When will we hear the final plan for Morgan school? "Imagine Beloit" tells us that "Morgan and Cunningham have the most green space to expand into an intermediate school (and would be rebuilt as new buildings per architect recommendations)."
Didn't the board vote, or at least decide, not to build on the Morgan site? Last we heard, the new school would be located on Milwaukee Road. It appears that either the plan has shifted, once again, or the "Imagine" team is not even clear as to what the plan really is. Perhaps there is no plan. Either way, it must be upsetting for Morgan neighbors to see things change so often. And it should give us all pause, and make us wonder if we are truly ready for this referendum.
As we discussed in an earlier post, a referendum requires much more planning than this one has had. Some districts take years studying the needs and possibilities. And when they vote to put the question on the ballot, everything has been properly vetted with the district and citizens clearly understanding the plans and the reasons behind them.
A referendum is a form of direct democracy. It is OUR way of deciding what goes on with our schools and our taxes. The lack of planning and transparency, and the confusion that surrounds this referendum has made this anything but a form of democracy. The school district is asking for 70 million dollars from us, the taxpayers, without presenting a plan. As taxpayers we would be wise to tell the district to take it back to the drawing board. We can "imagine" a better referendum for Beloit.
The author of the blog is doing an excellent job of sizing up the referendum's helter-skelter, seemingly ever changing composition.
ReplyDeleteI attended some of the public meetings and listened to hours of presentations and deliberations. There were numerous questions from both the public and from the Board, but there were very few answers.
The questions of fact that were put to the administration, were rarely addressed or answered with facts. The people that questioned the proposed numbers, were not answered with the figures that were requested.
They spoke about the building repair issues and other aspects of the referendum at various meetings, but mostly in generalities, not answering the questions with specific numbers or demonstrable data.
This referendum is going to be sent to the public soon with many things left undecided, or hurried into at the last minute, just to present a plan. The matter will then be decided by politics and emotional pleas, not by a balanced weighing of all of the facts.
"Imagine" going to the local bank and asking for a building loan without a plan for your project. Imagine trying to convince this local bank that you will decide later where to build, and you will let the bank see the plans after you get the loan. Imagine the bank loaning you money for a pool and a workout room in your home when your roof is leaking and you choose not to fix it. Imagine the bank wanting to invest in your home when you aren't even taking care of the basics in your home -- like the roof. Imagine that, Beloit!
ReplyDeleteEffects from the current transition: My son is a 4th grader. He will never know the pride or responsbility of being a "crossing guard". He will never have the opportunity to build up younger kids in the school by having a "kindgergarten buddy". He will never get to walk his younger sister, a kindergartner, home from school. He only has one "neighborhood" friend, because many of his classmates live up to 2 miles away. I am voting "NO" on this referendum for a variety of reasons, the first being to reject the inadequacy of the current Superintendent and his arrogance in claiming to know what is best for our children, when in fact he is doing the absolute opposite of what is best in hopes of leaving for retirement with a feather in his cap. I would easily support a referendum that focused on real needs, real numbers, real research, and real commitment to bettering Beloit.
ReplyDeleteI understand the sadness that comes with the no crossing guard and no kindergarten buddy experiences. Two of my three children were able to have those experiences as well, but...the truth is change is part of life. Perhaps your son will have new experiences that are just as gratifying and confidence-building to him! We have to be open to change or our lives will always be a struggle. Many are so resistant to change. We have to open our minds. Different isn't always bad. The school district CANNOT continue to function with the "neighborhood" schools as we Beloiters are used to. Financially, it is not possible. Our buildings are run down and our classrooms are over crowded. Talk with your kids' teachers and principals. Our children's education is being affected by these problems. Every part of this referendum never can and never will please anyone completely. We have to look at the bigger picture. I disagree with your unkind words about the Superintendent. This is a collaboration of ideas and input from MANY people including administrators, teachers, staff, parents over many years! The architect firm hired gave it's first set of plans in 2008! This has not been a rushed decision. Mr. McNeal's intentions are not self-serving. Again, speak with the teachers at your kids' school and their principal. Get their opinion about the changes. There are presentations going on for many different groups in the community so that people can really understand what will happen and why! Please go into it with an open mind. The facts will be given. I hope you can make your decision about how you will vote based on facts and not hearsay or your emotions. It's a hard thing to do, but our kids and city really do deserve this!
DeleteChange should happen as seldom as possible for children. It is more accepted when more people are involved in the decision making process and all voices are welcomed and heard. Parents in Beloit feel disenfranchised. Many are clueless as to what will happen to their child's school. They are questioning where their child will attend school and how they will get to school. They are concerned about their 10 year-old attending school with 15 year-olds and the undesirable behaviors that they may learn from the older students.
ReplyDeleteWe have not heard from teachers who are in favor of this referendum. Research does not support a 70 million dollar reconfiguration. Without good reason, it is difficult for parents to accept and the uncertainties and lack of planning make it difficult for all citizens to accept.