I am writing in support of the Duluth school district's long-range facilities plan. As a Duluth resident, I feel disgusted by the opposition to the plan. We in Duluth have earned a reputation for opposing many forms of growth and development, much of it at our own peril. I worry that the fervent opposition to this plan is simply another nail in Duluth's coffin. Good schools are a part of what attracts people to a community. Minnesota has a long and well-earned reputation for having excellent schools and high-quality education. We seem to have a double standard about this in Duluth.
When the University of Minnesota's regents announce a new building initiative for the University of Minnesota Duluth, we applaud and extol UMD Chancellor Kathryn Martin as a great leader. Yet when the Duluth School Board and superintendent shepherd the long-range facilities plan to fruition, the attacks on them as a group and individuals are relentless and personal.
Let's not forget the many meetings and discussions with the community that were held to gain input and provide transparency as this plan was developing.
Cleary, no matter what the issue, there will be naysayers. What concerns me is without supporters willing to give voice to their opinions the perception is the opposition speaks for all. This is not the case. I encourage supportive, forward-thinking Duluth community members to voice their support for the long-range facilities plan and the School Board members and superintendent who have stood firm in their commitment to improve the quality of our schools and to help Duluth thrive once again. We owe it to this generation and generations to come.
Pam Rees
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Duluth
