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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Pay attention to the debate about La Crosse schools

By Tribune editorial board

La Crosse School Board members are considering what options they have — and district residents need to be paying attention to that process.

At issue is how La Crosse schools will function in a tight financial situation.

In April, voters approved a referendum question allowing the district to spend more than the current state revenue limits allow. La Crosse was one of dozens of school districts statewide that have reached their limit and needed more flexibility.

But voters rejected a question asking for a new $15 million school to replace an existing North Side school, and $20 million in major repairs — including several boilers in schools.

Where do we go now? What do we do to save money? How can we get those major repairs done? Will there be another attempt to build a new school?

In a previous editorial, we suggested that the district forgo the idea of a new school — at least for now — and simply ask voters for permission to make the repairs.

School Board members have a variety of options on the table and have not yet ruled out anything. The possibility of a new school and the needed repairs is on the spending side.

But there also are proposals designed to save money. They include closing a school, or maybe even closing two schools. Another idea is to eliminate the SAGE program, which requires a ratio of one teacher to 15 or fewer students in kindergarten through third grade. Be careful about that one. The state is no longer accepting applications for SAGE. If the district cancels SAGE programs, with the aid that accompanies them, it won’t be able to get them back.

If you have children in the school, or if you’re a just a concerned taxpayer, now is the time to listen to the debate and let School Board members know your feelings.

The next board meeting is 6 p.m., Monday, July 21, at the Hogan Administrative Center. You don’t have to wait until there’s another referendum to let your views be known.