HLWW referendum results: first two pass; third fails by 84
November 3, 2009 by Lynda Jensen, Editor
Filed under Election Results, Featured, Howard Lake, News, Waverly, Winsted
HOWARD LAKE, WAVERLY, WINSTED, MN – Voters approved the first two questions on the ballot tonight, with the third question failing by only 84 votes (see an explanation of each ballot question below, underneath the precinct breakdowns).
Unofficial election results for the operating levy questions for Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District are as follows:
Question one passed, with a grand total of 1,399 yes votes and 801 no votes.
Question two passed, with a grand total of 1,117 yes votes and 1,077 no.
Question three failed with a total of 1,048 yes votes and 1,132 no votes.
Precinct breakdown:
Howard Lake – the total number of voters who turned out were 1,101. Winsted – the total number of voters who turned out were 610. Waverly – the total number of voters who turned out were 492.
HOWARD LAKE
Question 1: 779 – yes, 322 – no
Question 2: 649 – yes, 449 – no
Question 3: 611 – yes, 478 – no
WAVERLY
Question 1: 295 – yes, 195 – no
Question 2: 233 – yes, 255 – no
Question 3: 234 – yes, 250 – no
WINSTED
Question 1: 325 – yes, 284 – no
Question 2: 235 – yes, 373 – no
Question 3: 203 – yes, 404 – no
The following is an explanation of each ballot question:
Question one
The first question voters will see proposes to extend the district’s current $500-per-pupil levy for 10 years. This is an existing levy that the district is asking to renew, and it doesn’t result in an increase in taxes.
If this question passes, annual taxes for a $100,000 home would decrease by $2, because the district’s tax base is spread over more people than in previous years.
Question two
The second question proposes adding an inflationary rate to question one, and can only pass if the first question passes.
“By putting the inflationary factor on there, it’s one way for us to keep up with increases in fuel and other expenses that happen on an annual basis,” board member Al Doering said during a presentation to the Waverly City Council Oct. 13.
Question three
Question number three proposes taking away the existing $50-per-pupil-unit levy and replacing it with a $150-per-pupil-unit levy. The existing levy expires at the end of the 2011-12 school year. If the new $150 levy passes, it would have a five-year term.
I HOPE IT FAILS
i like lakers
thats stupid they should win
HLWW couldn’t have picked a worse time to try and ask the public for the same amount of money, let alone more.
I am truly sorry for all of you people that want this levy to fail. What you don’t understand is that it is for the kids and not the teachers or staff. The children are our future they deserve a good education.
Let’s hope people voted to make sure our kids in the community still have programs and materials for school. Many, many large communities have lost these essential items for growing up….
Mr. B – I’m sorry you did not understand what the questions were about on this election ballot. Your quote – “HLWW couldn’t have picked a worse time to try and ask the public for the same amount of money, let alone more.” HLWW was only asking for the same amount and not more! Question 3 was to renew an existing levy and to re-apply a levy that failed in 2007. Nothing more, just asking for what they already had to work with and was taken away.
There are those of us who wanted these levies to fail, so that a better opportunity could arise for the district’s kids. It’s just like a business, let it fail, don’t bail it out just because they said, “We’re going to close.”
There are even better educations around that are offered than that HLWW offers. Buffalo, Watertown-Mayer, Dassel-Cokato.. All of them. Just because you keep pumping money into a crappy school system, won’t make it better. Look at Chrysler.
I still find it interesting that HLWW built this new school and made all these improvments to gain, what, 30 students?…. And yet Buffalo keeps growing, along with D/C…Who I believe, may need to add on to their MS and HS due to rapid growth. A good, sound school system will always flourish.
It’s like trying to build a statue out of mud instead of concrete.
Mr. T
Question 1, keeps the same levy in place.
Question 2, adjusts the dollars to inflation and other expenses like fuel. Hmmm… fuel is cheaper today CONSIDERABLY more than it was a year ago. So would some money offset, and will the district cut us all a check for reimbursement on our taxes for the “fuel money” they didn’t spend?
OF COURSE NOT… They will find some other place to drain this money away. Probably padding their own paychecks.
Question 3… Is an increase of $100 of the current levy. It “Replaces the $50 per pupil, with $150 per pupil. This is an INCREASE. More money, not less.
Yes, since the levy failed in 2007, taxes are now lower. You pass it again, they go back up. It’s a simple concept.
