From North Branch School Superintendent Dr. Robert Stepaniak: 'Itís time for the decision'

Posted 4/25/01

From North Branch School Superintendent Dr. Robert Stepaniak: 'Itís time for the decision'

This past Monday, April 23, the ballots were mailed to all registered voters in the North Branch Area School District. As you know by now, the district is seeking voter permission to build a new elementary school, to update mechanical systems in the Primary School, and to address the needs in our aging technology systems. The ballots need to be back to us by May 8 or a voter may choose to vote in person at the Main Street School in North Branch on that day.

If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot by the end of this week, please call us (651-674-1000) and we will mail you one. If you are not registered, you can do so by calling the District Office (we sill send you the necessary forms) or you can register on May 8 at the Main Street School polling site.

In addition to the mailings we have sent out explaining the details of this election, I have spoken with as many groups and people as were willing to listen. These have been enjoyable meetings for me because, in all cases, people were respectful and friendly even when they disagreed with our proposal. It is no secret that property owners will see an increase in their taxes and some are simply not willing or able to vote for that. However, many others see this as a worthwhile investment of their money and are willing to support our classroom and technology needs.

Sometimes, in an election like this, rumors spring up from nowhere. In last weekís paper, for example, a citizen wrote that I said we would need a new middle school in five years. Not true. I have never said that. If we continue to grow, there will certainly be future facility issues but when and to what degree is difficult to judge today. So, in trying to give voters accurate information, the district has focused on what we need today in order to continue serving our families and children effectively: appropriate classroom space and reasonable technology support.

We urge you to look for your ballot in the mail and take the time to vote. I, of course, hope you will vote ìyesî. But the reality is that this is a community decision that will be made by those who take the time to vote. It is an important decision for the future of our schools.

-Bob Stepaniak, Supt.