I’m beginning to wonder if it’s me.
Why does it seem no one is interested in the Brainerd School District levy referendum?
Even my grandma won’t read my school levy stories anymore, but in the interest of fairness, she doesn’t live in the school district.
For the third time this week, I’ve covered the most poorly attended meetings I’ve ever been to in my 14-plus years at the Dispatch.
And I’m left to wonder, why is that?
The Brainerd Public Library was bustling with people of all ages Thursday night but the only people who attended Marv Begin’s anti-levy group, other than the five regulars, including Marv, was Steve Lund, school district director of business services, and me.
Last week the People Against New School Taxation Policies had six people in attendance, including three who said they supported the school levy questions.
Steve told the group he was there to answer any questions they had about the district and the levy and they asked a few.
But mostly there was awkward silence as Marv scanned through one of his four large binders filled with past stories about the district and everyone else stared at one another.
And, frankly, that can be hard to write about. They also talked about the government, tax-increment financing in the city of Brainerd and Social Security.
The only quotable quote was one my editors won’t let me use because of the salty language, something about teachers and breast-feeding, generally speaking.
But I like to think friendships were made in that 45-minute interaction. Marv is always a gracious host and thanked Steve for coming. Steve told the men to contact him whenever they had a question related to school finances, adding that he was only there to provide information and people would have to make up their own minds about whether to support or not support the upcoming levy vote.
Al Tschida said he was going to take Steve up on his offer of a tour of the former school farm. Steve went one step further and asked Al he’d even like to take him out for coffee sometime.
“I think you did the schools some good by coming over here,” Marv told Steve as he was leaving.
“I appreciate that, Marv,” Steve responded.
Group hugs, anyone?
I kid.
Meanwhile next door, at the Brainerd High School community room, Superintendent Steve Razidlo and a few school officials were waiting to give an informational presentation about the Nov. 8 levy.
No one was there either. Except me.
Steve Razidlo joked that maybe he should stand out on the corner with a sign about free hot wings to drum up some audience members.
Then Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan walked in the door, the first of two persons who eventually listened to the presentation.
I asked Marv why he thought no one seems to be interested in hearing about the levy — from him or the school district — and he figured it was because people have their minds made up already. Marv said he won’t be scheduling any more library meetings since so few people show up.
I asked Steve Lund the same question. He thought people are busy and, as a member of Generation X, generally he feels they don’t like going to meetings. Steve also added that the district has a comprehensive and interactive website about the levy so many people may be just visiting that to learn about it.
Does this lack of attendance to these levy meetings give us any indication on what the vote tally will be the night of Nov. 8?
I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
Comments (37)
Add commentFree Hot Wings!
Had I known about the wings, I would have filled my plate.......and left.
Been there. Done that.
30 years ago, I walked through the BHS doors as a student. I did not care about the face of the building and what it looked like. I did not need fancy entries...I was there to learn.
10 years ago, my own children attended BHS. They didn't care about the face either. They were there to learn.
Franklin closed its doors as it was deemed too costly and unsafe for our children. Neither of my children were adversly affected from going there. Today, there is a church and an arts center happily utilizing the space.
Washington was deemed too costly to update. Yet the 181 administrative offices and other ventures seem to have made it work.
Our community is now blessed with a new middle school. Levy paid.
I am done.
Your timeline
Brainerdmn's timeline gets me thinking:
10 years ago BHS was doing its job in educating. Still is.
Franklin is indeed a busy place. When it was last used, it was overcrowded. If I remember correctly, it was also the home of like 300 more students than it was designed for. Try that with your car - put in 7 people instead of 6 -- and by the way, you can't pick who those 7 are -- and make it a good experience. It is not overcrowded now.... and smartly being used.
Washington school -- same problem. Rooms designed for 30 held 40 ...numbers something like that. That's just not safe --- as for the administration now located there --- they used to be over in what is now called south campus. The students got the newer space, the administration got the old space.
Times change.
Hot Wings
I hate to burst everyone's bubble but, I can assure you our Administrator wouldn't be the one footing the bill for the Wings...he would only add it on to the newest levy.
BrainerdMN
And before you your parents or grandparents walked up to the one room school building and after stoking the stove to heat the building they got down to getting educated, everything worked fine.