I hope whoever voted “No” tonight doesn’t enjoy watching high school sports because without junior high sports in the future, there won’t be a foundation for the high school program. Those teams that went to state last year brought the whole community together and that is why I have chosen to raise my kids in a small community and school. Maybe it is the wrong community though. I hope you enjoy your 10 cents a day you will have extra by voting “No”! I think our kids’ education is worth 10 cents a day.
WOO HOO!!! Thanks everyone who voted. The kids and community deserve it!!!
If mom and dad can’t pay the bills and put food on the table there will be no future to prepare the kids for. Taxes in our district are out of line, it’s not as though our school has a higher than average percent of college grads or that HLWW students are known for curing diseases or figuring out nuclear fusion. It’s odd to me that things that didn’t exist 10 years ago, are now “required” for a student to have an education.
We are in a severe recession, and anyone fooled by the media’s proclamation that it is over will be in for a sorry surprise when food and energy prices skyrocket as they did in the 70’s due to the federal government’s inflationary monetary policy. When unemployment spikes even farther because interest rates are forced to rise because no one wants our debt, who then will think these expenses are necessary. (please note: CPI is not an accurate measure of inflation, and the government unemployment statistics do not include the underemployed, the formerly self-employed, or people who can no longer collect unemployment)
The generation of people who grew up in the 40’s and 50’s were able to build the worlds largest creditor nation and did so without a majority of them having a college education and many without a high school diploma. Over the last 30 years we have managed to create the largest debtor nation in the world because of a misplaced sense of entitlement. It isn’t just the people in Washington DC who have brought this about, but all of the local and state spending increases as well.
If people want to have a drama clubs and sports teams or whatever other leisure activities for their kids then they should have fundraisers where people can voluntarily donate to the programs of their choice. It shouldn’t be the will of the majority that forces all of us to pay for things we find unnecessary, especially when one considers how very often the majority is wrong.
The bottom line is, many people in the district are struggling and many more will be struggling in the years to come as this economic collapse continues to unfold. We need to figure out ways to get by on less, if our school board cannot do it, then I suggest new leadership be put in place at the next term.
If you have a counter argument, I’d like to hear it, I am always up for a debate.
So the best way to deal with a recession is to limit educational opportunities for our kids? That is pretty sad. What they are asking for in taxes most families can easily find in their budget. My family’s income was cut in half this year yet we were able to trim emough fat where we are still getting by and can absorb a tax increase.
I am a firm believer that when you support our schools and show it outwardly that kids, in general, will take their education more seriously. Eventually, that will pay off for the communities in the area. We could use larger and more diversified employers. We could use a larger population to spread the tax burden across. These are all more likely scenarios than if we are dealing with properly funded and supported school system.
At least the first two questions passed.
They take, and take, and take…
Why I don’t care about what the school wants:
1. I am not a farmer and don’t need an agricultural program for my kids.
(That seems to be the focus at the new high school)
2. My kids play hockey, swim, and participate in other activities the HLWW district does not offer.
(Why should we care if you need to pay for sports and drama out of your own pocket? We do.)
3. The hidden costs of the schools are already breaking us.
(Howard Lake needs a new waste water treatment plant, because the new high school pushed ours over capacity.)
More taxes, $100+ a month water bills, and I’m sure we will be asked for another vote, on another levy real soon.
They take, and take, and take….and wonder why the community is dying….
Like most people who vote ‘no’ in these elections, Mr. F chooses not to give any suggestions on how to fix our situation. “vote no, vote no” that is all we hear. Stand up and run for election next time. Make that your platform. Tell us all that you can give our school district a better learning environment, and better supplies or opportunities AND lower taxes at the same time. I will be the first to vote for you. Sadly, you know it can not happen, so you will hide behind the confidentiality of this chat room and type from your soap box.
Also, to WinstedRes, if you look at Buffalo, a place that you say is growing – take a look at their class sizes. 33 kids in a 4th grade classroom! You do not know how lucky you are right now to have a small community school that can focus on every child’s needs. Keep voting no, and you will get there!
Thanks to everyone who came out and voted their convictions (for or against). It’s how the system is supposed to work.
To jdk,
Before you start wippin on Winsted for voting “no” take a look at the vote
by community you will notice there were more no votes in Howard Lake then
there were in Winsted.
btw: For all of you who say, “if you don’t like it move, or run for office!”
Know this…
In the near future the people who have moved here from other places will outnumber the locals who grew up in the area.
And we will run for office and we will take over.
