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11-8-2001 School supporters say children hurt by referendum's failure
BY RON BROCHU
Emotions ranged from sadness to anger Wednesday among those who lost their campaign to secure supplemental funding for Duluth public schools. The defeat of a $4 million annual property tax levy, which would have been matched through 2007 by $2 million a year in state money, will deeply hurt public education in Duluth, proponents of the measure said. "Those who claim to be for education only pay lip service when it comes time to pay for it,'' said Aaron Bransky, spokesman for the community group Vote Yes for Kids, which in September proposed the excess levy measure. A key opponent, however, said the issue is strictly fiduciary. "A year ago, they had a chance to address school problems, and they didn't do it,'' said Brad Bennett, director of Fight Inefficient Government and High Taxes. "A lot of people just felt the district had to face up to its financial shortfalls.'' The tax proposal was defeated in most western, central, northern and far-eastern precincts. Support was restricted to a narrow corridor running north from downtown through the university district, including the Congdon Park and Lester Park neighborhoods. "I'm disappointed beyond words that it didn't pass,'' said Birchwood parent Kristy Stokes. Last year, Birchwood was among six elementary schools considered for consolidation. "The impact will go beyond school closures,'' she said. "We'll have higher class sizes, and the district's hands are tied in terms of long-term planning.'' Every school, every neighborhood and every child will be affected, said Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, president of the Rockridge-Lester Park Parent Teacher's Association. School Board members and administrators trimmed "We'll have to reconsider some of the cuts we postponed last year, such as the possibility of closing schools, changing to a six-period day and reducing the number of credits needed for graduation,'' said Rex Hein, director of curriculum. He said some courses might have to be delivered lecture-style in larger classrooms. "Another issue is how long can we cut back on academic programs without cutting extracurricular activities,'' Hein added. Superintendent Julio Almanza said a three-year middle school pilot program might never advance beyond the trial stage. Also in danger are the district's liberal busing policy and its effort to enhance library resources, he told the citywide PTA Council. In addition, Almanza said sizes of specialty classes probably will grow. "I feel bad because people don't feel education is as important as the almighty dollar,'' said John Remington, whose children attend Grant Elementary, another school considered for closure last year. District officials are expected to begin 2002-03 budget discussions in January. |
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