[Speed Gibson,
Saturday March 15, 2008 at 10:31pm]
Be it resolved
Somehow, the start of the Strategic Planning process in District 281 has restarted talk of school closings, one or more of three Elementary schools in Brooklyn Center, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. We saw a prompt political response from the City of Robbinsdale last time, and I'm sure there will be a follow up this round. Now Plymouth has weighed in, passing a resolution on March 11 to protect its own.
After more than dozen WHEREAS's, the Plymouth City RESOLVED that it:
The resolution reminds the District of past funding and cooperation by the City. In my opinion, while certainly helpful and appreciated, they aren't comparable to the impacts of a school closing, for reasons they cite.
The only item I object to is about supporting the referendum as a criterion for choosing which school to close. I think that's a poor reason to set one parent's child ahead of another. To borrow a phrase, it's for the children.
After more than dozen WHEREAS's, the Plymouth City RESOLVED that it:
- Opposes the closing of Pilgrim Lane Elementary School because it would weaken a strong neighborhood school in a community that supported ISD 281's referendum.
- Urges the ISD 281 to make its decisions based on sound, long-term financial analysis.
- Encourages parents, students, and other Plymouth residents to attend and participate in public information meetings planned by the ISD 281 to discuss budgetary, cost-saving, and school closing/restructuring issues.
The resolution reminds the District of past funding and cooperation by the City. In my opinion, while certainly helpful and appreciated, they aren't comparable to the impacts of a school closing, for reasons they cite.
The only item I object to is about supporting the referendum as a criterion for choosing which school to close. I think that's a poor reason to set one parent's child ahead of another. To borrow a phrase, it's for the children.