At that time this narrow minded, self serving, farming mentality will give way to logic and financial responsibility.
So, enjoy having you way for a little while longer, because it’s going to come to an end soon.
The selfishness amazes me. I haven’t heard one argument against these levies that makes sense and quite frankly some of them are just plain ignorant. It really frustrates me to see such negativity towards a child’s education.
For those of you that are so impressed with the surrounding communities programs, please feel free to move there and cast your vote in that district and pay their taxes. What we need in our district are people that want our school system to build and grow to be the best it can be.
I have yet to see taxes go down when the tax base gets broader. Didn’t happen in Buffalo, Delano, or Watertown. They just find other ways to spend the money, give it and it is spent. I voted no and I am very pro our kids. I don’t believe that having more extra curricular activities is helping the kids of our district stand out. Look at the low state testing scores HLWW produced. Teach them how to do more with less, just like families across the nation are doing with their own money right now. Parents take responsibility over your kids, pick them up, drop them off, quit relying on the school to be the parent to your kids by making all the decisions for you so your life runs smoothly with a babysitter paid for by your neighbors. Next thing you know the school district will be dabbling their little finger in your private home life because you have allowed it to happen. If you really want to help the kids, encourage them to hit the books!
it really should have failed
How can you vote no and be pro our kids? Question #1 was to MAINTAIN the current budget. Question #2 was to cover inflation. There are a lot of things my tax dollars pay for that I do not support but education is not one of them.
Ignorant is pumping more money into a bunch of scare tactics and lies.
No good argument against? I haven’t read a good argument for it.
We want what we want and to heck with how it affects peoples income and lives.
I guess while we are at it let’s build onto the liquor store in HL again.
Let’s throw more tax dollars at a new overpriced grocery store.
Maybe we can get another bond for the empty industrial park?
When do we stop? I agree $40 per $100,000 is not much money for the schools.
But when you combine it with all the other increases our cities want, it adds up.
Our family budget is slashed to the bone and we can’t afford to be nickel and dimed to the brink anymore.
Haven’t you read how many people couldn’t even pay for pre school tuition last year?
Or how many people are behind on their water and utility bills?
If you lost your income tomorrow? Think about what $40. could buy your kids for lunch….
THANK GOD IT FAILED!! I agree, teach kids more with less! They couldn’t afford the school in the first place, and now they want people to pay for it. What happens when I can’t afford my house because of taxes, will you help pay my bills. Thanks to everyone who voted NO! :)
Mr. L,
I agree with your assessment of the demographic trends, but I urge you to remain civil and to refrain from stereotyping and degrading those who opposed the levee by claiming they have a “narrow minded, self serving, farming mentality.” That does nothing to promote civil discourse and it only increases the likelihood that long-time residents will oppose any newcomers who seek public office.
You may choose to wear such a label as a badge of honor, but I, as someone who may offer to serve in the public sphere someday, would prefer to be known as someone who is forward-thinking while yet helping to maintain the quality of life that lifelong Winsted residents have enjoyed (though the concept is applicable to any of our communities), the kind of life that drew me and my family to Winsted.
You also make a significant claim by implying that those newcomers who may run for office will somehow bring with them “logic and financial responsibility.” I’d like to know how you can support that claim. From the interactions I’ve had with both the city of Winsted and the HLWW school board, I’m confident that their actions have both been logical and fiscally sound. Not even I agree with every decision that they make, but that does not mean that their selected actions lack forethought, rationality, or fiscal acumen.
Why should we give more money to a school district that couldn’t even tech it’s Alumni the difference between a want and a need?
Like a bad flu the referendum will just keep coming back again and again until they get the vote they want. Our voice isn’t really heard when we vote NO, only when we vote YES and they get the result they want and quit asking. $40 is a low per household amount. I don’t know anyone who owns a $100,000 house, even a condemned dump in Howard Lake sells for that much. The fallacy that the tax money equates into educating the kids is the first misconception. Those dollars never see the classrooms that teach academics. I think the kids of HLWW school district will be just fine in life without adding basketweaving or video gaming classes to their choices. And heaven forbid they should have to find a ride home because there is not an activity bus.
