District Office

As we move closer to the November 3 election, conversations about JCC Schools and the operating referendum are becoming more frequent. That is exactly what should happen in a democracy. Residents should ask questions, examine the facts, express concerns, and ultimately make the decision they believe is best for themselves, their families, and our community.

What concerns me, however, is when those conversations, particularly on social media, become personal, disrespectful, or based on misinformation. A referendum will eventually be decided by a vote. The words we use with one another can remain long after Election Day.

School district leaders do not enjoy asking residents for additional financial support. I can assure you that superintendents and school boards would much rather spend their time focused entirely on teaching, learning, supporting staff, and creating opportunities for students. Unfortunately, Minnesota's school funding system increasingly requires districts to turn to local taxpayers to maintain the programs, staffing, and opportunities their communities have come to expect.

Unlike cities and counties, which establish annual property tax levies through their budgeting processes, school districts must receive voter approval for operating referendum authority beyond what state law otherwise provides. Because conducting a referendum requires significant time, energy, and district resources, it is neither practical nor responsible to return to voters every couple of years. When districts seek additional operating revenue, they must look several years into the future and determine what will provide sustainable financial stability.

We also understand the other side of this conversation. These are challenging economic times for many families. Some residents live on fixed incomes. Others are dealing with increased costs for groceries, utilities, insurance, housing, and nearly everything else. An additional tax burden matters, and we should never dismiss that concern.

At one of our recent informational meetings, a community member said, "We have to find a fix." I agree. There are many people across Minnesota who believe the way we fund public education needs improvement. When schools must repeatedly ask their local communities for additional funding simply to maintain programs and services, it can create frustration and even animosity between a school district and the people it serves. That is unfortunate because we are not opposing sides. We are neighbors, taxpayers, parents, grandparents, business owners, educators, and community members and ultimately, it is our students who are affected by the decisions we make.

That is why I am asking everyone, regardless of how you intend to vote, to keep our conversations respectful. Ask questions. Challenge information when you believe it is incorrect. Attend our meetings. Contact me or a School Board member. Read information from multiple sources. Most importantly, seek the facts before sharing information with others.

And when commenting on Facebook or other social media, remember that there is another member of our community on the other side of the screen. We can disagree without attacking one another. We can question decisions without questioning someone's character or motives. We can advocate strongly for our beliefs without attempting to create anger or hatred toward those who see an issue differently. The purpose of the district's referendum communications is to provide information so residents can make an informed decision on November 3. Ultimately, each voter has the right to make that decision.

JCC is more than a referendum. When the votes are counted, we will still attend the same churches, shop at the same businesses, cheer for the same Huskies, work alongside one another, and raise our children and grandchildren in the same communities. Whatever the outcome, we will need to move forward together. Let us make sure our words and actions between now and November 3 reflect that spirit.

Click HERE For Referendum Flyer

Referendum Questions & Feedback Form

Go Huskies!

Dr. Mike Neubeck

Superintendent, Jackson County Central Schools

Our Students. Our Community. Limitless Possibilities.