The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Luke Laggis - Daily News Staff

The School District of Rhinelander is taking another shot at the $23.35 million referendum plan that was narrowly defeated by voters last week.

At a special meeting last night, the school board voted to head back to referendum in the November general election, believing support is strong enough that continued education on the tenets of the plan will be enough to push the proposal through.

The decision to bring the same plan back to voters was not without debate. The board voted against motions to separate the athletic facilities portion of the proposal from the academic upgrades, and to present voters a new $19.975 million proposal just submitted by DLR Miron to the district on Monday.

Ultimately, the board felt extra questions necessitated by splitting athletics from academics on the referendum would add confusion to the ballot. There was also strong belief voiced by board members that everything in the proposal is needed, and separating portions or cutting any further would not be in the students’ interest.

Board President Chuck Fitzgerald, who expressed a willingness to go back to referendum as many times as it takes to secure necessary improvements for the district, said he views everything that’s been included in both failed referendums as necessary. Trimming the proposal the second time around wasn’t a response to unnecessary expenses included in the first plan, rather a desire to listen to concerned voters while still providing as much as possible for students.

Board member Ken Milender said the vote was so close on Sept. 9, that extra attention to getting out the correct information and presenting it in better ways could be enough to make up the 45-vote margin by which the referendum failed.

That sentiment was echoed by members of the Vote Yes committee.

People have to know it’s a tax-neutral proposal,” said Tim Thorsen. “A lot of the people I talked to didn’t know. That’s a huge problem. That’s not accurate information.”

The school board will meet again Thursday at 6 p.m. to approve official ballot language. Vote Yes committee members will also be returning to the table soon to determine how to better inform voters about the tax-neutral referendum proposal.

“Hopefully this will be the start of good things,” Thorsen said.

Tell us what you think...

Comments »

Jake L. wrote on Oct 2, 2008 5:30 PM:

" This proposal is a perfect example of the mentality that is destroying our economy. Our inability to distinguish between our needs and wants is continuing to crush us with debt. Do we need to maintain our schools and support quality education? Absolutely! Should we spend $19 million with $300,000 of annual overhead, for a prettier gym? Absolutely not! These are hard times get some fiscal discipline and vote no! "

Ted wrote on Sep 30, 2008 5:47 PM:

" Has anyone heard from the VOTE YES people since the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars for bailouts reared its ugly head? "

To Heather wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:36 PM:

" That's an educated response. Way to show kids you care!! "

Heather wrote on Sep 19, 2008 4:44 PM:

" I'm voting no on the simple fact that the vote yes people are crybabies that are going to stuff this down every taxpayers throat until they get what they want! "

Ted wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:16 PM:

" Plain and simple.

Until the schoolboard does what the MAJORITY of the voters want, and they know what that is, vote NO! "

To Tim T wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Whose fault is it that "needed repairs aren't being done? Whose fault is it that costs are rising while you and the board try to figure out a way to reformulate the same questions to get your field house? IT IS YOURS AND THE OTHER "YES" PEOPLE. If you had listened to the voters and given us the opportunity to vote on the repairs they could be under way now. Thanks for the added costs Tim T. "

Mark wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:44 AM:

" Since you referenced an RHS History lesson, what happened in the 1930's amid the country's worst economic times? Public projects were built including roads, bridges, and dams. Things were built to help put people to work and stimulate the economy. So if this referendum passes in our hard economic time, what will it do? Create 50+ local jobs during construction and bring 8 to 10 million dollars into our local economy in the next few years. I think that's worth a yes vote. And unlike other entities that can tax without referendum (county, state, etc) schools have to keep going until they get the funding for the things they need. "

Mark wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:36 AM:

" This issue needs to stay as one question because everything is vital. And if the board or Yes committee split the questions, what would detractors say? That splitting the questions shows that the facilities weren't really needed. Since they are as important, they need to stay with the maintenance aspect. Please stop saying ask for facilities when the economy is better. First, we can do it now without a tax impact. Second, the district asked for facilities in the mid to late 90's when the economy was great, and it got shot down. "

Jen P- Response to former student and all conference letter winner wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:35 AM:

" I completely agree that facilities don't always mean success, swimming in this community has been strong for a long time, a standing tradition of short. However, you've missed the point..the school board isn't proposing a new pool just to have a new pool. It is because the current pool, built in the 1950's is costing more to maintain and keep running than a new pool would cost to build. The parts to replace the broken ones do not even exist anymore forcing the school to get the custom made at rediculous costs. So what should they do then when you vote this down again? Cut swimming and close the only competitive pool that this town has? Cut off a long standing tradition. Well I'm sorry to tell you but that is most likely what will happen. "