Reasons For It: 1. Smaller class sizes so my child has more one on one interaction with the teacher. 2. So my child has the opportunity to work on computers, learn business classes, learn spanish, have the opportunity to take advanced placement classes, all of which will help them with the next step in their life, whether it be college or the work force. 3. So my child has the opportunity to be a member of a TEAM, whether it be in an athletic sport, the band, the choir, the school play all of which will help them in the future. Help them to be on a team at the work place or a team serving the public such as a future school board member or a team in the government such as a city council position, etc. 4. So my child will have extra help in school if needed from a paraprofessional or special education teacher. 5. So my child can continue getting a good education that will “keep up with the times”. That will prevent them from “falling behind” others that are maybe competing for the same job as them or competing to get into the same college as them. Others from schools that offer much more than HLWW. These are just some of my reasons for it. Now let’s hear the reasons for the ones who are not for it. And please do not list your personal budgets as a reason. We are talking pennies per day. Yes, it adds up. Yes, my budget is tight right now as well, but why does the school have to be blamed for that? It is so sad that these 3 communities cannot work together for our children’s future. It takes a village to raise a child. That includes the school as well.
Lil- If the first two questions on the ballot hadn’t passed there wouldn’t be any activities to get a ride home from… And to equate programs like AP English or Spanish Language to basketweaving and video gaming just serves to show your own ignorance of what actually is being taught in our school.
Well J., the district could of had all those things and more without spending millions on a new school to entice 30 or so new students. Anyone who chooses their district based on what the school looks like instead of the test results that the teachers and students put out as a gauge of how well they are learning will have to hope they can get a job based not on their smarts but on how good they looked standing in front of a new building. If all the YES voters were so worried about AP classes and the Spanish language, maybe you should of asked for more money for programs to begin with, instead of wanting to have a good looking track field. Good teachers can teach kids with 33 or 13 kids, but not when 20 of those 33 are day dreaming about football practice and how they can get out of doing the work the AP class requires. When HLWW starts producing the highest test scores in the state I will believe the money is well spent. The notion that kids can only learn when they have new things would make the hard workers and high achievers of their ancestors turn over in their grave. The focus all along should of been AP classes and other advanced courses and how to get students to excel in the sciences, not on a great new building that does nothing to advance their mind.
I still don’t understand why the new high school was built if the district could not afford it. Obviously they can’t afford it with all the threats of closing schools, getting rid of activities, etc… Asking for more money is something that HLWW seems to be good at because they are constantly asking for more money!!!! You don’t hear about other districts in the surrounding areas having this problem. If a levy doesn’t pass, you don’t hear about it for a few years. Here at HLWW, they are ALWAYS in the newspaper talking about the levy. It is really getting old every week you pick up the paper and there is more levy talk or threats of closing this is or that. I am sure the next election there will be another vote asking for more money! Thats what HLWW does!!!!!!
I am a very proud parent of students that attend HLWW and voted yes to all three questions. Someone stated who cares about agriculture classes at HLWW. Well you should…those classes are MORE about farming…but first tell me where does the food that your family will eat come from, how do you heat your home….I know it comes from a farm. Mr. Weninger teaches those kids Parlimetary procedure (how to conduct a meeting), Landscaping, Floriculture, Leadership classes, 9th Grade Exploring AG, Mechanics, record keeping and there is plenty more. If you would have looked at the front page of this weeks Winsted Journal you would see that a team from the HLWW Ag Dept went to Nationals and finished 4th in the Nation and four other students received their American Degrees….those American Degrees count up to goals, committment and record keeping all taught to them by Mr. Weninger. Look at the community… that AG Dept has done ALOT of landscaping at all of the schools, St. Mary’s Church in Waverly, Midwest Machinery in Howard Lake, the Wright County Fair Grounds… and there is numerous more projects that those AG kids accomplished by being taught AG classes at the school.
Someone said who cares about sports…… those students who are involved in sports…are taught a huge lesson about life like dedication, committment, hard work, working with others, being a team player and setting goals. If you do not have sports and parents who support those kids and their kids goals and the teams goal what will you have….a lot more lazy kids who do not care and who do not have the drive and dedication to succeed in life.
Now tell me when you where growing up….did you go with out dedicated teachers and without sports?
We all need to give these kids the chance that they deserve to get #1 a decent education #2 to get them involved in their school by being in extra activties….like FFA, Sports, Choir, Band, Play etc…. #3 teach them to give back to their community and by those of you voting NO you did not give them a chance at all.