Somewhere along the line someone saw the value and need in the newer buildings that were BHS, Lincoln, Washington etc..
Call and ask Steve Lund which of the district buildings are the most expensive to operate. I bet Forestview is not in the top five. But hey, at least the kids aren't carrying the firewood anymore.
Ten years ago .....
Ten years ago, Franklin was overcrowded. If I recall, it held 300 more students than it was designed for. It would be like putting 7 people in a 6 passenger car.... and you don't get to pick who those seven are. Space and quality.
The admin. is in Washington now because the space they were in is more usable for students. Washington rooms were designed for 27 kids, but most classes at the switch were closer to 35. Its that car analogy again... now do that after phy ed with teenagers. Space and air quality were poor.
You can make all the clever quips you want. We need to address the practices today based on the needs of today, not on the uses of a decade ago.
Where are the people?
It could be that people don't go to meetings and ask questions
about the levy because someone would know who they
are and harass them or their family.
If you have a child in school and ask a question about
how money is spent, they can and have taken it out on
your child. Harass is too strong of a word, but I have
experience in that a teacher's child got after my daughter.
I would like to get rid of the steps and lanes and change
the funding so that all students in the state get equal funding
from the state.
There has been so much added to the school day that was
not intended in the state constitution. Back to basics please.
Why does noone show up?
I would say there are two types of people. The people who know what the levy is for (the educated). Then we have the others who do not care - they only want to complain (the ignorant). I wish all voters would know where this levy money is going (or not going). This money is for the students - not for the teachers. But even the witlessness are allowed to vote. If you are not sure where this levy money is going then educate yourself - you may be enlightened.
Ive become "that guy"
I never wanted to be "that guy" who played the "when I went to school" card..but Ive become "that guy". I really dont understand alot of this need the schools are always claiming. So, here we go: In my day, not that many moons ago, (class of 1980) we had as many students as they have today, and we got along fine. Granted, Franklin was in need of things..like a lunch room that wasnt in the basement and pretty much a fire trap..but otherwise it was a great place to go! We had plenty of choices of classes, lots of options for sports, and overall safe place to go. Didnt go to Washington, but when we were there for concerts it seemed fine to me. Then both schools somehow became "unusable"...except for the ever expanding administration. And the "Arts Center"? If Franklin was so "unsafe", how is it that they are able to use it and be safe? Just wondering..
High School..OK, in 1980 we graduated 447 students. We all had access to a great education with more options than I thought were possible. 2 bands, 3 chiors, Drama, 1 Act Play, shop classes from welding to carpenter work, Home Economics, Art classes from drawing to pottery, Spanish and German lauguage classes and clubs, school newspaper, Brainonian..the list goes on and on! Besides the basic classes we could take in depth study on Hitlers Germany and WW2, Sci-Fi, Movie Appreciation, Creative Writing, etc..and Drivers Ed was free and a requirement to graduate! (they ran out of money for that in the 80s, but had plenty of money to turn that same classroom into a practice room for the wrestling team). We had sports and Phy Ed offerings to NO END..from Football to Tennis, even a class in how to canoe the Mississippi! Summer school was offered with some really cool classes, like Drivers Ed. Busses even ran for Summer School. We had hot lunch, but no breakfast! (good heaven, we had to eat that at home!! Guess todays quality of parent cant provide that) And here is who we had to run the whole show in the admin offices: Supt. Elliot Whoolery and Assistant Supt. Bob Gross. Ron Stolski was AD and Football coach At the High School we had Principal Jim Hunt and Asst. Wayne Haugen, plus 5 councelors. At Franklin there was Harvey Shew and 2 councelors. Each grade school had a principal. Somehow we made it! Im being serious..what is so different now that it cant be done?? Cutting programs, closing schools! Laying off teachers..larger class sizes with less offerings..Im lost? Please explain. Geez, I dont like being "that guy"..lol
My mind was made up a few
My mind was made up a few years ago when I took the tour of the new Forest View school. Thats when it hit me like a ton of bricks that it "isn't for the children"--- its for "bragging rights" about who can have the fanciest school. 181 lost all support from me that day---- forever. As I walked out after the tour that day every conversation I overheard was about how much money was wasted on needless construction that had nothing to do with educating children. Also the fact that I live on a fixed pension and SS might have something to do with my NO vote. I live within my means. Try it 181---it can be done.
