On Tuesday, August 31, Will Hawkins, the new Silver City Consolidated Schools Superintendent, spoke to Rotary members and guests, outlining his views for helping the students get the best possible education for their needs, whether it be going on to college, business, technical or trade school, or into any other occupation.

Hawkins explained how all the schools, both public and charter, have constant needs for upgrades and improvements, whether it is building maintenance, ground maintenance, or computer and communications hardware and software for students. These facilities and technology upgrades are made possible through the Public School Building Act Levy, which is sometimes called 1.5 mill or House Bill 33.

Hawkins explained that renewal of the mill levy will be on the ballot in this November's election. According to information in a booklet distributed by Hawkins, this is a continuation of a current tax, not a new tax. All registered voters residing within the boundaries of the Silver Consolidated Schools are eligible to vote on renewing this levy every six years. If renewal of the mill levy passes, there will be no increase in home owners' tax bills because the levy will continue as an existing tax. The mill levy translates to $1.50 for every $1000.00 of assessed property value.

The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12 noon until 1 p.m. for lunch in the Sunset Room of the Western New Mexico Student Cafeteria, second floor of the Student Union Building. There is a brief "meet and greet," a short business meeting, and then the speaker has the floor. The club welcomes members of the public to the meetings. Guests are asked to contribute $10.00 if they want a hot lunch with salad, dessert and coffee.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary is the world's oldest and largest service organization, with more than 1.2 million members in more than168 countries. Since its founding in 1923, the Silver City Rotary Club has provided support and service to numerous non-profit organizations and civic causes in Silver City and Grant County as well as supporting and participating in humanitarian projects sponsored by Rotary International.

To find out more about Rotary or to express an interest in joining the club contact club president Bart Roselli at rosellibart@gmail.com, or membership chair Niel McDonald at niel.mcdonald@edwardjones.com.