[Winona Online Democracy]
I'd like to chime in and respectfully request that we all take a deep breath before we move forward.
I don't find the negative labeling of persons or processes conducive to an open discussion--my humble opinion, of course.
I'd like to take a shot from an outsider's (of the disctrict that is) point of view to re-direct the discussion to common interests:
1) We all have an interest in trying to have trust in individuals and processes. What can the greatest number in our community agree upon as steps to insure trust of individuals, organizations and processes? I currently am aware of Dwayne's opinion on the matter, but I'll bet there are other points of view as to how to go about developing trust at this point in the conflict.
2) We all have an interest in the children in our community being educated.
3) We all have an interest in fiscal responsibility. From what I am aware, this is the goal of the board and administration and they are clearly making every effort to achieve this goal within the parameters available to them (if Jim's analogy is correct, they have very little control over what can be cut and have few alternatives for rasing funds due to the legislature and the "no" decision regarding the referendum).
Can others define common interests? This conflict seems to me to be much more about the process--not only of coming to decisions, but also responding to decisions--than it is about the specific content of the recommendations for the building. I do acknowledge that there are many who are disappointed in the effects on the building, but there will always be disappointments when cuts have to be made.
Maybe there is something wrong with a system that allows for funding for facility changes like the ones proposed, but can't seem to find money for our marching band!!!
BTW, I would like to thank Mr. Durand for the most recent radio spot highlighting the excellence of our WSHS. Can we keep our eyes focused on what is needed to sustain excellence? It seems to me that the administrative offices location is not relevant to sustaining that excellence, but if the library reconfiguration is more apt to meet student needs, that aspect of the plan just might be something that serves us all well by contributing to the quality of our kids' education.
Instead of the loss of part of the view becoming a symbol of the "administration" trumping the students, might we re-frame it? What else might it be a symbol of that would reflect a point of view that most can embrace (as compared to simply an Us vs. Them which is my personal take on how I've seen this discussion unfold)?
Kathy Seifert
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Galewski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Dwayne Voegeli" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[email protected]>
Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 7:48 AM
Subject: Re: [Winona] What is the School Board's Side of the Story?
_______________________________________________[Winona Online Democracy]
I've been fidgeting over your posts for the past few weeks. The high school
remodeling is just the latest example.
I agree with you, but I'm not comfortable with the way you verbally try to drag the school board out in the street to ferret out the shyster. I probably recognize your tactics well, because I was pretty good at that tactic myself - on occasion.
Signing your post as county commissioner is equally troubling because of all
the baggage that it brings - not to mention the awful reputation that county
government has - that you inherit by election. (and having the signature
automatic at the bottom every email is probably a luxury you can't afford)
There will be a lot to dislike about the school board's decisions and the
super's ideas. And yes ... I don't think this is honesty's finest hour.
But if being a county commissioner taught you anything, you should know the
frustration of trying to do good with limited resources - and the county can
increase its levy - School boards can't.
I'm not comfortable siding with the school board or Paul Durand, but I wouldn't want their jobs. It appears when the board makes a mistake, it doesn't offer itself the luxury of backing up or saying "this was a bad idea, let's do it another way."
There's a ton of blame ... voters, board members, Super ... all get to take
credit for where we are. It's a dismal situation.
Yes, the board has sat hoping and waiting for a silver lining in the cloudy
skies. It wouldn't be forced to play these cards if it had looked beyond the
next cut. (and the next cut is $3 million by the way)
The whole Lincoln thing stinks, but you - as county commissioner - don't
jump on board until part of the building you work in gets parceled out. Your
post should have been signed "Dwayne Voegeli, high school teacher."
85 percent of the budget is staff salaries
The other 15 percent is what the board can control. Would you like to drive
a car that only allowed you 15 percent access to the controls?
Jim G
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Dwayne Voegeli) Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 06:23:21 -0600 To: [email protected] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Winona] What is the School Board's Side of the Story?
[Winona Online Democracy]
An Open Letter to the School Board Members and Mr. Durand,
The Superintendent and School Board have created a plan for the High School
that they thought everyone would love and be grateful for.
1. Why do you think the staff and students who it is suppose to benefit do
not like the plan?
2. Was the School Board sincere about the plan being a "draft" and that High School Principals, staff, and students will have a chance to offer input and possibly even offer other alternatives for places to locate the Administration within the High School?
Please respond in an open and public way.
More communication is the way out of this mess.
If people run and hide behind walls or power, the problem won't simply go away by ignoring it.
That is a sign of a dysfunctional family and a dysfunctional system.
Dwayne Voegeli
Feb. 8, 2005
------------
Dwayne Voegeli
Winona County Commissioner
(507) 453-9012
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
359 Pleasant Hill Dr. Winona, MN 55987
------------
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