We should listen closely when supporters of the Wadena-Deer Creek levy referendum make the case to raise taxes to fund a better local school -- and there are a few reasons for early support.
In the end, everyone must make their own individual decision on whether to vote yes or no on Nov. 6, but three big facts should be in the front of our minds as we listen to those both in favor and against the levy referendum.
First, we cannot hold out hope that the Minnesota Legislature or Congress will bump funding significantly, or even honor previous commitments, such as Congress's promise to fund special education. The reality is the district will likely continue to get funding at or below the level of its own inflated costs, especially for such things as health insurance for employees and energy costs.
Second, for every dollar put up by local taxpayers, a dollar will be matched by the state. We wouldn't be paying this cost alone.
Third, the level of per pupil funding for the levy should match the needs of the district. We will all look at the ways the money will be spent and draw our own conclusion as to what is a "need" and what is a "want." But we should strive to improve our district -- so the list should include more than just the barebones "needs." To build a better district, we need to fund a few "wants" as well.
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Much of this discussion is premature -- the school board will not even decide the dollar amount for the levy or the needs-and-wants list until its July meeting. But as the debate develops, we need to consider the tax impact on our citizens -- especially those on fixed incomes, the impact the extra dollars would have on the education of the WDC-area children, and how the extra dollars would impact our goals for the district.
Let's keep an open mind, hear both sides, and make an informed decision this fall.
