Reader's view: Duluth school cuts will do more harm than good

What Independent School District 709 did to reduce expenditures, in my opinion, was not the answer (“New round of Duluth schools’ budget cuts runs deep,” March 25). The evidence is in and must be addressed: The cuts will cause more harm than good.

Spending on the Red Plan has increased. The district hasn’t lived within the original budget. An unwillingness to address this will continue to plague the district far into the future.

The people have spoken; they are opposed to any increases in taxes.

I for one feel the recently approved cost reductions were ill-advised and will continue to cause financial problems.

The school district and School Board must admit the Red Plan is costing more than anticipated and scale back remaining projects.

Thirteen of the recent cuts directly affect students and families, which in turn will cause families to seek alternatives.

Cuts that should be considered include free parking, a perk enjoyed by employees of ISD 709. Parking has nothing to do with education. The administration hides behind the fact that free parking is in the teachers’ union contract. I am saying act like real leaders and start charging for all parking at all ISD 709 facilities, leaving a small amount of space for visitors. If the unions were to strike on this I don’t think there’d be a lot of public support.

The district also should consider reducing administrative staff. No parent or student would even be aware of the reduction.

A great many families in Duluth have made and continue to make adjustments in expenditures due to reduced income and increasing prices. Now it is time for elected officials to live within the means the public has provided.

Allen Willman

Duluth

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