[Winona Online Democracy] The Board is walking a thin line if they anger people in what is perceived to take actions that appear to be "in your face" to the point that if enough people get ticked off it can cause some major problems for all K-12 education voter approved funding.
Minnesota Statutes are clear in addressing what the public can and can not do. Only four members of the school board can remove another member. The right of recall by the public is not permitted. http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/123B/09.html However the power of the people remains on control of the purse. 126C If approved, an amount equal to the approved revenue .....shall be authorized for certification for the number of years approved, if applicable, or until revoked or reduced by the voters of the district at a subsequent referendum. A referendum on the question of revoking or reducing the increased revenue amount authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) may be called by the board and shall be called by the board upon the written petition of qualified voters of the district. A referendum to revoke or reduce the revenue amount must state the amount per resident marginal cost pupil unit by which the authority is to be reduced. Revenue authority approved by the voters of the district pursuant to paragraph (a) must be available to the school district at least once before it is subject to a referendum on its revocation or reduction for subsequent years. Only one revocation or reduction referendum may be held to revoke or reduce referendum revenue for any specific year and for years thereafter. (d) A petition authorized by paragraph (a) or (c) is effective if signed by a number of qualified voters in excess of 15 percent of the registered voters of the district on the day the petition is filed with the board. A referendum invoked by petition must be held on the date specified in paragraph (a). The ability of the board to raise taxes, using a lease, after the majority of the public supported them to preserve public education is in my opinion a slap in the face to many of their supporters. Having the power and using it needs to be reconsidered because the stakes are too high if they win the battle but loose the war! Paul Double _______________________________________________ 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
