Why You Should Vote YES on November 5

If you find all the data and information on the referenda for School District 833 funding a bit overwhelming, welcome to the club.  I am member of the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) for District 833 and I have a hard time sorting through it all. 

Our committee is a group of concerned citizens who meet regularly with district staff to review the finances, future plans and budgets for ISD 833.  But this letter will not rehash the numbers or itemize the plans and strategy.  There is plenty already in print which you are welcome to digest.  Here is the “skinny”.

The charts and graphs showing District 833 as one of the most conservatively run are true.  The district doesn’t borrow money, and the operating referendum funds collected in taxes are less than most other districts in the metro area.  This is why the school budget has been cut every year and why operating reserves will hit zero if voters don’t do the following.

First, vote YES on question 1 which renews existing (expiring) operating levies.  This will maintain existing funding levels.  But these levels are not enough to sustain existing programs.  Many more budget cuts will be required, unless you vote YES on question 2 as well.  There is no fat in these budget requests.  All the members of CFAC will attest to that.

District 833 follows the growth trends of Woodbury and Cottage Grove.  Our student population is growing and the need for additional school buildings is inevitable.  Question 3 asks for money to enable ISD 833 to shop for the best location and deal, and act, by buying land when the best deal is available.  This is consistent with the conservative policies ISD 833 has followed over many years.

Finally a word about why maintaining high quality education is important to all residents in our district.  Certainly those of us with children….and grandchildren, as in my case….don’t need coaching on this issue.  We want or kids to be as prepared as they can be to compete successfully in a very competitive world.  But many residents don’t have children in our schools.  Does that make quality of schools less important?  Not hardly!  Our property values are directly related to the demand for housing in our cities.  And any local realtor will tell you that people want to move into our cities because of the quality of our schools. 

Would you like evidence?  You will find a lot of facts and figures at:

          www.sowashco.k12.mn.us

But the simple truth is, the best interests of ALL residents in the district are served with YES votes on all three ISD 833 school district questions.

                   Don Place

                     member, ISD  833 Citizens Financial Advisory Committee