[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Be it resolved

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Be it resolved
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1205638307.shtml


   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 [1]resolution on March 11 to protect its own.
   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.

   Actually, I imagine this is somewhat tame compared to whatever
   missives District 281 received from the Robbinsdale contingent. To my
   knowledge, Brooklyn Center is continuing to remain silent, at least
   for now.
   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.

References

   1. http://www2.ci.plymouth.mn.us/pls/cop/docs/FOLDER/CITY_GOV/CG_COUNCIL/CG_CC_AGENDA/CG_CC_PACKETS/2008/March11/91.pdf