To the Editor:
Wrenshall Public School is proposing to dig deep into Wrenshall School District property taxpayers' pockets. If the April 18 renovation and new school referendum passes, district taxpayers would see their taxes go up hundreds of dollars.
How the school is going about and promoting the referendum to the community is kind of like the elementary classroom teacher and student story:
An elementary teacher was practicing abstract math with her classroom students. She asked Billy if he had $5 in one pocket and $2 in his other pocket, how many dollars would he have in total.
Billy stood and responded, "Teacher, if I had $5 in one pocket and $2 in the other, then I'm wearing somebody else's pants."
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The school, too, is asking taxpayers how much money they have in their pockets. Likewise, the school's rationale and support for this massive referendum is at best abstract.
For example, there were financial partners on board, then not, and now apparently being negotiated. The school contends it has overcrowding but we know it's because of open enrollment. If approved, the school says it will again leverage consolidation talks with neighboring Carlton - but it's using Wrenshall taxpayers in this high stakes venture.
How deep can anyone dig into their pocket to fund this wishful thinking? Many people in our district live on fixed incomes and see costs for living steadily increasing.
Many citizens are proud to pay their fair share and contribute reasonable property taxes to support viable needs. However, the school is proposing and asking already stressed taxpayers to dig deeper and pay more. It's time we say no to spending money on abstract plans and wishes. We need to protect senior citizens and the retirees on fixed incomes. We need to invest into our students' future but not at the risk of destroying and burdening senior citizens and all other district property taxpayers alike.
For our kids' sake, protect senior citizens and all school district property taxpayers. Vote "no."
Michael Rabideaux
Wrenshall
