[Winona Online Democracy]
Paul,
You're right to be concerned about the district finances. 861 will continue
to face tough budgetary problems despite the cuts that were made last
spring. I would be reluctant to say, though, that budgetary cuts are the
"only" choices.
Last spring, I reviewed every page of the district's budget and my
conclusion was that we do not have a "budget crisis", we have a "funding
crisis". The simple bottom line is that 60% of the school districts in the
state had a budget deficit last year. Most of these were out-state school
districts. That tells me that there is something fundamentally wrong with
how schools are being funded in our state and if we are going to solve our
budgetary problems in Winona, we need to address the issue from the funding
side of the equation.
Last spring, Winona organized a "March for Schools" at the capital to lobby
for more funding. This event was organized in only five days and, despite
the short notice, 40 school districts were present and nearly 500 people
attended. I think that Winona and other out-state school districts need to
continue to work together to lobby for a long-term funding solution. It is
unconscionable
that in this time of such great prosperity (and government surpluses)
schools
should have to increase class sizes and cut programs.
The school board recently formed a legislative committee for this purpose.
I have signed up to participate. I also hope to lobby our Senators to
convince Congress to provide additional funding for Special Education costs.
Back when Congress mandated Special Education, they said they would fund 40%
of the cost to local school districts, but currently they only cover about
8%.
I also think that locally we need to show a commitment to our public school
system by considering a levy override referendum that is at least consistent
with other similar school districts. If we pass a $415/per pupil
referendum, the state will match it dollar for dollar and it would bring
$1.1 million into our school system (this would cost a resident with a
$100,000 home, $56 a year in additional property taxes).
So when it comes to the budgetary issues facing the district, those are my
priorities. I do not think there are any cuts we can make that will
"improve" the educational experience of our students, so I think we need to
get serious about solving this from the funding side of the equation.
For more information you can visit a couple of websites I put together last
spring about these issues:
http://marchforschools.winona.org/
http://www.winona.org/schoolfunding/index.html
Thanks for your question,
-Steve Kranz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2000 4:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Winona] Web Page To Compare Local Candidates?
> [Winona Online Democracy]
>
> My question would be ------
>
> Given these as the "only" remaining choices available to balance the
budget
> in the next round of salary negotiations what would your ranking priority
> be "among the following tough choices".
>
> � Close smaller schools
> � Increase class size
> � Eliminate all Co-curricular activities including band and sports.
> � Eliminate all General Fund funding of all Co-curricular activities
> � Freeze salaries except for lane changes which may cause a strike
> � Freeze salaries except for step changes which may cause a strike
> � Lay off staff on the basis of seniority which may cause a strike
>
> Paul Double
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> >Subject: Re: [Winona] Web Page To Compare Local Candidates?
> >Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2000 11:39:33 -0600
> >And voters, feel free to ask the candidates questions via this list.
> >
> >So, I'll get the ball rolling and let you know that I am a candidate for
> >District 861 School Board. I'll put together a post outlining what I
think
> >is important for the district, but in the meantime I'd be happy
> >to hear anyone's views on issues and/or answer any questions.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >-Steve Kranz
>
>
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