What Were You Thinking?! Levy.

I know that as a teenager, there are a lot of things I don’t understand. I don’t understand why putting a needle on a vinyl record makes music, how a thunderstorm can be so beautiful yet so frightening, or how to bake brownies without burning the edges. But one thing I REALLY don’t understand is why supporting our schools is a debate.

On November 8 we vote for the levy referendum for ISD197, which would provide the necessary funding for the district each year.  Our district NEEDS the money from the new levy.  Since the district currently spends 59% of its money on salaries, the cuts would start there. That means teachers, custodial staff, paraprofessionals, and nutritional staff would lose their jobs, class sizes and fees would go through the roof, and opportunities would be slim.

Passing the levy, yes, means an increase in taxes. BUT, ISD197 has the lowest taxes of ANY school district in the area, and the added tax per year would be roughly $35 per $100,000 you spent on your house. I can think of a lot of great things to do with $35 dollars…night at the movies, dinner out for a family of four, it could even buy 140 gumballs. But I would be willing to pass on any of that for the opportunity of a great education. Would you?

Right now, as a Sibley student and graduate of Mendota and Friendly Hills, I feel that the district is strong. We have ample opportunities, motivated teachers, and it is a positive, productive, nurturing place to be. If a student is interested, there are plenty of places for he or she to get involved and add to the sense of community, or as we call it, the “Warrior Pride.” I am afraid that if the levy doesn’t pass, this strong Warrior Pride will deflate to more of a “Sibley Slide.” Think about it…a class nearing 45 kids…many different learning styles, not enough desks, and only one teacher. How would anyone learn and be productive or positive in that situation?

If you don’t have any kids in the public schools, I can see how extra taxes don’t sound too wonderful. But think about this: why would anyone want to come to our community if our school system isn’t great? Why not go down the road to Eagan or Apple Valley? If our school doesn’t provide the best learning opportunities for our students, not many people would join the district, and property values would plummet because no one wants to buy our houses. Huge bummer for everyone.

As a new eighteen-year-old, I am so excited to be able to vote for the first time. I am also thrilled that my first election is such an important one, and has the chance to make a huge difference in my community. As a student, I am voting yes for the levy referendum. As a senior, I will be graduating this spring and leaving the district before the new levy is taken into effect but I want to give the students younger than me a chance to feel the same, strong, Warrior Pride that I feel.

“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another”—G.K. Chesterton

You can find more information about the upcoming election at: http://www.isd197.org/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school157&status...