Floyd Estelle wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:47 AM:

" Very poor decision the School Board made to table this referendum as it was table in September ballot! I think the first question that should be asked, "Why and whom is responsible for our Schools and why are they in such poor shape, as stated by people on this site"? You wonder if the administration has not allow our schools to get into this semi poor condition for this exact referendum, uh makes you think, or just poor management of our resources! Either way, it is a "NO vote from me, as table". "

old fashioned RHSer wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:40 PM:

" Want a nice-ity, replace all the items that were taken out with past budget cuts! Present building needs, books, classes, teachers, etc.. just to get started.

In a couple years after the school district is up to par and the economy is better, bring back the field house referendum! Maybe the state will then know first hand the dilema they have created for schools and offer new grants or come up with a better formula for funds for schools.

If the president that I want to vote for doesn't get in, can we vote on it again? It kind of shoots what this country was built on! Sorry, that was from a former RHS history class in the 70'-80's that might be cut now, or there aren't enough books for. "

old fashioned RHS alumni wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:37 PM:

" Take out the multi-purpose building and I will vote yes, because I do care about the children! My athletic children agree. We don't live in Harshaw, by the way! And we are lifelong professional residents of Rhinelander! We care about the numerous children that have families that have to try to scrape enough together make ends meet.

You don't put up a building without planning on future rising maintainance costs. There is no such thing as taxfree, maybe free now-but eventually? Look at our current buildings and budgets you are jeopordizing because you won't seperate the referendum questions. People in this community want to take care of what is needed for the children, not what is an added nice-ity at the cost of family well being! "

If repairs were important the Vote Yes people would have.... wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:13 PM:

" DEMANDED that the wording was changed and an change would have occur, but as it is easy to see through this smoke and screen, the pool and field house must be included, therefore taking a chance that this referundum will fail! I HOPE that this fails in November to see what comes next, as the SMUG Mr. Erdahl did the day after the vote, in his words, it is all a process, with a smile on his face!!! Think about it, just saying to everyone whom voted "NO", that we will put it up again, and again, again, again, again! Show them NOW, "NO, means NO"""""""" "

PUT-UP or SHUT UP wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:43 PM:

" As a community member you need to get involved in the discussion, run for the board, or get elected to the State legislature. It is irresponsible to type a two minute response after you have been informed by your neighbor/co-worker how things are (after NEVER getting involved in any information outside of editorial comments and second hand information)without acknowledging the school district is a vital part of any community. It is NOT the be all and end all, but it is a key indicator of the health of any town. Please reinvest your average of $77/year ($6.42/mo) in our District!! That LITTLE bit to you personally will get Pre-K-12 into the 21st century. "

Ultra Conservative wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:21 PM:

" As a staunch Fiscally conservative Republican we should fund our district locally and then tell Madison to stay out of our district. If they will not fund over 50% then they have no say in how it should run. A decent district has facilities for PE and sports that average 31 sq'/student (Tomahawk, Merrill, Medford)(NOT Eagle River at over 100sq'), we currently have 14sq'/student. We NEED a 50 year upgrade, and THANKS to our board and admin we can do so with a renewal of the bonds...NO TAX INCREASE!! If you vote NO you will have higher taxes with less hope for others moving to the area. "

Current Resident wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:05 PM:

" Former Resident,
Need more broke attitudes like yours to move and stay out of town...thanks for leaving. "

TRT wrote on Sep 17, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Where were all these nickel comments when the real work on this whole project was being discussed the past five years where they may have made a little sense, or have been dismissed as they are UNFOUNDED! Get involved in the process and quit saying "NO" just because this may be the only thing you can say no to...I dare you to check into the referendum, school formula's, the state of the District, the quality administration and board, and still say no unless you are acting like a spoiled two year old. "

Tim T wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:53 PM:

" Even the NO side admits we need major work in our School District. For 7 years the board has kept our budget flat and had to close schools after the two failed referenda prior to the 2 in 2008. Not bonding under 4% after missing by 43 votes 9/9 we have potentially cost taxpayers 291,000 over the first five years or($1.45 M). Meanwhile, I just priced roofing and it has "gone up over 1.5 times in the past 6 months" according to the contractors. How much are we willing to lose before we do what is needed?? "

Former student and all conference letter winner wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:21 PM:

" We do not lag behind the world in swimming, we lag behind in education. The athletic facilities that we didn't have made no difference in my success. Teach our kids about life math. "Tax Nuetral" is absured. My house is paid off, so let's get into another loan for amenities. Please don't teach my kids that. The business and individuals pushing the absured pool plan need to be stopped. It's like saying let's get into another loan to build a shuffle board area... "

Please...It just makes sense wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Every darn question of "no" voters can be answered. Call the district if you haven't had a chance to get your answer.

