ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

1. Property Taxes Are Rising—Even Without a Rate Increase

Superintendent Matthews says the tax rate hasn’t gone up, but that’s misleading. Property values keep rising, which means taxes do too. The school board  now expects $4–8 million more than last year. Documents show over $5 million of that is from increased property taxes. Their budget messaging hides the full picture.

2. The Petition Is Legal and Necessary

We’re not claiming the board raised the tax rate. Matthews is technically correct—but the board went beyond the legal limit. Kentucky law allows a petition when taxes exceed the “compensating rate” by more than 4%. Shelby County crossed that line. This petition targets only the excess. It’s about transparency and accountability—not pettiness.

3. Shelby County Isn’t Jefferson County

Matthews compares Shelby to Jefferson County, but we’re not the same. Jefferson has more businesses and fewer farmers. Their tax model doesn’t fit us. Even Jefferson County faced a similar petition. Shelby shouldn’t copy counties with inefficient school systems. Families here are leaving public schools. Yet the board keeps asking for more money.

4. Safety Cuts Don’t Match Their Priorities

Matthews says safety is the top priority—but then suggests cutting School Resource Officers (SROs). These positions should’ve been funded long ago. Claiming construction might be delayed is also misleading. The board has plenty of revenue and is required to fund both instruction and construction. These scare tactics don’t add up.

5. Inflation Hits Families Harder Than the Board

Prices are up for everything—buses, tractors, tools, even eggs. The board acts like inflation affects them more than residents. But they’re expecting millions more in revenue. Safety items like weapons detection systems could’ve been funded years ago. Instead, we got a new turf field. That money could’ve gone to real safety needs.

6. Clubs vs. Core Education

Waiving club fees sounds nice, but are all these clubs essential? Do they support reading and math—or something else? Curious if many citizens would rather keep their tax dollars if the core product—education—isn’t strong. Education must come first. Right now, it’s unclear if that’s the priority.

7. There Is No Deficit

Matthews talks about a budget deficit—but there isn’t one. The tax recall affects a small amount. The board is legally required to fund construction and instruction either way. Public documents show they expect $4–8 million more than last year. Calling this a deficit is fear-mongering.

8. Teacher Pay Isn’t the Whole Story

Matthews says we need to pay teachers more. But if funding has increased, why haven’t raises followed? Many teachers leave not just because of pay, but because they’re not allowed to teach freely. Jefferson County pays the most, yet their schools don’t outperform ours. More money doesn’t fix deeper problems. Teachers are frustrated and leaving—and that’s a sign the system isn’t working.

Final Thought

This petition isn’t just about taxes. It’s about transparency, accountability, and making sure our money is spent wisely. Shelby County residents deserve better. Enough is enough.