GOING TO THE WELL, AGAIN & AGAIN!
People are worn out with this district and all the others that keep coming at them year after year after year demanding more and more cash to run the schools and build fancy monoliths to one up each another.
The majority of the people that live in this area are under paid, over burdened and probably quite sick of lawmakers and the rest constantly going to the well. Well, well, well. The well is dry.
I am forced to live on little and make do. The cost of everything keeps going up horrendously, but my income doesn't. The districts and governments can do the same. Quit squandering and make do.
Vanryzer,
You said it all when you said "The cost of everything keeps going up horrendously, but my income doesn't." Well don't you think the cost (not just salaries) go up to run a school district? The State of Minnesota does not give Brainerd the money it did back in the 80's. That is why most schools have a levy.
If you vote a "yes" your taxes will not go "up". The first yes is to keep the amount the same. So by voting "no" you are in all reality decreasing the income for the Students. How would you like a decrease? The second "yes" will increase your taxes, but not much. This money will really help "the children".
If you want to complain about a newer school (Forestview) Then what was wrong with the community one room school houses? Do you think we should go back to those. The parents and neighbors sponsored a lot of the costs even back then. The parents actually talked to the teacher and worked with the school - not just stand back and complain. The baked potatoes not only filled them up, but they warmed the kids up twice. The kids got some exercise - some had to walk uphill both ways (If you do not understand why they walked uphill both ways, then I can understand your "no" vote - you are ignorant. Please use some reasoning skills.)
And we have some people so embarrassed about their ignorance - they do not want anyone to know they are seeking answers. Please make a vote based on facts - seek the answers on the internet (read the facts - not just these posts) instead of going to a meeting.
If you are to embarrassed to tell your family, children and friends how you voted then maybe you should look at more facts to determine a logical vote. Your vote should be something you are personally proud of.
GOING TO THE WELL... REALLY???
According to Center on Education and the Workforce statistics, about two-thirds of all employment will require some college education or better. In 1973, 72 percent of jobs were occupied by high school graduates or dropouts.
The "New Normal" also places higher demands and expectations on schools, including federal mandates like No Child Left Behind.
District's wouldn't have to "keep coming at the people year after year" if the State would do what they said they would do. The bulk of funding for schools comes from the state of Minnesota. Right now, schools receive 60 percent of their money, but the state holds back 40 percent until later on. The state pretty much kicked the can down the road and at some point, the state has to pick up the trash.
Cash flow becomes a key factor. It impacts what they do as a school district. Brainerd isn't alone. About 92 percent of all Minnesota schools currently rely on levy funds. The levy funds provide the district with a source of stable and predictable funding at a time of state and federal funding shifts and shortfalls.
The State average funding amount is $936 per pupil unit. This year, there are 114 school districts that are having this same conversation.
Yeah, we could probably tell our kids to hike up their bootstraps and make do, but this is our future we're investing in. Nobody should stand for "making do", especially when it comes to our children. You have a choice to go out and make better for yourself. Our children don't have that choice.
One room school house
Back to basics. No need to invest Lord knows how much of the tax payers dollars into "Pretty" updates. My Dad was educated just fine without granite murals and art deco face lifts. My point, we have been told over and over the levy money is for the education of our children...yet, I fail to see how "pretty" educates. This is a time of economic hardship across the board. Asking people who are struggling to foot the bill yet again based on faith the money will actually go toward education and not toward frivolity...is a stetch.
Is the one room school house the answer?
Bet a lot of people would be happy without any school busses and making sack lunches every day. I wish we could go back when parents, not the schools, were responsible for their children. But that is not going to happen. People are complaining about a levy - and that is cheaper than the "one room school house". High expenses is why these schools closed up?
The bottom line is that the (some) people who are voting no - just do not want to know the facts. They want to close their eyes and say a no vote will save "me" money. I plee with everyone to read the facts. The facts will prove the only logical vote is "Yes"
Vote "Yes" "Yes".
