Posted 4/18/01 Is the school referendum the only solution? To the editor: The voice of concern seems to be ìthe world will come to an end if the school referendum doesnít pass.î Excuse me? The 80% of the population in the school district that do not have children in school can probably remember 35 to 45 kids in their classrooms and none of us attending new schools. It was the parents and the teachers working together that made the difference. It was values instilled in us and also the pride we took in ourselves. It was not a brick or cement building that made the difference. But now, itís the big ìGî Greed that has taken over. It is replacing the values that we once had. Itís being passed on to our children because of our actions. Heaven help us because we have boxed ourselves into a corner. We have lost sight of the important values. I once thought decisions, by school and government, were made for the betterment of all. Iíve since changed my mind! Why canít we go back to the drawing board and decide whatís best for all? Year round schooling should be an option and not a threat. It has worked well for everyone who is using this program. State after state, because of growth-excessive or otherwise, have adopted the three & four session year round. You are not locked into a particular session. Parents love it, teachers comment, ìItís Great!î Yet, we must continue building without considering whatís best for everyone. Utilize the schools and update technology. Cut back on some of the building. MORE HOUSES, MORE OVERCROWDING, itís a fact of life. Slow down the growth, take a step back and look at it. PLAN! Wouldnít it be great if we could all spend, spend, spend ñ no budget just spend? For some, it is not possible. Letís work together and really plan for everyone. Education is extremely important. Letís review all options-they might just work. Barbara Burrington North Branch ©Post Review