Spotlight on…

Dr. Ted Blaesing

Superintendent of Schools
White Bear Lake Area Schools
Recipient of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) 2001 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year

Like it or not Minnesota education leaders often need to go to the voters to ask for authority to levy taxes for operating expenses or to issue bonds in order to construct facilities. This is one process within education that is definitely measurable; you either win or you lose. Teach everything about conducting school finance elections within a one hour course? You must be kidding.

Nevertheless, that was the challenge, and I’m certain the brave souls who participated in the class felt at times like they were attempting to drink information coming from a fire hose. After decades of studying, observing and organizing levies I continue to have more questions than answers and the course was organized around attempts to answer 11 different questions.

Recent years have witnessed a spike in the formal study and research of school finance elections yet most experts would concede that these campaigns are a mix of science and art. This past year was one of the worst on record for Minnesota school district’s who were attempting to pass finance questions at the polls. The need for facility improvements and operating funds will march on fueling the ever increasing need to “beg for money.”

The future success of these questions remains cloudy but the reality is that every school leader will need to place their hat in hand, extend their tin cup and ask the community to step forward for their local schools regardless of their ability to pay. Other states do not place this undue burden upon schools (particularly for operating funds) but this is the Minnesota style of school funding. Remember to Vote Yes For Schools … please.