I dont live on the Iron Range but grew up as a baby boomer in Virginia when graduating classes were over 300, there were 6 elementary schools and when the citys population was 14,000 (now 9000). Those were the days when the mines subsidized our schools. I agree that with declining enrollment, consolidation is inevitable and will improve the offerings and avoid the duplication of multiple administrations. As a former teacher, I think budget is better spent on smaller class sizes - more teachers rather than the overhead over multiple administrations, buildings and curriculums. My sons high school had a graduating class of over 700 and the school boundaries were as big as the consolidated district would be. I have often wondered why this hasnt happened sooner when I hear of high schools only being able to afford a part-time swim coach, for example. I am sure some are concerned about historical sports rivalries between towns and how consolidation will affect sports teams. Some loss of identity is inevitable (when rural one room school houses were consolidated, a similar loss was felt), but I think it would make for a more vital school district. It sounds like a new high school would be funded party by the state and potenially by a property tax referenum. Personally, I dont mind paying more in property taxes for the good of the community. The community paid for my sons education and I am glad to pay it forward! My district has passed numerous referendums in the last 30 years - when I moved here we were $8M in debt and needed a referendum - it passed. Other referendums reduced class sizes etc. Every single one has passed. I would hope that the Range community would support a referendum of this importance. Some on the range may feel their taxes are high. I live in a house smaller than those in College Park (circa 1967) and pay $4000 a year in property taxes. In fact some of my property tax dollars from the western suburbs of Mpls are redistributed to out-state cities like Virginia and I am ok with that too (I want my home town to remain vital). I have a widowed neighbor who has always had reduced taxes due to her situation, so there are already ways to accomodate those who cant afford to pay their full bill. A perspective on high school size: When my large school district built a new high school, they debated about building one or two. They decided it was fiscally responsible to build just one - not two - for future financial purposes. Class sizes are 700 - 900 (typical of a Twin Cities high school), so you do have to make sure your child gets involved in choir, band or some sport. Trust me, teachers in larger schools still care about their students and there are many ways to make a school feel smaller. Some parents in the Twin Cities send their kids to private schools and that is their prerogative if they are paying. Regarding concerns about kids driving to school with a busier intersection, I doubt that that any traffic intersection in Mt Iron would begin to compare with the one near my high school and my son still drove to school (with option to take the bus). The argument about not consolidating for loss of school teams - its understandable that this would be a loss but would think the benefits of better educational opportunities would outweigh the loss. Certainly sports would continue and kids would learn team work and get exercise (the main reasons for school sports). Best of luck, Iron Range. I know this isnt easy but you CAN work through it and be a stronger community! its understandable that this would be a change from the way things have always been - an emotional loss; however, I would hope that the benefits of better educational opportunities would outweigh the loss. Best of luck to the Iron Range Community. I will always hold you close to my heart and wish you the best! I hope the Iron Range can work this out!
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:40:54 +0000
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