To the editor:

In the March 31 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune, there was an article that the Bemidji school board voted to keep an elementary school open for at least another year despite facing a deficit of $3.5 million. What I found interesting is that hundreds of parents and educators gathered and addressed the school board when they were scheduled to take the final vote on the future of the elementary school. On March 2, the board voted unanimously to close the school. But four weeks later, the board voted to keep it open, for now. Did the $3.5 million deficit go away? The article did not say, but I’m guessing it did not. Some on the Bemidji board actually listened and heard what their community members were saying, and asking. The final vote was 3-3 to keep the school open.

The reason I found this article interesting is that unlike our local school board, this board listened to community and staff members not to close this school for at least one more year.Yes, our local school district is facing upwards of $2 million shortfall. Community members, staff, including present and past teachers pleaded for the school to work with them. Listen to suggestions to pause their actions. Take another look at the overall financial picture. Develop partnerships and let community, staff and others help in presenting ideas to the board that may have saved teaching and support positions, as well as keeping the gymnastics program.

Yet, our board did exactly the opposite of Bemidji. The choose not to listen. They choose not to let others help. At least for the time being the Bemidji board has regained some of the community trust. Something our local board does not have because of their recent actions.

Russ Labat

Marshall