Thoughts on the comments
For TORK747 -- changes include, but are not limited to:
Government has imposed more rules on the schools. Testing is just one area, as you well know. This required schools (not just Brainerd) to employ people to adminster the testing programs. Government has also required a person serve as a safety administrator. This person was responsible for air quality, water quality, sanitary conditions and the like. Brainerd employs such a person, and as a money saving proposition, that person also serves other districts. There's two more administrators just because of that. Government also has established certain regulations that require school to employ staff development people, whose sole job is to train teachers, observe teachers, and complete all the paperwork. Special education programs now are funded through many government programs and grants that people are needed to complete all of THAT paperwork.
Sports. There are now more games per season in most sports had back in the 80s. There are more pressures, thfrom many angles (parents, sports groups, etc) to increase seasons even more.. One Athletic Director was sufficient back then --- but now, there are demands for sports offered at more levels than ever before. (ice hockey is a HUGE example of this).
I don't like it, either, that we've had to add such administrators. The way we fight that is let our government know that we're over the barrel in many ways by what they require. Voting against the schools doesn't solve the problem.
FOR CYCLEROD48. MY complaint with Forestview is the cafetorium space. I would have much preferred a traditional auditorium. I've seen several other schools in this part of the state, and Forestview school is no better nor worse than many newer middle schools in the area. My prime example is the Park Rapids school, which outdistances Forestview in many ways.
My point is that though I didn't like it, the school is what it is. The upcoming vote has nothing to do with how Forestview was built. There is no such thing as revenge voting - I hope.
To those who say the old buildings were sufficient -- do you still use the same gun for deer season that you used 30 years ago? The same car, refrigerator, dish washer, TV? Should we recycle? It would be totally possible to keep such items in shape and keep using them, but I suspect many do not. The 'old' education system at its time was the best we could offer. We need to ensure that that same 'best we can offer' is still in place.
Brainerdmn
Just to clarify...a levy is for "learning" a bond is for "building". The levy money will go towards the classroom...not "pretty"!
Are you willing to risk about $4.50/month to see if that money goes towards learning?
I know in 2007 the price tag on the levy was much higher...this time it takes the current economic climate into account. Remember this is to maintain status quo.
fluff
as i told bob gross one time before a massive referendum "we went to the moon from a lot of 1 room schools-we're going to hell in your big box schools". the 25 million bond failed then and this one will too. they have management position titles even they don't know what they do! NO NO
property taxes
You have no idea how much any of our property taxes
will go up . I would be willing to pay $4.50 per month
donation to the school . Property taxes go up for people
and it is hard to sell if your value is down.
I don't know where you get the $4.50/month, but I don't
believe it. We don't know what our taxes will be do we?
They are changing the system.
Change the steps and lanes and the
state funding system.
I don't mind voting for a levy, but I do mind one being
forced on us by the school board and the state for
retirement benefits.
Sadie
The $4.50/month is the tax increase figured on the median home value in ISD181 if both questions pass. These are estimated by the county based on the levy information provided by the district. You are correct though your overall property tax may change but that is not related to just the district levy.
Referendum
So far I have heard $20, $5, $4.50, $10 per month, etc. Now, with the "Citizens' Vote Yes" card I got in the mail it says "$4.68."
Just that alone makes me wonder.
Plus, one of the things you can "help support" is college prep opportunities...........Really? Cater to the smart and just let the rest fall behind......but then those "smarter" kids are easier to teach, right?
No and No.
role reversal
It's funny to see democrat fans support local funding and republican fans oppose it. Typically, one would expect democrats to cheer on federal spending and mandates while the republicans push for local control and decision making.
I understand there are other factors like union influence and lack of local freedom, but in principle you would expect someone who cheers for democrats to be scared of local communities taking care of each other and the people who cheer for republicans would be scared of money, power and influence being centralized in a far off land most people will never see.
If conservatives vote no because they don't want this tax increase they can bet their next dollar the state, or nation, will seize more control of our classrooms. And since that's where the checks will be coming from they will have good reason.
Brainerddispatchmember needs help !!
First of all I believe Marv Begin's theory is correct - people already have their minds made up - pro and con.
