Stop the consolidation tax merry-go-round

After three failed referendums in Wrenshall school district — the last one by a larger majority than the previous — School Perceptions survey results are in: showing 80 percent in favor of consolidation of the two failing school districts.

This 80 percent in favor is based upon 33 percent of returned surveys mailed to all residents in the two districts as well as open-enrollee parents unable to vote in referendums.

This leaves 66 percent of unreturned surveys, people who have not chimed in on the issue tearing two communities apart once again.

Both superintendents and school boards seem to have no problem spending taxpayer dollars on an idea spoken of for 60 years. I’d like to see more accountability for all referendums, “vote yes” signs, surveys, mailings and consolidation attempts and future referendums without review by taxpayers.

At roughly $10,000 per student per year in state aid paid to school districts, Wrenshall’s 50 percent open enrollees have allowed the school to fully function with room to grow. I’d like to see a stronger marketing strategy to fill the school at zero cost to the taxpayer.

As a three-time “no” voter living on a fixed income, again I vote “no.” With a new Carlton County jail estimated at between $25-$40 million, Enbridge payback amounts unknown and taxes on my property already up $300 (including money for a $9 million non-voter-approved school levy), I say enough is enough.

Tim Kaspari, Wrenshall