From Kristina Reser-Jaynes

Readstown

To the Editor:

After five failed referendums, Wisconsin’s School District Boundary Appeal Board voted unanimously last week to dissolve the Hustisford school district.

Dissolution often leads to longer bus rides, job loss, reduced foot traffic affecting local businesses, property value declines and a negative impact on future economic development. It is also the end of an institution that is often the heart of the community, the one remaining place that brings the community together.

Hustisford students will be transferred to Dodgeland School District. In addition to absorbing Hustisford’s debt, Dodgeland also faces transition and bridge-financing costs, possible building modifications and additional staffing costs which will affect mill rates and property taxes in the newly enlarged district.

Referendum are costly and time consuming for school districts, but perhaps most damaging is misplaced anger and resentment towards the school board, staff and administrators. The long walk towards disillusion often triggers similar longstanding negativity between neighbors and communities.

Public schools were never intended to operate by referenda, but they were put into this impossible position by a legislative agenda influenced by groups intent on dismantling and privatizing our education system.

Fortunately, last Tuesday sent a clear message that Wisconsin is not on board with that agenda.