Height of Hubris
“We only lost by ten votes, so let’s resubmit the same School Board bond.”
Really? Is that the kind of civics lesson we wish to teach our children? Reject the vote of the people. Honestly, within the echo chamber of a select few who want what they want regardless of the impact on others strikes me and countless others as the definition of selfishness.
We just witnessed an unprecedented and emphatic “No” vote against a backdrop of food truck enticements, lawn signs, and big signs on school property. The signs were strategically placed to be viewed most often by voters with children in schools. Some feel it’s like getting into a match with one hand tied behind their back.
We teach our children to abide by a level playing field and play by the rules. Grownups should do the same. For a fair election, let’s agree to a level playing field by eliminating signs on school property and lawns. Now that’s the civics lesson we should be teaching our kids.
Further, it’s time to move past the restricted feel of the School Board by embracing the entire community. Have citizens whose children are no longer in the system, seniors, and single people on the Board. It’s a common-sense way to reflect all the stakeholders while ensuring the School District like the rest of us, lives within its means.
The bond was defeated because legitimate questions were raised about the educational value of certain items and the cost benefit of what appeared to be status or keep-up-with other districts like adornments. Also, the large bond would shackle the entire community with a huge 30-year debt. Some of the bonded items had a life of far less. Honestly, if a used car salesman gave you that pitch, would you buy a car from him?
Simply stated, the bond was too big. Drill down, focus on solid fundamental educational needs, and then come back with a more reasonable request. Do not engage in any accounting shenanigans misrepresenting items or burying cost items into the regular budget. Rather than balkanizing our small community, let’s work to bring it together.
- Chris Cohan
