Now that the voting is over on the referendum, let’s all remember that the point was to look at the request being made by the school district from all perspectives and do our best to judge the situation.  Some have suggested that both sides amplified their case and that is the nature of these things. 

In the end, the referendum was defeated because a group of citizens organized themselves to oppose it.  This opposition effort created enough interest in the issue to keep it on peoples minds – often times these referendums are passed because the only ones paying attention to an off cycle election are those directly involved with the schools.  That is why these referendums always seem to come up on off cycle elections in the first place.  I believe the district could have won an increase half the size of the one they asked for.  They would have increased their chances if they had made it for a shorter term (say 6 years instead of 10).  With potentially tough economic times ahead I believe it was just too much for people to commit to.  It is likely that some of our seniors couldn’t justify voting for the increase – especially if on fixed incomes.

Moving forward I am hopeful that the district leaders will look at the concerns of those that were opposed and find ways to make future decisions with their concerns in mind.  I think the time of the unopposed school referendum has passed – the question is, will what follows be constructive for the students in the district to observe?  Or, will there just be tantrums?