[Winona Online Democracy]
Hello Bob and Others,
Bob, about the ALC. Yes, there has been a discussion of that building and
program for over a year now, not just months.
But name ONE time when it was discussed where it was going. Can you? If
you can, it sure would be news to me and the district's staff.
It was always a part of the puzzle that was hanging out there. It was a
loose end Mr. Durand and the School Board seemed to have worked out somehow
but weren't willing share with anyone, including the School District staff
that work there. It seemed like Mr. Durand had something worked out in one
of his grand plans with the City that only he and the (entire-open meeting
laws?) School Board seemed to know about. Apparently, that option and
others fell through. Apparently multi-million dollar decisions were being
made before other agreements were secured.
To say people shouldn't be surprised by this decision is just plain
polly-annish.
About Ridgeway. Do you have any idea about the kind of dirty pool that has
been played with those good folks out there?
The kids and families in this district deserve the very best of facilities.
They also deserve an honest, respectful, civil, and open School Board and
Superintendent.
Unless the School Board and Superintendent are honest, respectful, civil,
and open, the community will never support the kinds of needs our kids
deserve.
You asked if I thought the kids deserved better. Were you serious?
Please do not question my or any other teachers' commitment to the kids when
we question the decisions and actions of our elected office holders.
One issue I hope doesn't get lost in the righteous anger over the new
$200,000 levy is the staffing decision that was made at the same School
Board meeting.
If the kids and their families were the top priority in the School District,
Kurt Kiekbusch would be re-assigned back to his former job as the Dean of
Students at the High School. He is a man with a heart of gold and a passion
for helping kids. No amount of thinly veiled excuses can hide the petty
personal politics behind that poor decision.
Dwayne Voegeli
Jan. 22, 2006
===========
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Sebo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2006 6:16 PM
Subject: [Winona] Wake Up And Smell The Coffee!!!
[Winona Online Democracy]
You know, I realize people will piss and moan at the drop of a hat. But
this most recent discussion of the ALC and Ridgeway and the school board
leaves me almost speechless. Where have you people been that you are
surprised by these developments?
We have known for months (if not years) that the ALC would make way for
Community Ed in the 'Big O' space. They had to go somewhere. It was no
secret that even given a successful referendum, the district might have to
levy to pay for some additional needs. Alternative funding sources may
yet
be needed for technology investments, since that portion of the referendum
was rejected. Will you people complain about that, too?
Voter approval is not required for lease levies. It's the law...not a
conspiracy.
As for Ridgeway. I would be pleased as punch to see it reopen as a public
school. We have learned that closing schools does not save money, so why
not reopen Ridgeway if it could increase revenue for the district? I
thought we wanted our public schools to be competitive...now you don't
want
them to compete? That makes no sense.
Jerome Christianson gets on his high horse and writes a
'get-people-riled-and sell-newspapers' editorial ( don't get me
wrong...I'd
be trying to sell newspapers if I were Jerome). This does not mean a
conspiracy is afoot.
It means, to me, that while people have all of the energy in Winona to
criticize our public schools, they have no energy to become involved in
finding solutions to our schools' problems...let alone even bothering to
keep abreast of developments.
If the school board wanted to make decisions in a smoke filled back room
they'd have to burn toast and notify the fire department first. Who do
you
think these people are? The Tamany Machine?
I'm particularly disappointed in the words of the esteemed chair of our
County Board. Dwayne Voegli lives in a glass house when he accuses the
school board of dysfucntional behavior. Dwayne likes to stir the puddin'
a
bit too much.
Dwayne...are you actually opposed to additional education spending and
increasing our commitment to neighborhood schools? I don't think so. I
think you like to aid and abet.
I get so upset by this fundamental lack of respect for this important part
of our community...our public schools...and for the fundamental lack of
respect for public servants who have the worst job in town...school board
members.
We don't need the cheapest public schools in Winona. We need the best. I
have my share of issues where I think the school board is dead wrong, but
this wholesale bashing of our schools' leadership is unbecoming this
community.
I'm sorry for this train of thought posting but some of you people make me
mad.
PS..JJ...I sign my posts.
Bob Sebo
Winona
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