Cuts would make
families choose
I am a Park Rapids graduate. I have children enrolled in Park Rapids School. Professionally, I am a teacher. Needless to say, I have some strong opinions about the referendum vote taking place Nov. 7.
As someone who attended the Osage School, it broke my heart when the decision was made to close it. It was a tough choice that had to be made by the school board and administration because of property tax changes and educational funding revisions made under Ventura's tenure as governor. Legislative changes have really hurt not only our school but many others in the state financially.
Unfortunately the timing meant disaster for Park Rapids. A new school had just been built and our other buildings remodeled. A large error had been found in the bookkeeping making it appear as though it was mismanagement by our administrators and school board, when the real reason was the state had let us down. Over 90 percent of school districts have needed to pass operating levy referendums since 2000.
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Why has Park Rapids cut teachers before cutting every extracurricular activity? Quite frankly, extracurricular activities lead to stronger, better-rounded students, who are more attractive to employers and colleges. In addition, as activities are cut, it creates an exodus of students to other districts who offer them, which causes the school's financial situation to be worse, which causes more cuts. Is it a bluff? If you think it is, then you haven't been paying attention the last few referendums.
Because of past failed referendums, I have asked my sons if they wanted to attend another school. My children's response has been a resounding no, but not any longer. If this referendum fails, my sons have decided to switch schools because of the loss of extracurricular activities. The surrounding schools will not be able to absorb all of the students who want to open enroll and many will be turned away.
I hope you vote yes. I, for one, do not want our district to be the "poster child" for what is wrong with Minnesota's funding to our schools.
Jlayne Torma
Menahga
