Budget Cuts Final Monday, April 4

On Monday, April 4, the school board will finalize the budget cuts. This is a painful process, but one that we can all agree is fair and open. I have gained great respect for those who worked long and well on each building and program committee to identify the things that would be cut. Now the process is near completion, and I have even more faith in the process.

What am I learning as a blogger about the process and about those who are reading in blogville?

1. Those who have contacted me in this medium have all been supportive of the process — and helpful, offering suggestions from a knowledge base.

2. This medium calls up citizens who have a wide interest in many affairs of the city, not just the school district. While these bloggers may not appear at a school board meeting, this medium offers a way to register their voice. I am encouraged by that voice, and assume it is the voice of the future.

Budget Process Heating Up/Middle School Reuse

As the $2.9 million in budget cuts is being made, is it somewhat unfortunate that the old Northfield Middle School building has been thrown into the mix. I have some observations which may be helpful to readers:

1. The negative impact of this big old building on the school district general fund is in the area of heating and security. As this building remains vacant, both heating and security costs increase.

2. The sale of this building, no matter the buyer, does not result in any gain to the school district general fund. It can only be used for capital outlay. Citizens should understand that. Textbooks, by the way, are capital outlay, and since the district is extremely short of textbook purchasing power, the short term gain of a sale is clear. Long term? Can we do any better than Carleton?

3. There has been considerable time for Artspace to create the package for reuse. That reuse plan has not been forthcoming from Artspace. Something about “a bird in the hand” comes to mind here.

4. In the meantime, we on the board are staying awake nights weighing the various alternatives. We are grateful for a superintendent who has a process that is well thought out and carefully supported.

We will get through this. It will not be easy.