Time for tough love on levy

Our local Star newspaper has always done a good job of sharing a diversity of viewpoints:

It is extremely hard for me to share these thoughts. Numerous people over the last few years have shared frustrations with me about our local school district. Many have felt they were treated poorly or even ignored. Some have taken their students out of our district. I’ve listened and shared productive solutions.

I have lived in Coulee Dam for almost 40 years and have always supported our school district no matter what. I also show up and cheer on our Raiders at not just home, but away events. I have nothing but respect for our school board members and I feel our athletic director / football coach is doing an outstanding job. These are my views alone, as a taxpayer, educator and coach.

I realize there will be support from entities and individuals in regard to the new (additional) levy measure from our local school district that is on our current ballot. For the first time ever, I will not be voting in favor of this measure. I am fully aware of the fiscal changes made at the state level, the challenges involved with a limited tax base and how the Bureau of Reclamation does not support these measures tax-wise, which causes hardship for the Grand Coulee Dam School District.

Locally, our school district continues to say it is at bare bones financially. If this is so, it is due to poor pre-planning fiscally. There is no need to “cry wolf” and continue to act like the sky is falling. Instead, learn to live within your means, find solutions and adjust no matter what previous rates were. Quit acting like it is out of your control. Our community members are smart and they expect responsible accountability — especially in present times. Locally there are people who have lost their jobs or may be on a fixed income. Many can’t pay their mortgages, car payments, utility bills, etc. Even being able to buy groceries is a challenge. Now is not the time to request more funding from community members.

Leadership matters and tough decisions need to start at the top. I will not be voting to support any school district measures until I see our local school district Superintendent also take on one of our principal position duties to show the district and community he is willing to set the example and do more. I’ve been a school superintendent for over 20 years. Most of these years, I took on additional duties of principal positions until that school’s financial situation stabilized. The majority of the time, I did two jobs at once in a district the size of this one. I’m not a glutton for punishment, but these districts I served were experiencing serious fiscal challenges. I needed to set the example through my actions that everyone in the organization needed to step up and do more.

Recent layoffs in our local school district could have been avoided with this move and other creative changes. In fact, many changes can be made where additional funds are not necessary from the community and still keep all of our programs and extra-curricular activities in place.

On a sports note, I love (Athletic Director) Tim Rasmussen, so I’ll be brief. I realize the value of athletics in education and life experiences. Athletics paid for my college and I love our Raiders. I realize there is tremendous pressure from many angles to get sports going. I fully support the seasons proposed by WIAA starting in January and running through June 2021. However, I seriously question the open sessions that are starting now. I worry about safety first for all involved because we need more time so hopefully the pandemic situation will improve. Then priority wise, I don’t know how we justify working with our athletes in person with no in-person academics at that same level. We may have to go this route eventually, but this is not the best option now.

In the school district I oversee we have one levy at $1.50 per $1,000 that passed at over 80%. We will not be starting sports early, and our coaches will not have their stipends decreased. My school board would not be happy if I asked for another levy, started sports now or decreased stipends for our dedicated coaches who have no control over the current reality we’re dealing with.

In closing, the local school district will get a yes vote from my wife. She is very excited to see her track & field athletes again and get the cheer squads rolling. However, I may still be sleeping on the couch!

John Adkins