November 3: Vote Yes to the Referendum

Buildings are part of a student’s daily life. Improving buildings and operations is not saying it is more important than students, it is saying that the physical learning environment matters in student learning and achievement. The conditions of the buildings tell our students what the adults really think about them as students. Crumbling buildings are visuals telling students the community does not care about kids. 

Therefore

• We cannot separate students from the spaces where they learn. Students and school facilities are interconnected, not mutually exclusive.

• Investing in students includes investing in the buildings where they spend their days learning.

• The debate shouldn't be 'students versus buildings.' A safe, functional learning environment is one of the ways we support students.

• Putting students first means providing learning environments that help them learn and succeed.

No building and operational referendum for 50 years. We cannot ask the state or federal level government to pay more if we are not paying our fair share. (We had a technology and safety referendum and renewal, but that money is spent on technology and safety upgrades only.) 

District tax payers are living free off the district. If you want better, we need to fix the gap in revenue collected by the district. Two years ago, I did not support any notions related to a referendum; now, under new management, I support the referendum because I know for a fact the controls and management of our finances are in order with  transparent, accountable processes.  My proof is the MN Department of Education approved our SOD plan.  

Under $25 a month buys transformation. If you vote yes for all three questions, it will cost the average homeowner under $25 a month to make the positive, transformative change needed for our future. I live on a limited fixed income and the price of life makes me feel dizzy. Today, a meal for two at McDonalds is $25. When I was in high school, we could get a meal for two for under $2. My first car cost $2500 in 1972. Over time, life costs more. The measure of it lies in the answer to the question, "was it well spent". I want to live in . . . 

“A culture that treats children as a future worth having rather than a lifestyle expense.” 

Dr. Lyman Stone, director of the Pronatalism

Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies and the director of research for the consulting firm Demographic Intelligence.

The issue of the referendum is a value question. Do you see the referendum as an investment or a lifestyle expense? I believe the future is worthy of investment. I have benefited from all who came before me with their support of referendums (historically) in this district. We must invest in the future of our children.

I am on a fixed income, at the same time, I get most of my property taxes returned to me in the form of the Minnesota Homestead tax rebate because my income is so fixed. Minnesota lawmakers have made it easier for seniors to stay in their homes through tax breaks. The justification is based in knowing we have paid our fair share over time. So, I know the reality of fixed income senior living and I still support this referendum. 

My husband and I might eat one less McDonalds meal a month, but our community will be better for that small sacrifice. I might be a relic from a different era, but I know the need and I am willing to make a small sacrifice to serve the needs of the future. I will pay it forward through this tax increase, just like what should have occurred during the past 50 years.

Protect property values, especially on the east side of the district. A realtor said to me, "spend $25 more a month to support the referendum, or lose $10,000 in value on your property, the choice is yours." I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the number $10,000, but I do understand the point. I support the referendum 100%.

We devalue all our properties if we do not support a strong public school system in our community. Whether you live in a world of privilege or just scraping by, public education is our community asset and can be measured through property values and taxes.

Those living in more privileged areas of the district can afford to be without public education. They have access to choices many in my community do not. That statement is not meant to disparage any social strata but to point out just because one does not have the need, doesn't make that true for all. We serve ALL students.

More notable for Robbinsdale and Crystal, our homes carry a greater tax burden because there is little in the way of commercial taxes are paid in those communities. There is not enough physical space in either city to expand commercial properties or areas to make much of a difference. I believe that what we lack in way of commercial property we make up for in community pride. Robbinsdale School District has long been a source of that pride, a pride that must be preserved.  

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