Superintendent Stan Mack's proposal to close three schools prompted the Robbinsdale City Council to unanimously pass a resolution to object it. It seemed to have had an effect, as Lakewood was taken off the chopping block and Northport Elementary is now on it. Reported in the MN Sun Post:

Before learning of Mack's new proposal, city officials said Robbinsdale had "shouldered enough" school closings. In the past three decades, three schools have closed in Robbinsdale: Lee Elementary in 1978; Robbinsdale Junior High School in 1979; and Robbinsdale High School in 1982.

The City Council unanimously passed a resolution Dec. 11 objecting to Mack's original proposal and requesting school district officials explore other options. The resolution was included in a 138-page budget-cutting report the district released Dec. 13.

Of interest is how Mayor Mike Holtz learned of the proposal:

Holtz said he first learned about Mack's earlier recommendation in a telephone conversation he had with Mack in late November, before that first plan to close three schools went public.

"I was stunned and in disbelief," Holtz recalled. "I recognized that there were cuts coming but to hear that there would be three closings when, prior to the [failed] levy, they said only one elementary school would close - I just couldn't believe that this was happening."

Over 500 attended the School Board Public Forum December 18. The school board could vote on proposed budget cuts on January 7, 2008. View the calendar, proposed budget and other updates at Robbinsdale School's web site. Comments and suggestions can be sent to the board by phone or email:

• Budget Reduction Hotline: 763-504-8104 
• School Board voice mail: 763-504-7990
• Board e-mail: school_board@rdale.k12.mn.us