Public education is the primary reason we invest tax dollars to build schools to teach our children. This education includes academics: reading, math, geography, history, social studies, science, etc.
Extracurricular activities - theater, music, sports, etc. - are supplemental to education; not vital to education. That is why they are called extracurricular.
If additional space is needed for teaching basic academics, we should have a chance to vote on those basic needs.
Extracurricular space needs should be on a separate ballot.
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Most people favor spending for essential education for all students: special ed, regular ed, gifted ed.
The NL-S bond is a huge tax burden for building for extracurricular activities. Some students benefit from extracurricular activities. Not all students participate in these activities as they are not required academic skills, they may not have an interest in, the flexibility of time and travel and money to participate.
My two sons enjoyed choir, band, and theater in the present facilities at NL-S. They both received skills needed to sing in concert choir at Concordia College. I encouraged them to pursue careers using academic abilities and to use the music and drama skills as enhancements in life rather than in careers. This approach has worked out well for them.
The performing arts center would be an item to brag about until the economic impact is included in the conversation. Approximately $15.1 of the $21.3 million, or 71 percent, is planned for gymnasiums and performing arts center, used for extracurricular activities.
Present economy is not stable: huge national debt, North Dakota oil income declining, farmers fear present dry weather, low crop prices, high land values; businesses in economic difficulty, high real estate taxes, etc.
Vote smart! Vote for stable economy!
Vote no at the High School in New London on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Marlys Larsen
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