Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Tuesday, May 20, 2008
School board asks administration for referendum recommendations
La Crosse School Board members Monday asked the district’s administration to draw up plans for potential fall referendums.
They also requested a school consolidation proposal and a plan that outlines their options should they decide against bringing a referendum to the voters — or they do and it fails.
“I don’t think we can
do nothing, because I couldn’t sleep at night,” said Christine Clair, board president. “Not getting the money from the public means we have to cut programs ... or close buildings.”
The unanimous motion came six weeks after a $35 million building referendum fell short April 1 by 273 votes, with 5,417 no votes to 5,144 yes.
That measure sought $20 million for safety and “urgent facility” needs plus heating and air conditioning, along with $15 million for a new elementary school that would combine Franklin Elementary School and Roosevelt/Coulee Montessori Schools at the current Franklin site.
Several board members were interested Monday in seeing a new plan that restructured the previous referendum question.
Steve Kopp, board vice president, suggested looking at three five-year referendums to address the district’s needs.
“It may not be possible, but it would be interesting for us to consider,” Kopp said. “I’m just trying to think of ways to break this down into smaller morsels.”
Reorganizing district priorities could help decide what goes into the new ballot question, board member Dave Rudolph said.
“I think maybe as a board we may need to come to a consensus on what are some things we can do without,” he said.
Rudolph recalled teaching summer school in several La Crosse school buildings that didn’t have air conditioning. “I survived quite well,” he said.
Focusing on building safety, security and climate control in a modified referendum could be an option, said board member Neil Duresky, though he added he “probably” wouldn’t vote to go out for another referendum.
Board member Deb Suchla was concerned about the potential for creating a bidding war after bringing out conservative referendums in 2004 and April.
By closing a school, the district could get the dollars needed to address some of the facility needs, Suchla said.
District administrators will present their findings at the July 7 board meeting.
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
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