To the Editor:
To my neighbors who have “Students Over Buildings” signs opposing the building bond referendum: I know I cannot change your mind. I understand your mistrust of the school board and your anxiety about increased taxes. But I must question your problematically pithy slogan. If you genuinely care about putting students first, you must provide them with every possible resource to succeed. That means better, updated, right-sized buildings. It also means investing in many other essential components of a healthy school ecosystem, including great teachers, enriching activities and equitable transportation. However, the ability to make those additional vital investments becomes difficult, if not impossible, if the referendum fails. Without funds from the bond, the district will have to use its operating budget on buildings, diverting already limited resources from other important things our students need.
To my neighbors who are undecided, please consider this: the success of this referendum is a foundational part of the Reimagine Rdale Vision 2030 plan, which was developed by an inclusive committee of community and school representatives. We can all agree there are very real ills plaguing our district that must be addressed urgently. The solution isn’t to work against the plan and cause major setbacks. Progress will not be quick, easy or cheap, but it is an investment worth making. Do you want to live in a thriving community with well-educated and supported young people? Neighboring districts that regularly approve bonds are more attractive destinations for new homebuyers. As our neighbors continue to age, what happens when new families stop moving in? Decreasing enrollment will only compound our problems, leading to a cascading series of increasingly dire circumstances.
The time to act is now, while there is still a realistic hope for positive outcomes. Funding our schools, physical infrastructure and staffing and programming alike, is the best way to make our community stronger. Let’s make this a well-resourced, flourishing school district. I know we are in a difficult and divisive moment, but I am hopeful our community will come together and give it everything we’ve got to turn things around. That starts by voting yes.
Laura Steefel-Moore
Robbinsdale