It concerns me when our own school board even considers selling one of its schools so that a business can demolish it and use the space for more parking. Affiliated Community Medical Centers has gotten so much influence in this city that they have been able to do many things that other businesses would not, such as the building so close to First Street -- what happened to the setbacks?
Now we are considering selling a school that serves many of our younger children with disabilities and many other community services. Where would these 3- and 4-year-olds go? Do we put them in with the older children? Do we spend the money to refurbish Lafayette School and make it acceptable for the same uses?
Affiliated says they're out of space. Why can't they start more satellite centers like the optical center at the Skylark Mall? They have more options than the impoverished school system. I say make the business fend for itself. Our schools need all the funds and limited funds if they are to run the schools as they are.
Why is the school board doing their meeting behind closed doors anyway? Aren't they even concerned about the public's opinion? Just because the law allows them to conduct this business with the door closed doesn't make it right. This is a public school system -- don't shut us out or we may remember this later and decide to close the doors on you at the next election.
Roger Bauch Jr.
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Willmar
