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The Northland District (ISD #118) School Board has scheduled another vote in November hoping to get voter approval of a 27 million dollar bond issue to build a new school. The Board makes a good argument in favor of a new facility versus costly rehab of the existing building. However, the Board fails to focus on the only reason we need a school, be it new or old, that being to provide students with a good education.

The State of Minnesota rates all school districts on their performance in educating students. Looking at 2014 ratings for the ISD #118 along with those school districts which border ISD #118 the state rates #118 in the mid 30's and all of the other districts in the 60's. It's my understanding that the state ratings for 2015 will be published soon.

Until ISD #118 proves to voters, via those state ratings, that it can provide students with a good education, voters should not authorize any money for capital improvements. A new or updated old building is not the answers to poor educational performance.[[In-content Ad]]

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