[Winona Online Democracy]
At 08:55 AM 7/20/04 -0500, Craig B. wrote:
What do people think about the Winona School District putting a referendum on the General Election ballot in November?
and Linda F. responsed:
**I am enraged, flabergasted(is that a real word?) and think the new superintendt has a lot of nerve (another word comes to mind) coming in and saying 'they need' more money again. It almost makes me wonder who was behind getting him hired. I wish the students could all have new computers too, along with new books, etc. But as long as the teachers have the political power of tenure(yes I think it is political) their pay takes most of our school's budget. This could lead to another topic on tenure. Which I totally disagree with. Where else can you do a poor job and get paid for it as long as you show up??
I already vote no on the referendum. What about all the money that is 'left over' from the Middle School? Use that for the improvements he says are 'necessary'. I cannot believe there is money left over from that building. I could go on and on because the school board really gets me riled, so I will stop for now. :-)
Linda
The most damaging phrase in the language is: 'It's always been done that way.'
Forum members,
There are many people who feel the way Linda does. It is always easy for some people to see a conspiracy, I suppose, but it is rarely either true or productive. Instead of more complaints, the Winona community needs people who can put their personal agendas (e.g. Linda's comments about tenure and referenda) aside, look objectively at all sides of an issue, and come up with well thought out solutions. Now: let's move back to something productive: the originally question which Craig posed:
My guess, from working with quite a few superintendents, is that Mr. Durand has floated a "trial balloon" to see what the public response is. The newly hired head of any organization, at least if they are any good at getting things done, tries to use the "honeymoon" period shortly after hiring to jump-start things before the "we've always done it that way" crowd reestablishes itself.
That the public schools have been woefully underfunded for many years is a sad reality we must all deal with. One of the few ways a school district has to control its own destiny is through public referenda. I look forward to Mr. Durand presenting his arguments to the school board, and if they agree to the school board presenting its arguments to the public. Only then will I decide whether to support a referendum or not. To make up my mind now, without the necessary information, would be a pretty dumb idea.
Ed Thompson
_______________________________________________
This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy
All messages must be signed by the senders actual name.
No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list.
To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit
http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona
Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at
http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
