RE: [Winona] Wake Up And Smell The Coffee!!!

[Schmidt, Tania M]

[Winona Online Democracy]

I did not argue that the ALC did not need a new home. I think that any reasonable person might see that they have outgrown their space. What I am concerned about is the lack of communication between the board and the public concerning an additional $2.4 million dollars. What Jerome did was ask questions that would hopefully get an honest discussion going.   I may not be upset about the decision itself, but rather how the decision was made. You're correct in stating the levy is legal. But legal and right are two very different terms. Right would have been the levy’s mention during the referendum.   I do not envy the position of the school board, but that does not mean I do not expect a lot out of them. They have chosen to put themselves into their positions and have asked us to trust them with decisions regarding our schools. Part of trusting any board is open and honest communication with constituents.   As for competition, it is WAPS policy that NO WAPS SCHOOL is to market, sell or compete ANY DIFFERENTLY than any of the other WAPS schools. Therefore, the good things about Central may not be pitted against Jefferson, WK, Rollingstone---or even Ridgeway. Even WAPS knows that competing against itself is not a good idea.   So, while you may think I whine at the drop of a hat, I do not. Rather, I insist that some form of honest government take place in my community. This is not too much to ask.   Tania M. Schmidt       -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Sebo Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2006 6:16 PM To: winona@mnforum.org 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       _______________________________________________ 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

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