Can you call on our behalf?

North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) and the problems it faces due to inequitable funding from the state is no secret. It used to be, outside our district it wasn’t widely known. But we have gone to great lengths to bring the plight of the district to the attention of policy makers.

A year ago I wrote the governor Pawlenty personally to describe our circumstances and seek change. We recently were featured in a front page story in the Star Tribune about inadequate funding and what can result. Never before has the district’s situation been more in the public consciousness than it is at this very moment.

As a community and district, we have a historic opportunity in front of us right now and I hope I can ask of all of you a small favor. Please call your legislators.

I know it is said so often it is almost trite. But I could not be more serious.

We have a new governor, and a new legislature with a new majority, and things are happening at the state at an almost frantic pace. It has been some time since education and funding have been more a topic of discussion.

Our legislators are acutely aware of the problem and are looking for solutions to help us. We hear from them regularly regarding different bills and means to give NBAPS students a level playing field.

It is doubtful we will see additional funding in the near future, and we may yet experience a cut at the state level. At the same time, there are promising signs that the legislature “gets it,” and is looking for ways to correct the problem.

Legislators representing our district include Rep. Bob Barrett, Rep. Kurt Daudt, and Sen. Sean Nienow. They need to hear from you as soon as possible. Let them know that we appreciate their efforts and await the change we so desperately need.

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