[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: District 281 Begins Facilities Plan

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
District 281 Begins Facilities Plan
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1223355758.shtml


   I got home from tonight's School Board meeting expecting to have
   missed the Vikings game like a month ago when they lost to Green Bay.
   But instead of Dancing with the Stars via the DVR, I find Channel 5
   has picked up the ESPN broadcast. It's now 27-27 with 7:10 left.
   Meanwhile, back at the ESC, the District 281 School Board has hired
   consultants to develop a facilities plan, including a much-needed
   demographic forecast. This addresses Strategic Plan goal 5-E, to
   "create a facilities plan to meet the needs of our students and our
   communities." I'm all for it. Plus, it looks like the Board did a good
   job in bidding and awarding the contract.
   School Boards generally have much less power than most residents
   think, particularly around referendum time. Facilities - buildings -
   might be the area where they have the most discretion, i.e., the least
   second guessing by the Legislature and the Departments of Education.
   It is also an area where the District hasn't historically shown the
   best judgment. It was too quick to expand in the 1960's, building many
   schools only to begin closing them in the 1970's and 1980's.
   Facilities are more than just buildings. Parents and the communities
   develop bonds with their local schools, strengths the district can
   build on, and equally problematic to close. The unexpected closing of
   the flagship Robbinsdale High School in 1982 is the ultimate example,
   still a touchy subject here on the east side of the District.
   Even now, with the closing of at least one building all but certain,
   regardless of the referendum results, which building will generate a
   spirited meeting or two. We see this in most every district,
   particularly when the decision appears arbitrary - or political. Facts
   alone provide no judgement, but should support a correct decision.
   Meanwhile, the Vikings pull this one out, 30 to 27. Dancing with the
   Stars, rescheduled for 1:35 am, will have to wait.