With the Brainerd School District levy referendum vote less than six weeks away, a volunteer committee has been formed to help grow community support for the vote.
Randy Klinger, chief executive officer for the Brainerd Family YMCA, said Thursday he has agreed to serve as co-chair of the Vote Yes Yes Citizens’ Committee. Miranda Anderson, Essentia Health marketing director, is serving as committee co-chair, he said.
Klinger said the group is in the early planning stages of developing a plan to inform voters about the upcoming levy. He said the core group of volunteers represents all segments of the community.
“We researched other school districts that have experienced successful levies and we’re formulating best practices on a communication plan for voters in our district, so they can make an informed decision with the upcoming levy,” Klinger said.
The district is asking voters in the Nov. 8 general election to support two levy referendum questions. The first question asks for a renewal of the district’s expiring $199.24 per pupil operating levy. The second question asks for an additional $200 per pupil.
The Vote Yes Yes committee is a separate entity from the school district.
The district itself is also planning ways to get the word out. Superintendent Steve Razidlo said at Thursday’s school board meeting that the input he and other administrators are getting from staff and community members is that more information needs to be provided to the public about the referendum.
As a result, the district will host three informational sessions. The sessions are tentatively planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Forestview Middle School in Baxter, Oct. 27 at Brainerd High School and Nov. 1 at Nisswa Elementary School.
Razidlo said the district is also in the process of developing an informational website about the levy, which will include a question and answer section. In addition, school staffers are developing information to be released soon on what passage and failure of both levy questions could mean for the future of the district.
Razidlo told board members that he was asked by the League of Women Voters Brainerd Lakes Area if the school district would participate in a forum about the upcoming levy vote. Razidlo said he wanted board members’ thoughts on participating in a forum. Typically, forums are for candidate debates.
Board member Chris Robinson said he was concerned that a forum format would appear to turn into a debate with advocacy made by the district. This could cross some legal boundaries. Robinson said he could support more of an informational session, but not a debate-style format. Razidlo said he would find out more information about the intent of the League of Women Voters request.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
Comments (43)
Add commentThe simple fact is...
that the United States spends more per pupil than any nation of earth, except Switzerland, so it to much to ask for better results than a mediocare education system? The other question I would have is if more money would be spent on education then where would those dollars go and to what benefit would they be?
look in garbage
If the schools need more money maybe they should look in the garbage cans and get it. I know someone who worked for the school district and he was appalled by the amount of perfectly good food that was thrown away on a daily basis. If they can't control how much food to make daily and throw it away, how many other things are out of control and being wasted?
MN L'User
What sickens me is you rambling about your seasonal lake home and you're worried about your property taxes??? Some people can't afford one home. This kind of greed and selfishness is whats wrong with the world. Lose the me, me, me attitude. Every kid deserves the best education out there. Leave the lake and join the real world.
Moonhawk
If you can't afford your property taxes, MOVE. Quit crying about what they are going to cost next year and the school district "sneaking" this in. You sound really paranoid.
Look for the union label
in the last contract settlement which ended in 2011( the one that cost us an additional $200,000) it cost the taxpayers $1.317 million over the two years of the contract and teachers and programs were cut. that makes no sense paying more to less teachers. in the private sector if given the choice to no raises to save jobs we say no to raises so we can save a fellow employee's job. in the teacher's local union i personally believe they only care about themselves. has the union ever agreed to no increase of anything, including lane and steps increases to save another teachers job. no way they only care about themselves.
god is great, beer is good, and people are crazy