Information is essential to making good decisions. Knowing that, and realizing the Brainerd School Board has tough decisions to make in light of possible state education cuts we understand that board members want to conduct due diligence.
Along these lines, the Brainerd School Board Finance Committee last week considered whether the district should conduct a survey to determine what the public’s tolerance would be on the amount of a possible levy referendum. It was estimated a survey might cost about $10,000, depending upon how many questions were asked.
In these economic times, with readily apparent economic stress on families, spending thousands of dollars to gauge public sentiment would not be a wise expenditure. Rising gas prices, governmental deficits and a city (Brainerd) with the highest unemployment rate in the state of Minnesota for cities with more than 10,000 people are all solid indications that tolerance for any tax hike is low. That doesn’t mean Brainerd School District voters wouldn’t approve a levy, but it means a compelling case will have to be made for citizens to support any sort of tax increase. It might be that voters would be more receptive to a choice of two or more options if they’re asked to vote on a school levy referendum.
To spend $10,000 on a survey would be to play into the hands of critics who bemoan any non-classroom spending.
The best argument for not conducting a survey may have come from board member Chris Robinson who noted that the last time a survey was conducted the respondents’ views did not correspond with how they voted. In other words a survey may prove to not be a reliable tool.
We advise the board to listen to school district residents, but skip the survey.
Comments (5)
Add commentCompelling case
Take a ten thousand dollar survey now and find out what the residents want - and if they don't want any form of a referendum, you save the money on running an election.
Perhaps a survey would show the board members HOW to use any tax hike. That ten thousand dollars has become instructive in the process.
These are two scenarios in which taking the survey is good. The scenario the Dispatch points out above - that it would give fuel to the bemoaners - is based on negativity and bears no fruit.
"It might be that voters
"It might be that voters would be more receptive to a choice of two or more options if they’re asked to vote on a school levy referendum."
Or they can do it the way they did last time. All or nothing. Then when it's voted down, they can cram it down out throats through a back door loophole.
I'd rather see them spend the
I'd rather see them spend the money on a survey than on advertising and mailings that are meant to 'make a compelling case" and have no reflection of what the community wishes.
I'd rather see them spend the
I'd rather see them spend the money on a survey than on advertising and mailings that are meant to 'make a compelling case" and have no reflection of what the community wishes.
just say NO
but watch j. ward for another backdoor tax increase without a vote. thank god he in in a minority this year! a 10% across the board would be better for the area with the highest unemployment in the state.