Editorial: Give district your thoughts

The signs indicate the Red Wing School Board will take at least a building improvement referendum to the voters this fall.

So what do people think?

The school district isn't waiting until Election Day to find out. Administrators, teachers and elected officials want the public's input, indeed its help, now.

The first of a three-part discussion on long-term facility needs is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday May 10 at Twin Bluff Middle School. Part two will be May 24, and part three will be sometime this summer.

Buildings are showing wear and tear. The "new" high school and Burnside Elementary are more than 15 years old. Sunnyside Elementary is bursting at the seams. Jefferson School is on lease to Goodhue County Education District. Twin Bluff Middle School needs work.

District programs are also housed in Colvill Family Center and the Anderson Center.

The consulting firm DLR Group's building assessment report will provide a starting point for discussion to some critical questions. They include:

• How should the district's buildings be used?

• How can they be configured and changed to provide quality education in the 21st century?

• How should the district prioritize any repairs, expansions and upgrades?

The critical component in determining the answers to these and other questions involving public schools is, as always, the public.

We encourage you to attend Thursday night.

Tags: editorials, opinion