[Winona Online Democracy]
The proposed ALC is not being built with taxpayer money, at least not directly. The school board does have the authority to lease (without voter approval) educational space, which is what it is planning to do re: ALC.
What is appalling to me is that this community has been willing to allow students who take part in the ALC programs to be housed in such substandard space, not designed to meet their educational needs. IMO, the community should be held accountable for this situation, and perhaps now is, to a certain extent, by paying a large lease for a new (to be built) building.
The point is well taken that the ALC programs could possibly have been put into the Lincoln building. I know that there was some discussion in the communit, informally amongst friends, etc. about the idea, with some in favor and some opposed. It may be (and this is only speculation on my part) that some board members were concerned about whether the proximity to the college campus and student housing was a good 'fit' for ALC students.
Re: International Baccalaureate program. My youngest of 4 graduated from the Senior High last May. We had at least one child in attendance at the senior high since the fall of 1992 until her graduation. During these years, I was frequently appalled at the state of the 'libarary' facilities and computer facilities. While I was happy with the AP program, my daughter wasn't able to take part in some of the course offerings in the AP program because of some interesting scheduling choices made by a former administrator, whereby (against school board policy) some challenge/AP classes were dropped unilaterally. I was also appalled and frustrated by the lack of adequate numbers of text books for senior high classes. The senior high staff, parents, students, and community have good reason to feel that the senior high needs and deserves a large influx of funds to address facility, text book, staffing, and other needs at the senior high.
I feel that the IB program could be a wonderful addition to the curriculum of Winona Area schools. The program is recognized internationally, and graduates are able to compete with the best, world wide. It does give students an edge in their application process because it does such an outstanding job of preparing students. If you were in the audience at the WMS auditorium when Superintendant Durand addressed the public re: the referendum, you heard him speak of the program in glowing terms and heard him express his desire to bring this opportunity to students in Winona.
More can be learned about the IB program by a simple internet search that will allow you to view curriculum, schools which have the programs, and much other information.
Terri Hyle
From: "Schmidt, Tania M" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: [Winona] ALC
Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 13:13:00 -0600
>[Winona Online Democracy]
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>I read with interest the WDN Editorial regarding the new ALC being proposed for a hefty $2.4 million dollars. Since this money can be voted on without the taxpayer input, I wonder how many other $2 million dollar tax increases are on the docket after the referendum failed? Will they vote next month on a $2 million dollar technology plan? Perhaps in March they may get to vote a $2 million dollar levy for school upgrades too.
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>I was told that a "check-off" list was going online after the referendum was approved to show how programs were being reinstated. The list is not online yet-and the programs being INstated are NEW not old. (ie IB program). I find it insulting that the board does not take into account who gives them their money. I find it unacceptable that decisions are made behind closed doors. Just because a decision is made in private, does not mean the decision isn't public. Also, how many email or IM quorums have taken place...that were not made public? Technology is funny that way....
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>I was told during the referendum that information wasn't being shared with the public because "they" (members of the board and administration) thought the public didn't want so much information. It wasn't until people made waves that referendum information (specifically numbers) was placed online and shared with everyone.
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>Personally, I'm tired of the idea that the public cannot make intelligent decisions with appropriate and honest information. (We are seeing this in all levels of government, not just our local school board) I'm tired of going to site-base meetings at our elementary school and struggling to get another couple of hours for a custodial staff person, while administration moves for $2 million dollars and new schools are being planned.
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>And did anyone catch the Ridgeway article in the WDN? One of the reasons for not moving ahead with the sale of the Ridgeway building is because the board is thinking about REOPENING!! Ridgeway!!
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> "Hannon said the district has several options: do nothing, sell the building, re-open its own elementary school at Ridgeway, find an alternative use for the building or sell it to the Ridgeway association." (WDN)
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>That move was either shady, brilliant or both! Close a school, wait for it to successfully charter and burst at the seams...and then WHAM re-open the school and leave the parents no choice, but to send their children through WAPS.
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>Maybe school districts are not an economy of scale after all. I look forward to seeing the LTE's to the WDN after today's editorial.
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>Tania M. Schmidt
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_______________________________________________ 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
