Hoping for a faster start

The school board hosted a levy informational meeting at 6 p.m. last Thursday, and roughly 100 personal invitations were sent in preparation. The meeting was listed on the district Web site, Facebook page, and Twitter account. Despite all that, the turnout was less than what the school board and district were hoping for.

Thanks to those individuals who did give so freely of their personal time to attend this very important meeting. Those in attendance were engaged and enthusiastic about helping the district remain competitive and getting the community growing again.

However, the handful in attendance cannot accomplish all the work that comes with a citizens committee, at least not easily. There remains a mountain of work to be done if the district is to mitigate future cuts with an operating levy. The good news is that with each volunteer that workload is lessened. If enough people come forward to assist the school board, the workload is small and very manageable.

In a time when apathy’s tentacles seem to be spreading to the far corners of civilization, the district needs advocates more than ever. The state continues to struggle with issues beyond education, and the current generation of students’ education cannot be put on hold until a larger solution can be reached.

The school board reached what it felt was a workable compromise with the community, seeking a “stop gap” three-year levy that would reduce, not eliminate, the need for cuts over that period. It was voiced by one school board member – in a position to know – that this compromise could change people’s minds about supporting the district.

If indeed there are citizens who have been waiting for the district to “compromise,” and put forth a more modest proposal, it is our sincerest hope they will contact their preferred school board member, voice their support, and consider advocating for the school district.

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