After coming home from school today, my 3rd grade daughter asked, "Mom, you know how we might not have sports anymore. Will we still be able to just go out and play tennis on the tennis courts?"
What a horrible burden we have placed on the children of the Park Rapids Schools. For the past five years, they have had to worry about such things as losing teachers, friends to neighboring schools (or moving away), band, choir, sports, art, etc. I don't ever remember having to worry about such things as a child.
We, as a community, have made our children grow up too fast. They have had to worry about another possible failed referendum. Aren't we as adults supposed to protect our children and give them the tools they need to become productive members of society?
We, as a community, voted to build this new school. We now need to support it. It doesn't matter whether you have children in school or not. We are all responsible for the success or failure of our schools. It doesn't matter what has happened in the past. Holding grudges or making excuses benefits no one. I am not minimizing the feelings concerning the Osage school closing. I just believe it is time to let go and look at the issues facing us today.
All children deserve a well-rounded education. All children deserve to be in a classroom small enough that they feel they matter as well as having the time and space to learn. All schools should have co-curriculars to help enhance team playing, leadership, a belief in oneself that you can reach your goals, etc.
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You have been given the power to vote. Take advantage of that right and educate yourselves on this issue. Please, learn about what will happen to the school/our children/our teachers/our families/our community before you vote. I am sure you will discover you should be voting "yes." This issue is so much larger than just a simple "no" vote so your taxes won't be higher.
Remember, we are all responsible for our community.
Tammy Zunich Andersen
Park Rapids