It is easy to say that cetain classes are needless. It is easy to say that certain activities are needless. The reality is that no one knows what class or activity is going to influence a student for the rest of their life. When I was student director for the drama club in high school (in a different town), I had no idea how much I would use what I learned in several area’s of my life as an adult. To the comments of the teachers need to get the test scores up…you can not give one on one attention to the kids when the class size is “33″ kids. It doesn’t matter how great of a teacher you are, you can’t be stretched that thin and be effective. Let’s give the teachers and students the ability to get the scores up.
As to the comment of wanting money for the building and then asking for money to operate the schools….the state of Minnesota does not allow the two items to be combined in one vote. If you have strong feelings on this issue let your legislators know how you feel.
No matter if you agree with the result of the vote or not, make sure you tell the teachers how much you appreciate their work. They are with your children more than you are.
When our children were in school, they were first enrolled them at HLWW. We were very concerned with the quality of the education so we met with the school board. Our encounter with that school board convinced us to enroll our children out of district and some home schooling. I’ve paid enough for poor education. Remember, it is about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Not huge fancy school buildings, sports and band.
Reading these posts are a sad moment in my day.
I don’t know what you call someone that doesn’t value a community’s and / or childs education. Probably a redneck, hillbilly from a small town – which is what HL is stereotyped for already.
Someone seriously wouldn’t contribute / invest $40 annually (most houses in Howard Lake are not tax assessed for more than 200K) to ensure that kids are given an advantage like the surrounding communities. I bet you would go spend that money at the good ol Legion or at the beer tent at GND.
If we had a supported school system that the community stood behind, perhaps newcomers / outsiders would want to send their kids to school here and the community would grow and flourish. Maybe then we could support a grocery store and some new businesses in town but it is the same old with no incentive for people to live here.
In this day and age, if you don’t keep up with the Jones’ with essential educational tools, the only people you will keep in your community will be the people who’s roots are embedded here. Those are the facts of life.
If I didn’t have sports or organized activities when I was in high school, I would not have learned the key fundamentals in self-esteem, team work that I use today in my professional life. Less is more but NOT in EDUCATION.
I voted yes on all three options. I’m pleased two of them passed. Education is essential. Don’t cry to me that you don’t have the money, few people make less than we do in this community and we will find the money. Education is not where you cut costs. I’m proud to live here among people who know the importance of education. Thanks to everyone who cares about our schools and voted yes.
I wish that all three had passed and am saddened that it didn’t because kids make up the youngest, vulnerable group of our community and we are supposed to treat them like we would ourselves. Voting yes for levy number 1 will DECREASE your property taxes $2 for each $100,000 your home is worth over a year, voting yes for levy number 2 will increase your property taxes $2 for each $100,000 your home is worth over a year and voting for levy number 3 would have increased your property taxes $20 for each $100,000 your home is worth over a year. Over a year, $20 doesn’t go very far for one household but it would have gone further for all the kids in the school district! If you shortchange the kids’ education now in our school district, you can cripple their ability to compete for jobs with others with better educations in other districts. It may make their time in school more like doing time in a prison if art, music, sports and technical school opportunities are eliminated and that’s what keeps them going there and feeling good about themselves and is a reward for them to learn the hard basics of reading, writing and math. Do you remember what it’s like to be in school? I want the kids of this community to feel like we care about them enough to give the schools $20 a year so that they can learn a little of what is available to learn in America (computers, science, phy ed, Advanced Placement Studies), so that they grow up to be positive and caring and try to give a little back of their knowledge and skill that they got in school through their work to their community. Every one is good at something. How will they know what they are good at if learning programs are eliminated? If we don’t take care of the kids in our community now by giving them an education equal to that of other kids in America–let alone in other countries, we’ll be taking care of them in other ways (drug rehab programs, welfare, teen pregnancy, crime increases are possibilities). If we do, we will see a better economy where kids in our district grow up able to do the jobs available or even create new ones. We are all connected folks.
People of HL, W & W,
There are two sides to every coin. My “rant” was merely stating that there are bigger issues than the referendum, and that our district is more expensive than average and not producing better results.
I would not even say that my personal budget is the main reason for voting “no”, my reason is that the school and government agencies in general are inefficient and seem to think the problem is always not enough money. If the school were producing great results and using resources efficiently, then I would support the referendum, but it isn’t and more money will not change that, it will make it worse.
I am not against education, but I am against thinking that the only way to get educated is public ed. By and large, kids who are homeschooled fair much better on standardized testing. I think that it is because of the attention the parents are showing and really make the kids believe that education is important. I would say increased spending on education is analogous to a parent thinking that if they buy their kids the newest video game or cool shoes that they are expressing love, when what the kid needs is your time and attention and if we need our teachers to provide that to our children then we are a sorry excuse for a society.
