Commentary; Posted: 7/17/02

School must weigh best interests of kids

Cliff Buchan

Forest Lake School District 831 is in a much desired financial situation when compared to a good many of its counterparts in the metro area. While school districts like Stillwater are faced with tough times, Forest Lake is fresh off its operating levy victory last fall, a victory that has positioned the district well for the next couple of years.

The voter approval of the referendum last November is not a financial panacea by any means. It was an important and necessary decision that has enabled the school board to begin the process of adding back some programs and staff, taking care of its statutory operating debt and making long-term steps to rebuild positive fund balances.

It was a step that brought an end to the brutal budget cuts that greeted the 2001-2002 school year.

The district has crafted a plan that addresses these new times. It is a right start, but there are indications the school board will feel pressure to spend more. Such requests for programs and staff will come during the good times.

Parents of students at Forest Lake Elementary School have made a logical case for new teaching staff. Common sense says it is an easy decision.

Based on summer estimates, Forest Lake Elementary School is predicting it will have 69 fifth-grade students and two teachers, or classrooms of 34 and 35 students this fall. Thatís too high, goes against a school district guideline and is out of line with other elementary schools where far better student-to-teacher ratios are in place.

The school board has been asked by the parents to step up and do what is right for students. The school board has delayed its ruling until Monday, Aug. 5 when a recommendation is expected from Superintendent Lynn Steenblock. The districtís administrative council is reviewing the situation along with needs in other school buildings.

The school board is being prudent in moving slowly with this decision. Such a tactic is wise and wonít hurt the final outcome.

The start of school is nearly two months away and much could change in the weeks that are yet to come. There may be other solutions, such as staff reassignment, that would accomplish the same thing without committing the district to more staff.

By early August the district will have a better look at student numbers and what September 3rd will bring. If a decision is made on Aug. 5 to hire more staff, there should be ample time and excellent candidates available to fill any spots.

It seems very likely student enrollment will be up this year. The level of home construction in the school district would seemingly guarantee a gain in students. The gain seems likely even with the pressure from private schools, home schooling and open enrollment.

We believe the school board will need to act favorably on the Forest Lake Elementary request because the student number there appears solid. It makes sense and is best for the kids and that is the most important criteria the school board and administration must use.

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