Posted by
SD45 on Monday, December 31, 2007 1:44:35 AM
There's talk of putting up another referendum vote in 2008, but for now seems more like 2009 (an off-year election). From the
MN Sun-Post December 26:
Six weeks after an operating levy referendum failed in District 281, the "R" word surfaced again last week.
However, Robbinsdale Area Schools administrators are recommending against another operating levy referendum in 2008.
"We
have planned on the reality of a referendum in the fall of 2009,"
Superintendent Stan Mack said in a school board work session Dec. 15.
He characterized a presidential election year in 2008 - coupled with an
open U.S. Senate seat and Minnesota House of Representative members on
the ballot - as "almost an impossible hill to climb."
If a citizen committee wants to start a referendum campaign, they would need to come up with $50,000 in seed money, and most likely new chairs to head it up.
"If a committee wants to mount a campaign, we certainly will listen to
them," Boardmember Helen Bassett said. "But it will take new
leadership."
The cuts proposed by the school board and the December 18 public forum seemed to set the stage for another referendum soon. The forum was a great example of citizens and the school board communicating and generating ideas. 2008 promises to be an interesting year for District 281, and more citizen involvement will be key in solving issues.