Posted 4/25/01 Overcrowding already an issue in NB schools To the editor: In the past few weeks, there have been many letters to the editor written regarding the upcoming North Branch School District referendum. After reading the arguments for and against the passing of the referendum, we feel compelled to write. The tax impact, if the bond and levy were to pass, would be approximately $16 more per month for a $100,000 home, or about $200 per year. While it is understandable that there are those who are on a fixed income who have concerns about new taxes, we can personally say that since buying our home almost six years ago, our property taxes have decreased 26 percent. If the bond and levy passed, weíd still be paying less in taxes than we did in 1996. Also, many North Branch residents agree that our schools are overcrowded. In fact, in last weekís Post Review we read that without passage of the referendum, the district would face serious space issues. However, we are not sure if everyone understands the serious space issues we have now. Our son currently attends speech class in what formerly was a janitorís closet. To our knowledge, there is also a bathroom that has been converted to a classroom by placement of a box over the toilet, which is used as a table. Please vote yes when you receive you ballot in the mail. There is a true need in our schools. Bill and Michelle Young North Branch ©Post Review