NO
TEACHERS UNION at its ugliest. NEA is to blame for our nation’s failig education system !
VOTE NO on school tax levy !
Mr McCourt hit the nail dead on with a giant hammer once again KUDOS Jack
Learn to spell when criticizing teachers.
Big difference between a typo and a spelling error. Maybe you should go back to 3rd grade to learn the difference.
Not a big difference. Just common ignorance.
I’ll take that ignorance if that’s what you want to call it over stealing from the needs of the children. But it WAS a type-O. And there is a big differnce unless YOU are the one STEALING.
But no worries…WE will stop you AGAIN.
As Jim Carey would say, Back to you…..
Hel, I join in the ingnornace. I take it all day ovr theaft. Lol.
Agan….Back to you……
Wait, we have to choose theft OR being able to communicate correctly? They sound related to me. You went to school with taxpayer money to learn skills from teachers so you don’t look like an illiterate hick. So YOU stole my money?
“You went to school with taxpayer money”
I did? Huh. That’s an assumption. Go ahead…you take the firt part of that. You earned it.
Ever hear of home schooled? Ass you me much? You have no fukn idea what i did or didn’t do. The fact of the matter is, you don’t know shit. Lol. Back to you….
BtW, hav a god day.
GET OUT AND VOTE.
By the way. If you have any more questions, I am sure you might find Jack and some more of these people who can’t afford more taxes at the casino in Northwood plotting their next move!!
It’s their money, not yours. Stop with the collectivism. It’s overdone and that’s what’s gotten us into this mess. There isn’t enough money for all your pie in the sky ideas. Why should you decide or criticize what they do with their own money? Maybe some would criticize what you do with your money but guess what it’s your money? Get the concept?
When Mr. McCourt says that supporting the schools will hurt the poor, something which needs to be considered is the shift of responsibilities that has occurred in the last 20 years. The rate of free and reduced families attending our schools has skyrocketed, especially in this current economy. If the families are not able to pay for things like school supplies, meals, or even $2 field trip fees, this shifts the responsibility to the schools. Yes, I realize the rate of businesses and individuals offerring private support for those students has also increased, but not nearly as rapidly. I am a mcsd mom, and for the past two years have not only provided supplies for my children, but have provided supplies for at least three other students in my son’s class, yet I know there were more who didn’t have them. I believe the elementary teachers have a supply budget of $100 for the year. This includes everything from kleenex, glue, paper, scissors, markers, pencils, books…..things which are required to teach. This deletes those “wish” items for teachers, like a new resource to teach reading comprehension, or math materials which our students need to compete in the 21st century.
I am not asking people to blindly put a stamp of approval on anything the district (or city for that matter) is asking for. What I do hope people will do is some free research before deciding. Walk into one of the buildings and ask to talk with a principal, or stop in at Central Office and ask why JAMS is being renovated. Take in a list of questions, which I know they will be more than happy to answer. Just get the facts before putting your foot down. School finance is not as straightforward as most believe. There are countless dollars the district has from individual teachers writing grants on their own time. Most of the time these grants are only able to be spent in specific ways. I know of a teacher who wrote for a grant and received $200 from a national store. The grant was offered to purchase only technology which would be used in only that classroom. When the teacher then found out that she was getting 7 students more than she usually has and needed to purchase teaching materials for the students, that could not come from the grant even though she had at that point $50 left. She bought the rest of the supplies for students with her money.
Again – I’m not promoting a rubber stamp on all requests – just a little homework before making decisions.
Consider this…I took MANY pay decreases over the last 6 years. These people are getting 3-4% increases. You CANNOT cry about needing more money and yet approve pay raises. They shot themselves in the foot with that arguement. Thanks for tryin tho.
If they are so damn worried about the money to support the needs of the children, then they should be using the money they choose to put in their pocket instead. Not sure what you or anyone can argue about that.
You remember the old saying…
JUST SAY NO!
It’s JUST as appropriate in this case.
Get out and vote and stop the stealing from the needs of the children folks.
