Much like 2012, this past May local residents spoke up and voted down a new money initiative for Marysville Schools.
Back then, the “feel the pain” idea reared its head when Superintendent Diane Allen took over job from Larry Zimmerman and made severe cuts. We remember cuts that included Carla Steele, who worked in the administrative office. She offered to take a pay cut so others could keep their jobs but was still fired.
At a recent meeting, board member Dick Smith said he thought the community gave a strong voice and encouraged the district to listen to the voters.
He also said the district had a large turnout of voters, but the majority were no votes. He went on to explain that he thought the district needed time before it went back to ask for money.
We agree in part with Smith and with board member Nan Savidge when she said “We need to level the chaos a bit and work on a long term strategy.”
Questions abound as to what is the long term strategy and when do you go back to the voters? Also, why is the morale down amongst teachers and why has the district lost engagement with residents? The board also needs to figure out who is the face of the district that can make the necessary changes to fill in the community divide.
All of the above signals change within the district is warranted and time is off the essence.
In the last levy attempt, the face of the distinct was Treasurer Todd Johnson. We think he did more than his fair share of the work to help try to get the numbers out to the community. But, it didn’t work and it’s not hard to see why. In the history of all levy attempts by any other district or entity asking for public tax money we have never seen success when a numbers guy was the spokesman. Allen should have been the face of the campaign, but as many have said she lacks that skill set.
Our point is, the district could go on for another year or so and hope a new levy will pass but then time is lost and so are educational opportunities for students.
When interest rates continue to rise and property tax bills are skyrocketing there isn’t much that will change the voters mind in a year unless they are inspired by the leadership.
It’s this inspirational leadership that is needed at a time like this and we commend the board for listening, but feel like the community is saying it’s time to look for the next generation. Ultimately, the board doesn’t have to do anything but they shouldn’t expect a different result either.
Again doing the same thing and expecting a different result is not what the community is asking for.