Residents of the Renville County West school district, we are all part of one of the smaller communities, but also part of the whole RCW community.
During the last three years, the administration, a group of citizen volunteers on a task force, and the Board of Education have struggled to make decisions for what is best for all. They have researched, talked to neighboring districts, talked to the Minnesota Department of Education and local constituents.
The conclusion of the task force, administration and the Board of Education was that a new K-12 facility was the best option for everyone and the most responsible use of tax payers' dollars.
Now you have the opportunity to vote on the bond referendum question developed through this process.
The bottom line is: Successful Yes vote -- taxes will increase to build a practical, one level, 21st century school for our students and communities.
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Successful No vote -- taxes will increase as the district will begin to consider the upgrades and repairs to health and safety issues in two building. In the levy process, schools are given non-voter approved levy authority for health and safety maintenance.
Dissolve the district -- taxes will increase as we will be required to participate in remodeling or building new schools in our neighboring communities, as well as having to dispose of RCW existing building.
Please do your research, call Ehlers and Associates at 1-800-552-1171 with your property parcel numbers to get the true impact of the bond referendum on your property. Research the opportunity of the Minnesota Property Tax Refund and Deferral programs and how they might benefit you. Then carefully, thoughtfully and objectively make an informed decision on how you want your tax dollars to best work for you, the students and the RCW community when you vote on Sept. 9.
What is the best use of your tax dollars for each of the communities for today and the future? Where do you want your tax dollars to go -- old buildings with ongoing needs, a new building for our students and communities or to a neighboring district?
Berdelle Enestvedt
Sacred Heart
