Moorhead Public School officials think last year's referendum was narrowly defeated because voters did not know enough about how the schools would spend the $5.2 million of taxpayers' money had it been approved.
To change that in time for the 2010 ballot - where voters will again be asked to approve an $850-per-pupil levy referendum - administrators have scheduled six "listening" sessions over the course of a month.
Less than a dozen Moorhead residents attended Thursday night's meeting, but those who did voiced their opinion on what Moorhead needs to retain its reputation for excellent education, a reputation they say first attracted them to Moorhead.
Former Fargoan Teresa Norwig said her family chose to live in Moorhead because of the school system and the staff.
"The teachers are terrific. I really appreciate that you have a great staff from top to bottom, and I really think it would be a shame to lose them," Norwig said.
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But staff cuts could be eminent, Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak said, if funding by the state continues to be cut and the referendum doesn't pass.
"Eighty percent of our expenses are personnel," Kazmierczak said.
Using the referendum money to increase staff to reduce teacher/student ratios is one of five priorities Kazmierczak outlined Thursday night.
The middle school is currently at a 33-to-1 student/teacher ratio and the high school is at 36-to-1. Kazmierczak said those ratios would return to
30-to-1 if the referendum is passed.
Other priorities include implementing a technology schedule, replacing aging technical supplies every five to six years.
Many at Thursday's meeting were surprised at the lack of language options, programs that fell victim to funding problems.
Referendum money would add a language program to the middle school and add other choices at the high school.
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Parent Joni Williams said her family specifically chose to live in Moorhead because of the art and music programs the schools offered.
"I don't know if people realize how important languages are," Williams said. "I think we're missing the boat."
If the referendum passes, Kazmierczak said the district would like to retain and expand its music programs also.
Other uses of the money include reducing or eliminating fees for all-day kindergarten and increasing preschool education options. Moorhead currently has all-day kindergarten, but unlike other area schools, Moorhead fees are higher.
Most importantly, Kazmierczak said, is that the levy would provide revenue to the district for the next five to seven years, a necessity if funding by the state continues to be reduced.
The Moorhead district is one of only 35 in Minnesota without a voter operating levy and the only district in Clay County without one. The $850-per-pupil allowance is an average amount compared to other school districts such as St. Louis Park, which collects $1,910 per pupil from residents.
The $850-per-pupil levy would cost about $179 annually on a $100,000 home or $716 annually on a $400,000 home.
Glen and Sharon Witt of south Moorhead don't have children in the district anymore but wanted to know what was happening with the referendum.
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"The young people are having one heck of a time making their payments, and on the north side of Moorhead you have a lot of people on Social Security. With the economy, a recession now, all of this is great but now is not a good time for people," Glen Witt said.
Upcoming listening sessions
- 7 p.m. Sept. 20, Moorhead High School Media Center, 2300 4th Ave. S.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 21, Ellen Hopkins Elementary Media Center, 2020 11th St. S.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 23, S.G. Reinertsen Elementary Media Center, 1201 40th Ave. S.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 28, Probstfield Center Board Room, 2410 14th St. S.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 30, Robert Asp Elementary Media Center, 910 11th St. N.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Wendy Reuer at (701) 241-5530