This is a "no tax increase" opportunity, an opportunity lost after November while the need is not.

These facilities will benefit kids, obviously. They will benefit the community as well, be it by offering needed activities (and economic up-tick) or by attracting business.

How is that? An executive who is looking at moving his/her family here will want to see our schools, will want to know how our community stands behind our schools, will want to know the quality of education of potential employees. How will we answer?

Please make a common sense choice and not one based on grudges or personal power-plays. Help our town and our kids before you help yourself. PLEASE! "

Bob wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:38 AM:

" What is up with this community? Vote NO is the only option! I have not voted in the first two referendum but will in November and will now vote NO and will try to influence as many as possibly to vote no! Also, maybe a new School Administration and school board would help too! "

Jen P wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Continued..These repairs need to take place before our schools are condemned. A great example is the roof at the high school. When it rains, there are literally leaks everywhere! Is this really acceptable to people? Can our community come together and put our opinions aside for once and just think about what is really important in the long run, our children. Those of you that argue that you don't care because you don't have children, I ask you this, how would you have felt if this same situation was at hand when you were in school? Nothing says you don't matter like actually saying it! Again- please take the time to really educate yourselves before voting this time around, please know the actual facts, and please tour the facilities. Our children deserve it! "

Jen P wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Everyone is entitled to their opinion, that's what America is about. However, it’s hard for me to understand how people come up with their opinions. If you are going to vote again, no matter which way, please educate yourselves this time around. Please know actual facts and don't jump on the band wagon of either side. Take time to visit the school facilities and ask yourself if you think they are in acceptable condition, including Physical Education. Ask yourself if the average $20 to $50 refund you would get by voting this down is really worth putting back into your pocket instead of supporting our youth's education. It saddens me that this has come down to a "field house/pool" or "academics/athletics" situation when really it is about our children’s education. These facilities are needed not only for athletics but also for academics. Continued... "

Pat wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:13 AM:

" I asked a friend and board member why they didn’t give voters the opportunity vote for the repairs and field house separately. His response “We know the field house would not pass”. In other words “We care more about sports and we are holding education hostage”. I listened to a “Vote Yes” sales pitch; “We need this field house for economic development”. That statement came from a member of the failed economic development group who is now passing the buck to the School district. That might have worked for Kevin Costner and baseball field, but that was a movie and this is reality. I have to tell my 1yr old NO 3 times before he listens… How many times will it take Chuck and his group to listen? Vote NO in force until the people are heard. "

doug wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:02 AM:

" I recall the library at the highschool to expand to better meet the needs of our students and our community yet my kids have never had the oppertunity to use it other then during school class hours so please dont sell apool or fieldhouse on the idea of the community's needs will be fullfilled.the general student population and the comunity will not use this. we dont need another place to hold a home show "

wants the whole story wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:10 AM:

" why are all the informational meetings in the evenings? a lot of people work shifts that do not allow them to come to those meetings. "

rhs wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:51 AM:

" When is Ken Milender and the rest of the board going to wake up and accept the fact that this has gone to the voters twice and been rejected? It is time for the school board to bow gracefully in defeat and move on. Elections are held for a reason; for the voice of the public to be heard. Clean your ears out and turn up your hearing aids the voter have said no twice and should not be expected to continue to tell you the same time each time an election is held. When is education issues going to be addressed? "

Bud wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:06 PM:

" Could someone please for the life of me tell me how many new business have moved to this area in the last 5 years? Not a KMart closing and a Kohl's opening, but really a true business of any size? How many prfessionals positions we have lost due to the schools? NONE Why would any business relocate or move to Rhinelander, we get hand me down professionals here, so tell me again why the schools make a difference? I never heard such hot air in my life, no more silent my man! Get 5 new pools and 5 field houses and they will come, I do not think so, get a real view on this community, it is in the boondocks, to far away from things, transportation is already high! "

Mike Roberts wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:21 PM:

