Parkland administrators and board members have expressed concerns over a proposal in the state legislature to eliminate the property tax as funding for school districts.

Instead, the plan would increase the state sales and income taxes to provide revenue for schools.

Money would be collected through these other sources, then distributed by state officials to the districts.

Districts would no longer have control over their income and would have difficulty planning for the next school term as the state budget process is often delayed and unpredictable.

During a recent board meeting, school director member Bob Bold commented on the prospect of losing a reliable source of funding if the property tax is taken away.

“We’re very nervous,” Bold said. “I hope you’re not sleeping well at night, as you should not be.”

Business Manager John Vignone gave his thoughts on the issue.

“We do well on property tax,” he said. “Once monies are away from here, we can’t count on them.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty.”

Board President David Kennedy pointed out his objection to the plan.

“My concern is the money would co-mingle with other agencies that need money and not all would go to education,” Kennedy said.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak expressed his concerns on possibly loosing property tax for school funding.

“My fear is we’re going to have a movement to mediocrity for everyone,” he said. “Poor schools will get more. Prosperous ones will lose.

“There will be more leveling. If the state has control, there is no local control.”

Board member Jef Reyburn reflected on the issue and the future of the school district.

“We will have the level of excellence Parkland prides itself on regardless of what happens.

“As long as the people at Parkland keep striving for excellence, we’ll be OK, though it may be a little sticky,” Reyburn said.