“No” Voice Joins Discussion As Duluth School Referendum Approaches

Opponents say they have doubts and concerns over proposed tax levy.

The technology referendum for Duluth schools is just days away and as the final weekend unfolds, both those in favor and opposed are working hard to get their messages out.

The referendum has been getting attention and signs of opposing voices are visible.

Lawn signs with a “Vote No” message have been appearing.

The Citizens Research Council is a local organization that has been around for 25 years. That is the group that purchased and is distributing the signs.

The group said it decided to come out against the school levy after researching the issues and attending informational meetings held by the school district. At its regular weekly meeting Thursday, the group outlined some of the reasons for their opposition to the referendum.

“They’re going to put it into the, as far as I am concerned, into the General Fund,” said Lawrence Burda. “And then the teachers are going to press him [Superintendent John Magas] and they’re going to spend more money. And it’s not going to go into technology. And I see this stuff happening all the time,” said Burda.

The group also objects to the cost of holding the vote in May instead of waiting for the November election. The group said investments in technology in other years did not pan out, and they question how the money will actually be used.

“If half of the levy that they’re getting from the people is about debt service, we got to take another look,” said Dennis Fink, research council member and former St. Louis County Commissioner.

“And especially after having sold the Central building up there for money that they promised was going to pay for the Red Plan, but not a piece of property that we’ve seen so far was sold for the number that they talked about. You know, government buys high and sells low,” said Fink.

On the other side, those in favor of the referendum were also busy calling residents Thursday. The message they are delivering is to remind people that the vote is taking place on Tuesday and asking them to vote “yes” on the levy question.

Some of the technology that would be funded with passage of the referendum includes replacement of outdated equipment and software in the technical education parts of the schools.

“So coding, engineering, software, robotic software, things for nursing and medical programming,” said Jim Olson, with the Duluth Federation of Teachers.

“We need to give our students those opportunities so that they can be competitive out there when they get done with high school. It’s a very, very important part,” said Olson.

The vote will take place next Tuesday, May 14.