I commend Kelly Herold for his
willingness to provide a public response to some difficult questions. I
disagree, however, with Kellys assertion that most members of WOD are opposed
to the levies. There is no evidence of for this. As in most issues, there are
people on both sides. The proportion on online contributors who supported the
last referendum was clearly higher than the proportion of District 861 voters
who supported it, as measured by election statistics. In fact the difference
between WOD and the community has been pointed to as a basis for criticism of
WOD as being not representative of the community at large. If by any chance
most online contributors oppose the current proposed levies, Id be greatly
surprised, given the general tenor of comments on school issues over the past
few years. As Dwayne Voegeli has noted, a change would be a major flip-flop.
In fact, given WODs general support of school issues, opposition by even a
slight majority would foretell a landslide negative vote by the community at
large.
I personally intend to vote for
all the measures presented. I believe the potential value of most of the
proposed programs and plans more than counterbalances some questionable
actions of the district and the hardships that extra taxes will impose on some
people. A good educational system is vital to the community. The proposed
reductions following a levy failure could cause a downward spiral from which
the Winona public schools could never recover.
I know many people may disagree
with some policies or means of communication of the board and administration
but still support more money for the schools. The district officials are
making a serious mistake if they believe that all people who criticize certain
decisions of the board automatically oppose the levies. If the board and
administration continue to assume that, the belief will become a
self-fulfilling prophesy.
Moreover, as Craig Brooks
implied, to paint all critics in the worst possible light certainly seems to
be the goal of some board supporters. Greg Olsons calling Pat Molines views
pathetic reflect this attitude, assuming the term wasnt meant humorously.
The attitude has been shown in many messages to various media by
partisans of the board and administration. Perhaps it reached its low point
when in a letter to the Winona Daily News an ardent supporter of school board
policies accused critics of the high school remodeling plan of being racists.
This is how to gain votes? I realize that intense involvement in a cause often
buries good judgment. I realize too that the administration and the board
cannot control ardent supporters. But those school officials who realize the
harm of such attacks can warn partisans of the consequences. They should avoid
implied endorsement of the attacks with the appointment of such people to
official committees.
No matter how harsh criticisms
of current policies may be, the district's spokespeople should avoid
responses that could create such anger that potential yes votes are
converted to no votes.
Roy
Nasstrom
