Speed Gibson

"We're Listening!" is a refrain you may have seen in various communications from District 281, the Robbinsdale Area Schools. This refers to the Strategic Planning process and other formal interactions with the public. With its spiffy new web site, it isn't too early to think about enabling comments or providing a forum equivalent. Even the Star Tribune does this now.

For example, consider this "tough" question and "honest" answer from the Referendum section:

Q: Why can't you get the job done with what you are already getting?

A: School costs in the metro area are increasing at approximately 4% annually. The most recent increase from the legislature was for 2% for 2007-08 and 1% for 2008-09 and 2009-10. The legislature also approved an additional one-time payment, equal to about 1%, for 2009-10. When costs are increasing faster than the funds provided to cover those costs, cuts need to be made and more revenue must be found. The state actually encourages districts to pursue additional funding through levies, as part of their funding. Click here to see a chart showing underfunding by the state.

Some sample comments might be:

• Costs are rising by 4%? That's the problem, that you're letting your costs rise by more than inflation. You don't get your own inflation rate based on the way you prefer to do business.
  
• More revenue must be "found" - in my wallet no doubt. Say what you mean: you want a tax increase.
  
• I thought there were levy limits imposed by the State. How can you say they encourage local levies?
  
• My Corvette is still on the showroom floor because my employer is underfunding me. You're spending, what $13,000 a student and it's not enough? Just ten to a class is $130 thousand, a teacher and what else? Be sure to tell me next time you're overfunded.
  
• Kids might eat those stupid salads if you put bacon bits on top instead of alfalfa.
  

Yes, you'll get a few screeds and Learned Foot may drop by. You'll get some positive comments, too, and the commenters may argue among themselves, an "honest" and "tough" dialog. The District might learn something.