Brainerddispatchmember says in his/her diatribes that:
1) all those who complain are ignorant; my my, so with that logic, all who complain about the national debt, unnecessary wars, etc. are ignorant. Or is BDM really trying to say that all who disagree with him/her are ignorant?
2) that the additional funds with a passage of the levy are for the students; wow, how naive, wait to see how many non- teaching positions and programs sprout up with more funds, regardless of what we're being told at present.
3) that those who complain about the Forestview structure's unnecessary costs would rather see our kids in one room schools; I seriously doubt that anyone who disagrees with you would have that extreme a view. "They" merely favor prudent vs. opulent spending. "They" might however, prefer the quality of education that came out of those one-roomers.
4) (and this is why BDM needs serious help) that people who are voting no - just do not want to know the facts; WOW, can you try to understand BDM, that some of us have explored and digested the "facts" as put forth by the district and just plain disagree with the district and you ??
Its obvious BDM, where you stand, and that's fine. The fact that others disagree with you is their right, does not make them ignorant, reactionary, or anti-student. Time for your tolerance pill don't you think??
pdnet15 is wrong about one thing, and thoughts for Lendad.
I am not, nor have I ever been an administrator. Pdnet 15 is totally wrong. I was an educator in a MN district other than Brainerd for 34 years. How did you arrive at the conclusion that I was an administrator? Where's your evidence? What other mistaken conclusions have you made?
I can hear it now --- "ZACHNOS is a teacher, that's close enough." Nope. As is so well known, close enough counts in atom bombs and horseshoes.
Lendad, as to your #1 ...you have the right to complain all you want. Keep in mind, however, that it is best received when specific evidence is offered.
#2 -- What is your evidence about the how the money will be spent? Otherwise, seeing into the future is a rare gift. Use it prudently.
#3 -- Yep, some great stuff happened in the old one room schools. I never had the pleasure. And there were people back then who thought it opulent when we went from benches to one desk per student. It is all in the eye of the beholder... I've shared in other places that I have my reservations about some areas of Forestview, but that will not and should not matter. Voting out of revenge is not fruitful.
4.) Indeed, please question the facts. Check them out, check them thoroughly. Can you list those facts that you question? Can you be specifc?
pdnet
I don't get this statement:
"I mean if the average cost per student is near $1000 and we're at $200, then look at the administration for screwing things up!"
I don't think those are cost numbers, rather they are the additional operating levies in place (state average vs. Brainerd).
I brought up the one room school and didn't do so as a comparison of the quality of education. It was meant to show that things change and somewhere along the way it was well supported and valued.
As for going to the moon on a one room school education, well at it's peak the Apollo program consumed 13% of the annual Federal budget. Do you know how many Forestview middle schools could be built on that budget?
lendad,
Wow, you mix words around. Please go back to school and learn how to comprehend what you read. You will also have to learn that assumptions are not facts.
I did not say "all those who complain are ignorant". What I wrote was "we have the others who do not care - they only want to complain (the ignorant). So people who do not care to research and do not know what they are talking about -yet they complain are ignorant.
Yes, I did comment where I should have and just did add the word "some" people. But I was referring to some of the people who were writing in. (I added "some" within a comma in my old school house article ) Maybe I, too, should go back to school. (Also noticed I wrote a "to" instead of a "too")
-figure out why
the state is lacking funding for education and you'll know why the state has to cut back on funding education.
-figure out what is the largest annual expense in operating a school and you'll know why the costs of operation keeps increasing.
-The cover of the book has no bearing on it's contents folks!
Thanks Jodi Tweed
Thanks for your incredibly deep, meaningful, and well written article. You are a credit to all investigative reporters around the world. Next stop, TMZ, National Enquirer, The Sun.....And....thank you Brainerd Daily Dispatch for being the straw that stirs the education drink....you really know how to make a community come together.
BDM misses ...
BDM: take your pill, get some perspective, and THINK before writing.
BTW, your logic just labeled every Wall Street protester as "ignorant" :
" people who do not care to research and do not know
what they are talking about -yet they complain are
ignorant",
... another cause you probably support !!
I invite readers to read BDM's diatribes, read my response, and make your own conclusions.
Interesting
that a simple post was pulled. I always find it funny when I read other people's comment about a post that is no longer there. The liberal moderators are getting very annoying with their delete button.