Viewpoint: School district's budget situation demands a proactive discussion now

In a recent article in the Crookston Times, a quotation from me was related that read “now or in the very near future, the board needs to start having a public discussion about a two-building configuration in our district.” That two-building configuration is just one suggestion to be considered related to the ongoing evolution our district has experienced for some time. This process of change can be compared to a bus trip – one where we map out our own direction.

    “Change” can be a frightening thing. It creates uncertainty, anxiety, and apprehension – which can result in denial and negative emotions. We all understand that, and empathize with those situations. However, it is how we perform under those conditions that are the true measure of what we are. Our district has seen many such similar “rightsizing” moves over the years. Included are buildings such as Franklin, Eugene Field, Carman, McKinley, Lincoln, and the former Junior High. Despite those prior closures, we still provide a “Great” educational experience. Indeed, this is view publicly shared by current opponents of any further such action.

    My statement was a call for a public discussion of the direction our district will be continuing on. It is about what are the best actions for us to take – not just a list of the things we object to, or don’t want to see happen. Such a discussion has to be a thoughtful, productive engagement of what we can do in regard to the issues. Several times while serving on the board, various district staff has given presentations relating the efforts that are made to instill “can do” attitudes into our student’s curriculum. Can we then ask or expect any less of ourselves?

    We have to consider broad concepts, the overall well being of the district, and the service we provide. Such a discussion is not about anyone’s performance. It should not be personal, biased, or focused on a few specific individuals or situations. Ultimately, members of the board have to make decisions that impact the district as a whole – from a macro point of view. That may sound harsh to some, but it is a part of being a member of the board. The goal should be; the greatest good for the greatest number (within our limitations).

    As has been shared by administrative staff, discussed by the board, and reported in local media; District #593 is anticipating a minimal amount of unreserved funding - even the first year into our new ten year levy. Additionally, these funds will not account for inflation. We have deficient spent for years. The newly passed levy would perhaps stay that practice for one year (depending on impending negotiations, contingencies, etc.). Policy #725 of our district directs “the Board of Education to maintain a minimum unreserved/undesignated general fund balance equal to 10% of the general fund expenditure budget using the prior year’s June 30th budget.”

    The public should ask; when is the last time our district was in compliance with this policy?

    Hopefully no one will dispute this data. What is troubling then are suggestions we wait and see, for a period of at least four years, before giving consideration to the dilemmas our district faces. To wait and see is a static situation. It resolves nothing, it does not prepare us for the future, and it leads us nowhere. We need to be proactive. Further, we can’t enter this discussion with closed minds. If the two building suggestion is unpalatable, then we should be generating other serious thoughtful alternatives. That is why I encourage the public to be involved in this discussion.

    Certainly change brings along a lot of questions; “what ifs” and “how to” concerns - but answers will be found.   It is in fact necessary. As a taxpayer, I would demand it. I state this in light of the fact that the school districts portion of my family’s property taxes increased 104% for the voter approved levy(s) this past year (and 72% overall to the district). That is a large investment, one that the people of the district expect to be used effectively. As a resident of district #593 I would fully expect our finite funds, buildings and personnel are utilized to their maximum potential. As a member of the board; it is a responsibility to see this happens.

    What then do we need? A strategic plan, with a built in expectation and recognition of change. Such a plan needs contingency components for unexpected circumstances (indeed, this is the purpose of Policy #725 and its 10% emergency balance). We currently have most of these things in place, we need to follow them. Certainly they can be altered or modified. But when followed we are being proactive, in control and are following our own plan. In fact, this is our bus trip’s roadmap to success. As noted previously, there is always a resistance to change. The taxpayers were able to make one – we now have to continue that process. The fact is; we only have so much money. No matter who is sitting on the board of #593 in the next few years, they will be voting for and approving change – they will be forced to.

    So the question is: how will those decisions be made? Will we decide our own route? Will we choose to be proactive, to determine our own destiny, and be driving our own bus? Or, will we wait, forgo important opportunities, let others make important decisions for us – and, as such, miss the bus?