For those who think sports are the only place to learn teamwork, it is an option, but don’t forget those who are not athletically inclined and how they are often the kids that get picked on. What does that do to their self esteem? Why should their parents pay to fund the jocks that are picking on their kids and making their lives difficult? I’m saying pay for what you value and use, and don’t force others to pay for it. If you like something contribute time or money to fund it, but don’t force the people who don’t like it to pay for it.
Another suggestion I’ll put here is against the activity bus, when I was in school I used the activity bus, and there were nights when I was the only student or one of 2 or three students in a full sized bus that drove halfway across the county. That is a waste of resources. Get creative, share responsibility with other parents, kids of driving age offer to give rides to your younger teammates or neighbors.
For jdk who made the comment on anonymity, why did you not put your real name in your post? I am a 1998 HLWW grad, my real name is Lewis Fiecke I currently reside in Howard Lake. At this time I have no intention of sending my 16 month old child to high school here because too much of what is taught in public schools is lies or a complete waste of mental energy. In addition, most of the students don’t care about being educated, and thus high school is merely a very expensive social networking club or public funded day-care, take your pick. How is that environment conducive to learning or developing critical thinking skills?
I would consider running for school board if I really thought the parents of the district cared more about education than about social posturing, but sadly I believe that isn’t true. I also find the government’s requirements to be insulting and unnecessary, parents should decide what kids learn not bureaucrats. Maybe my biggest reason is that I don’t have the energy or patience to deal with simple minded people who attack the person making an argument rather than the argument. I made one suggestion in my original post and it was ‘pay to play’ yet the comment by jdk was that I offered NO suggestions. I added a few in here and I would happily make more suggestions if I were more informed about where money was being wasted. At the end of the day, I know enough to know that the district wastes too much money and I’m sick of paying for it.
You can call me or the other “no voters” rednecks, hillbillies or whatever suits you, I call myself free thinking and concerned with liberty and feel that I should be allowed to spend what I earn on things I care about and not be forced to fund things I personally find of no value or even destructive to a child’s development.
“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” -Benjamin Franklin
“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” -Thomas Jefferson
I hope this serves as a “vote no” argument that is beyond my personal budget. Again, I’d be happy to debate counter points. Let’s hear some statistics or show me how your personal gain from drama club or sports benefited the ENTIRE community.
I almost feel ashamed to say I graduated from this school system. I always felt that there was a lack of support form the community, and this just confirms that belief.
You are ruining the high school experience for hundreds of kids down the road.
I hope you are proud of yourselves.
Lewis Fiecke. You have hit the nail on the head. Thank you.
As always, there are so many sides to every story. I continue to read about the taxes are out of line in HLWW, but then in the same breath people will say that they should go to neighboring towns for the better education. It is better in other towns because those communities have voted yes and have funded their children’s education. Remember, someone else had to vote yes for you to have the education you had in school. It is time to pay it forward. Find a person in any of the towns you listed (Buffalo, Watertown, Annadale) with the same size house or style house you have and then you will see how low the taxes really are in HLWW.
One area I have to agree with the no voters on is spending. Tough decisions do have to be made, but there has been a lot of waste in the past and people need to be held accountable for that waste. Why order brand new equipment for the high school industrial tech department and the cut the program. Those desks, computers, and machines just sit. As someone that would like to see levees pass in the future, that is not a good use of the money have given in the past and is just a bit of advice for future questions.
I’m sad to say the ignorance has shown through in just the “no” comments on here. Budgets are tight, people are behind on utility bills, etc…, smart people make smart adjustments, not just excuses. The absolute zero support for a child’s public education is pathetic, sad and quite frankly you should be ashamed of yourself for thinking that way.
When I paid for my child’s preschool tuition I made sure I had that money available by not spending that money on other things. I don’t spend my money on cigarettes and beer so my kids lunches are paid for.:)
supportiveparent/citizen…you say,
“smart people make smart adjustments, not just excuses?”
YOU ARE CORRECT! AND SO SHOULD THE SCHOOLS!
I’m sick of their excuses. They should spend money on bills, books, and salaries.
Before they buy basketballs and bleachers.
I hope when you don’t have beer/cigarette money, you don’t go beg from your neighbor.
You do realize that that’s how schools are run don’t you? By asking for money from their neighbors?
