𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬

Warning: I am going to be THAT parent for a few lines of ranting.

Like many Indiana property owners, we paid our spring tax bill this week, and it was the highest we’ve ever received. The portion allocated to East Allen County Schools jumped by $1,111.59, a 31.56 percent increase. This year alone, our household will contribute $4,633.66 to the school system, which now receives nearly 60 percent of our total property tax payment.

My rant is for my son in the marching band. Our taxes are skyrocketing, yet the Leo Marching Band has no lights for their practice area, no sprinklers to soften the ground, and their designated space is being overtaken by an athletic clubhouse. I also wonder why they are prevented from accessing the million-dollar turf field, except when receiving special dispensation to practice where lights, missing grass, or unlevel footing are not an issue.

I didn’t care about the marching band two years ago, before my son joined. I haven’t attended a school board meeting to raise concerns, and I haven’t talked to anyone about this, except the voices in my own head.

I have a lifelong friend on the school board, and I haven’t spoken to her about this. I also know the board appreciates musical achievement. My son, along with several others, was recognized for participating in this year’s Regional Honor Band. This isn’t about neglect or bad intentions. It’s about asking whether we are backing up our praise with real, tangible support.

As I write this, I am on the outside looking in. These words are my own, not part of any organized effort. I’m just a taxpayer, a parent, someone who sees an opportunity for us to use our tax dollars better, more equitably, to promote an already successful program.

This also isn’t a rant against athletics. My other son played football his entire academic career. Without the Friday night lights of fall, it would be difficult for the marching band to practice, perform, and perfect their craft in a competition-like setting. And that is in addition to setting the mood in the stands, trying to gin up enthusiasm and cheer for the Lions on the gridiron. This is a swipe at equity—equity that should be awarded to success.

I’m frustrated for the 10 percent of Leo High School’s student population who are in marching band. They’ve had more competitive success than all but one athletic team, yet they keep getting the short end of the stick.

And I’m frustrated with myself. I haven’t been civically active, haven’t attended meetings, and haven’t even read the minutes. I haven’t spoken up for the often-overlooked “band nerds” who wear the label proudly and have case after case of hardware to show for their musical success.

Maybe it’s time more of us, myself included, started paying attention. Not just to the tax bill, but to where the spotlight shines, and who is still standing in the dark.