To the editor:
Many are left wondering whether it’s worth going through the arduous planning and referendum process again. The harsh reality is that the reasons for pursuing a referendum in the first place haven’t gone away. On the contrary, the need for facility repairs and upgrades will compound as time goes on.
Learning from this experience as a district and as a community is the key to moving forward. We must take measures to ensure past mistakes aren’t repeated to increase the chances of future referendum success.
The district must seek to fully understand why the community rejected the original proposal in the first place. There are often assumptions that may not be accurate. For example:
• Is the total cost of the project really the main stumbling block?
• Is there community misunderstanding about what operating budgets cover versus the purpose of a capital referendum?
• Are there concerns over increasing property taxes?
• Do community members understand the risks and liabilities associated with current infrastructure conditions?
• Were there “too many” things listed on the question?
• Do they fully understand the implications of doing nothing?
The district must get answers to all questions and objections and proactively address them — and they will. I appreciate the immediate response by the district to offer another series of listening sessions to once again hear the voice of community concerns and potential solutions.
The failed referendum requires a fresh look, not a complete abandonment. Properly communicating the cost of doing nothing may be more compelling than concerns over the cost to repair and upgrade. Together, we can determine where opportunities for improvement in the referendum may lie.
From the information gained in these listening sessions and the district’s understanding of community objections, opinions, and solutions they can address specific concerns with the initial proposal and provide community members a better understanding of the needs and further proposed solutions.
I believe in this community’s commitment to our school district and its students. I would strongly encourage every voting constituent to take the time to attend one of these listening sessions. Ask the hard questions. Share your frustrations. Provide solutions, as well. If one of these sessions doesn’t fit into your schedule, ask for a meeting with the district administration. Get your answers. Become informed.
Let’s move our district forward together.
Michael McKinnies, Shawano
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