" I applaud the school board for putting this to ballot again. If you don’t like it get on the board, then you could kill it, but maybe you would learn why the district is having money problems. Where is the money going? To Madison! Because of the messed up school funding formula about half of what we pay in school taxes actually comes back to our district; this is mandated money we pay by state LAW. 100 percent of the tax levy for this referendum stays local, and this is the piece that is tax neutral, because this new debt would replace debt that is being retired. This levy is strictly for the facilities outlined in the plan and maintenance for these new facilities. There is NO BLANK check and there are no hidden costs. VOTE YES our children deserve it. "

RHS Student.... again wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:32 PM:

" Also i forgot you people who vote no need to understand this is not hurting you at all!!! your taxes are not going to go up!!!! And for those who think its all about sports its not at all!!! because i hope you realize gym classes are held every school day in the gym and gym classes also use the pool!! So please people VOTE YES!!!!!!!! "

RHS Student wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:30 PM:

" I'm a Senior at RHS and personally i think before you say VOTE NO! you should go take a look at are high school! Do you really want your kids or yours friends kids or family members going to a school where in some class rooms it looks like the ceiling is going to fall down? oh right you guys don't know about that stuff! or on the first day of school the studyhall having almost 100 kids and it being about 80degrees out that day and add on no air condition yea thats really wonderful for us!! So before people say vote no maybe take a real look on the inside and see what its like. "

YMCA is accessible to all incomes wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:14 PM:

" I have seen stated here as well as in comments to other articles that people cannot afford a membership to the YMCA. According to their website at: http://www.ymcaofthenorthwoods.org/financialassistance.tpl : "No one is denied the benefit of a membership or program participation due to financial limitations."

Being fortunate enough to be able to afford a membership for my family, I haven't applied for financial assistance myself, but until someone offers proof otherwise, I will assume that they do live up to that statement.

In my opinion, people aren't utilizing what is already available to them, so why should we spend more money for them to NOT use something else? Finish what's on your plate before asking for seconds. "

Mike S wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:13 PM:

" Oh give me a brake. The first thing a business looks at is the cost of taxes. Period then comes transportation and way way down the list pops up schools. Our schools are fine, they will never be the equal of Madison or the Fox Valley until the reimbursement from the state is made fair. I would suggest they sue the state instead of shoving these referendums down our throats. "

doesnt matter wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:52 PM:

" This just goes to show you that this isn't about education or fixing the schools. This is about athletics...period. If the school board and the 'YES' people really gave a flying rat's butt about our schools, they would have shown the leadership to admit there is a problem and broke out the referendum. They replaced classrooms with sports facilities. They chose the smarmy road with the thinking that we are too stupid to handle more than one question...No, they don't care about anything but the field house/pool. They have a liberal agenda of wanting something and expecting everyone else to pay for it because they think they feel deserve it. Maybe it is time for a second opinion for a company other than Miron. You can't have too many options. But liberals are liberals! "

Former Hodag wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:00 PM:

" Athletics gave me the sense of being a part of something amazing. There was no better feeling than running into a gym filled with screaming fans and the band playing the school song, so please don't tell me that athletics are worthless to education. Sure athletics didn't teach me the 15th president of the United States, or how to take the derivative of a tangent function, but its not everyday I need those things like I need time management and leadership. These days college applications aren't all about grades anyways. There is a very large section on extra-curricular activities and the things that you have gained from being in them. I know from experience that students can do well in school and be an athlete at the same time. Please show some pride in your community and in being a Hodag.
Vote Yes "

Former Hodag wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:59 PM:

" I graduated from Rhinelander High School in 2005 after receiving an excellent education. The teachers and support staff in the Rhinelander School District are top notch and we need to give them the resources and the space they need to continue the excellent work that they have been doing. As to those of you who say athletics are worthless. I was a three sport athlete, member of the band program and a 4.0 student in high school and I have to say that I learned just as many valuable lessons from being in athletics and other extra-curricular activities as I did just attending high school. Athletics teaches you teamwork, which becomes very helpful in many careers, time management, also extremely helpful in college and in a career, and leadership, a third very important quality to have when looking into colleges and careers. "

Tom B wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:52 PM:

" Again , there are far to many of you "closet voters" that can't even use there real name. Kudos to you Bill Johnson for using your real name. Just think back to your childhood and if these same situations happened during your time in school, and they voted NO. Would you be where your at today? Probally not , it should be passed for the children of today and tommorow. What happen to the mighty No Child Left Behind??? Oh wait I see them in my rearview mirror!!!!! What a shame sack up and vote YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Mary wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:35 PM:

" A new pool and field house to attract people to move to Rhinelander for the great school system and as a result create new jobs? Not when a job at the airport that requires you to lift 70 lbs. pays just over $8 an hour.