And schooling is only one part of the high school equation. Sports and other extracurricular activities are what make a high school fun and an enjoyable experience.
But wait, I’m sure having a school with just academics, no FFA and everything that goes along with the FFA, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep band, Football, Basketball, Track, Baseball, Wrestling, NHS, Athletic Council, or Choir would be a great place to go to school.
You say why pay when there are other, better school in the area. Those schools are better because they have educated residents who aren’t ignorant and selfish, and want their communities children to do have a good environment to develop, not just Academically, but maybe athletically, or musically, or theatrically.
When I think of places like Watertown, Buffalo, DC, I think of a tight knit community who care about everything that takes place in their school system. And it is shown by the new additions to their already close-to-new schools.
When I think of Howard Lake, though i did grow up there, I think of a bunch of rednecks who spend too much time at the Legion and the liquor store and don’t give a rip about the school system.
The apathy of our community disgusts me.
I must have hit a sore spot with the cig/beer issue, I don’t drink or smoke so it wouldn’t be missed out of my budget. I would be spending my money on better things than that. I don’t agree with everything the schools spend the money on but the whining that goes on about every little thing the money is spent on is really old.
HLWWalum summed it up. Thank you.
You are completely missing the point.
We fully support all of those things, when times were good and money allowed.
We are going though the worst recession, borderline depression in years.
People are loosing their homes, jobs, and retirement.
Homes are worth less then what people paid for them and now taxed for more then they are worth.
This economy will take years to bounce back. They can’t even sell if they want to. Most times they just walk away.
What will your home be worth when 1/2 the neighborhood is in foreclosure?
What good will all of the money in the world do the schools, if there is nobody living here to go to them?
How much more are you willing to give the schools when your one of the only people left to tax?
# 1 and # 2 passed, BE HAPPY!!!
Number # 3 didn’t pass and they should be happy with what they got.
But I doubt that is good enough for you or them. Is it?
We will see # 3 again, and again, and again until you crybabies get your way.
I am a proud graduate of the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted school district. Not only did I receive a quality education from the district, but the Agricultural Education program and FFA Chapter have made me the person I am today. Someone commented that they felt the new high school was focused on Agricultural Education and that they didn’t need it since they were not a farmer. Well,
1. The Agricultural Education program is a major focus because it is so successful and prepares our students for their futures and careers unlike any other program has the capabilities to do. The administration, students, and parents recognize the successes of those students enrolled in Agricultural Education and support the program because it is important and it works.
2. I want whoever feels that Agricultural Education is not important because they are not farmers to Google “Crystal Jones, Howard Lake.” I of all people, KNOW that agricultural education and FFA are important. I could spend all day telling you about the successes I have had through FFA. The point is, I AM NOT A FARMER. I didn’t get the privileged to grow up on a farm and I found my passion and purpose in life through the agricultural education program at HLWW. FFA is important whether you are a farmer or not. In fact 85% of the HLWW FFA membership is not from farms, and yet we are one of the top 10 most successful chapters in the state. FFA and agricultural education are important. Don’t say it is unnecessary, when you don’t understand it.
:) :) :)
I think the NO voters are missing the point. Some think the school uses the money to buy basketballs & bleachers, some think we are above the state average in cost per pupil, some think our cost per pupil is higher than the surrounding schools, some think the school board pads their own paychecks, some think that just because their child isn’t athletic, or a farmer or an actor that the opportunity shouldn’t be given to others, some seem to think that the EC programs are totally funded by these operating levy dollars when in fact there are activity fees that are paid and fundraising done for new equipment, new jerseys, new props, new pianos, etc. some think that HLWW gives a poor education and has low test scores, when in fact, they are average compared to surrounding schools. Let’s face it. The No voters are not really sure what the money is spent on. Honestly, I don’t know that I am either. I do know it’s not any of these reasons and I know that I trust the people I elected to do what is best for our school. To spend the money wisely. I am willing to invest $40 per year for my children to have every opportunity they possibly can. And once my kids are graduated, I will continue to vote YES for school levys so that our kids of the future are given those same opportunities. I sure wish I had the opportunity to learn Spanish or learn Leadership skills in FFA or take AP courses to prepare for college. Those opportunities were not available when I was in school. What else can be available for our kids of the future? Will the NO voters ever vote YES? I really don’t know what it would take. I think it will always be NO in their minds because they are very bitter towards our school for some reason other than pennies a day.