[Winona Online Democracy] I just returned home from tonight's School Board meeting.
The numbers of 7 came up a few times in interesting ways. 7 Tonight 7 School Board members voted 7-0 to move the Administration to the High School. 70 Over 70 High School teachers and staff have now signed a petition regarding the remodeling plans. 700 Most importantly, at tonight's School Board meeting, High School students presented a petition in opposition to the current plan that was signed by over 700 students! ----- The meeting was discouraging for many reasons but I want to focus on one possible positive part of the meeting. At the meeting, a few Board members seemed to indicate it might be possible to revise or change the current remodeling plans. They said the currrent plan should be viewed as a "draft." Again, to help improve overall public understanding of a public issue, and to decrease misunderstandings, I'd like to keep this conversation public. (Vicki Englich stated in her closing Board remarks tonight that people should be informed when they share their opinions. I agree. Please help us all be better informed by sharing information with the staff and community. Huge doses of information are the best way to solve the misundertanding and misinformation problems that cut both ways.) ------ Speaking of which... Where do we go from here? ------ If possible, could one of the School Board members or the Superintendent respond to the following questions? 1. Is the current plan to remodel the High School truly viewed by everyone on the School Board and the Superintendent as a draft? I think it's important to be clear about that and to let all the staff and students know. 2. Speaking in rough ball park figures, what percentage of the plan could be revised? 10%? 20%? 50%? Everything? Are the possible revisions limited to small things (color of desks, etc.?) or could everything possibly be put back on the table as long as we all assume that the Administration is coming to the High School? 3. Being as clear and specific as possible, how will this next stage in the process take place? What will it look like? How much time is there to decide? 4. More than one School Board member said or implied that the plans could change. Who will be allowed, or even encouraged, to take part in the process? Our High School Principals? Teachers and staff? High School Students? 5. Could some kind of clear communication be sent to all staff letting them know it's o.k. and safe to volunteer to serve in this kind of body? Maybe even to help get the ball rolling? ------ Again, if we could combine the good people and experience of the Relocation Committee with the good people and experience of the High School Principals, Staff, and students, good things could happen. I just worry that everyone is clear about what can happen, when it will happen, and how it can happen. ------ Back to the School Board Members... Thank you again to all the School Board members and Mr. Durand for the work that you do. I disagree with your decision tonight but I also respect your dedication and service to the kids and families in the community. Please work with the High School Principals, staff, and students and good things can happen. Dwayne Voegeli Feb. 3, 2005 ------------ Dwayne Voegeli Winona County Commissioner (507) 453-9012 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 359 Pleasant Hill Dr. Winona, MN 55987 ------------ _______________________________________________ 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
