[Winona Online Democracy]
The following are a combination of thoughts and comments regarding the
failed referendum. Some mine, some from others.
As people drive by the old Middle School on Broadway, they are amazed
that buildings that only recently were deemed to be near collapse, are
in great shape.
A lingering resentment from the last referendum being pushed through by
the college vote.
Many people in town are struggling with existing property taxes and
realize that although in and of itself, the proposed levy wasn't a
huge increase, when factored with increased valuation and reduced
state aid, it hurts.
A Master's Degree isn't necessary to teach elementary children.
The referendum would have replaced and added to the existing levy with
the understanding that in a year or two, the district would again be in
the hole.
A feeling that the heavy lifting, dealing with school closures, has
once again been side-stepped.
And finally, basic sales training advocates offering the prospective
buyer a choice. "Well then sir, should we write up the Corvette or the
Cavalier?"
I don't think the vote was an outright rejection of increased school
funding but rather a message that the district should offer first, a
chance to continue the existing levy level and then in a separate
question, offer the voter the choice of increased funding.
Notes:
Some of the issues, near the top, are over and done.
I'm not looking to argue or defend the above. Just throwing it out as
an effort to explain some things that may not be evident to those that
work in education or have a large amount of discretionary income.
Don't shoot the messenger.
Terry Angst
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