I agree! We need more affordable morons going into the workforce! Stop increasing funding to these schools.
That doesn’t have shit to do with it. Look at your case…moron. Stop stealing from the needs of the children. Take the money from YOUR raise and get the shit you need. Any JACKASS can figure out that’s the RIGHT thing to do. Unless YOUR the one stealing huh “Anonymous”?
If you read carefully, I never said to vote “yes” – I simply asked people to research before deciding. Find out exactly what the levy will be spent on, where the funds have come from to do renovations, and just ask a lot of “why” questions for themselves, rather than deciding without all the information. I believe the insurance increases to the teachers has resulted in a net loss at least two of the last five years. I do, however, see your point, and would just ask that people find out exactly what this levy will be spent on. Instead of voting against everything, which will at some point hurt the students, be informed. If a person wants the money spent directly on students (as it should be) find out where the funds will go…
I agree with your comments and your view. Thank you for an intelligent comment. It just pisses me off that they cry about needing money yet give themselves more money that could be going to the needs of the children. How is that morally right?
Sounds like to me you either need more education and/or a union job. Why not strive to improve your situation instead of trying to drag others down with you. I have never understood that mentality.
“My Voice” you are correct that is seems wrong for teachers to be accepting raises at a time like this, but “consider” is correct when she said that after the raises teachers are still at a net loss because of the increase in health insurance costs. Health insurance goes up and teachers get a raise offsetting some of that cost.
Ok, I’ll adress YOUR intelligent comment as well. Thank you for that. Here’s how I look at what you brought up for the healthcare rebut….I lost over $5 an hour in wage decreases over the last 6 years (25%). My premiums went up on my health care costs too, gas prices have risen, food prices have risen, want me to bring up how Allian Energy wants me to bend over?, just about everything around me costs me more. I have done it with 25% less wage. WHY CAN’T THEY??? I have 2 kids in this school system and I still feel this way. EVERYONE should be forced to make some sacrifices in this economy. So I really don’t care that their raise gave them a break even situtation to offset their health care costs. THEY NEED TO MAKE A SACRIFICE just like the rest of us.
Or even if their raise is still a net loss when considering the health care….good. We ALL need to feel it. My question to them is this…What percentage is the average net loss? If it’s less than 25% then boo hoo. If it’s more, I’ll change my tune.
Remind me again how much we’re paying Anita Micich!? That’s money that could be spent on the needs of the children. HOW MUCH OF A PAY CUT HAS SHE HAD TO TAKE?
Please…do tell. THEN talk to me about my position on this and tell me how I’m looking at it wrong.
Thank you.
I too have helped some children in need with school supplies. But it upsets me that the school board gave raises to staff and administration and then they need more money. I would be more willing to be supportive for a levy if they would cease pay increases for a year or two.
Also, they need to get rid of a couple principals in the offices. I don’t think they need 5 of them at the high school. Too many chiefs…not enough indians…
I agree with Jack on everything he has said. They have declining enrollment which should equal declining costs. They built those new buildings and sold a perfectly good school for a dollar with out a vote and spent millions of dollars. Now they want more money to offset a million dollar raise for the teachers and employees. Bull Crap, no one gives the retirees a million dollar raise. Let them get out of their dream world where money grows on trees and come down to the level most of us live on. They delibertly hold the vote in the winter so the people that go south for the winter don’t vote.
I agree with Jack and these two posters here. Now the question is, is everybody going to just cry about it from the recliner or are we actually going to go vote on it?
I am on Jack’s side the school board and City council seem to think money grows on trees and is there for them to spend anyway they deem fit..
1) How far down was enrollment again this year?
2) What are projections for the future?
3) Everybody associated with the school recieved a nice 3-4 percent pay raise, No recession there.
4) MCHS is the largest government entity in the area. Its time they come to the reality that the money is not there and they are going to have to live with less. This is why are country finds itself in the situation its in. Enough is enough.
In the real world, wages would be cut, people would be cut, and spending would stop.