New classrooms for a declining enrollment? Has the Board of Education looked into portable classrooms? And if not, why not? "

pz wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:19 PM:

" I stated before that if the field house was seperate from the dollars needed for the repairs to the school you would have received two votes from our household. I do believe after to listening to others talk that they feel the same. If you could fundraise and apply for a grant to pay for the fieldhouse you might receive the funding from the public for the balance, you might be surprised on who would be willing to help. "

Nancy wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:12 PM:

" Perhaps it's time to give some real thought as to who the school board members are and who they represent. They certainly are not listening to the citizens of the district. It's not that those of us who have voted "NO" don't care about our children. It's that we have learned to separate the needs from the wants, which is how the referendum should have been structured. Then they would have had the money for maintenance/repairs. Instead they are trying to force a multipurpose facility down our throats... "

Marie wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Please vote YES! Our teachers need the facilities upgraded...I want my children to have the best possible resources available to them...we will stick around as long as the school board gives it another try...if this is voted down then our business will leave town..we must do what is in the best interest of our children and if we have to say goodbye then so be it. Class of 75 & 77 "

Former Rhinelander resident wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:12 PM:

" Pure harassment! The community voted NO the last two times....have they not bean heard? Apparently not!

The school board better be careful or they will alienate the community (if they have not already) and whatever you ask for in the future the community will resond with an overwhelming NO.

Why doesn't the Vote No group get something on the ballot like......If this fails AGAIN the schhol board can not ask for anything for the next three years. (or whatever timeframe)

Face it people...our economy sucks and everything is going up.....everything but our paychecks. the school board needs to tighten the belt a little tighter like everyone else! "

To Interested wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:41 PM:

" The money would be coming from a 25 million dollar debt that the district is retiring this year. A lot of schools go to referendum at the time that old debt is paid off so that the payments are not increased and they can get the needed repairs done for their district. Kind of like paying off a car and continuing payments on a new one for the same price you have paid in the past. "

Had enough wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:38 PM:

" the bridge to nowhere in Alaska was because of pork barrel spending tied to real needs. Isn't this what the vote yes people are doing to us. they dropped the bridge at the federal level, it is time we stop the spending at the local level as well. When are the vote yes folks going to come up with the money they promised in the strategic plan? "

K wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:28 PM:

" Do many people not see that a our fieldhouse and pool are unbelievably out of date? Do they not see how often these facilities are used and not only for sports teams but for education during the school day. They are used for phy ed and health classes through out the day. Our kids need this. Schools in surrounding areas, in division 2 and 3 have amazingly better facilities than rhinelander. We need to bring them up to par. Besides all this it is tax neutral. What have we got to lose? "

SH wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:19 PM:

" Can we even separate out the fieldhouse in the referendum? The old gym space is slotted for academic use, so if it were to pass without the fieldhouse, then we wouldn't get all that is actually promised for the education space needed as well. From what I understand, it is all interrelated. "

see the bigger picture wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Everyone spouts off about wanting "education" to be the main focus - well, physical education, band, drama, mock trial ARE a part of education.
I can't afford a membership at the Y either, I live on a very tight budget (near poverty if you must know), any improvements at this point are too late for my daughters to benefit, and yet I can see the importance of this for all community members, especially the children. Why does it seem that many no voters want to punish the children for the poor decisions made by adults in the past. We cannot change the past but we can make wise choices now that will improve the future for everyone. "

Hodag wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:59 PM:

" Mark - Do you really think that just because some of the "Vote No" committee members live in Cassian-Woodboro, it's based there? Come on... where someone lives in the district doesn't influence their yes or no vote. "

Hodag wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:55 PM:

" Too many cooks spoil the soup....if cuts are to be made start at the TOP. How many administrators, assistants, support staff for these administrators and assistants are there in the Rhinelander School District? Don't threaten cutting the teaching staff and their support staff just to get what Mr. Erdahl and his compadres want.
This referendum issue seems to be becoming extremely hostile. What's the rush to have the referendum again in November? Are there pockets to be padded? Give people a chance to settle down and deal with it in the Spring or perhaps when the economy is more stable. "

Admin wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:49 PM:

" Dear Old Man,

You are incorrect sir. We have taken out 1/3 of the administrative staff since 2002-03. Please correct your statement. "

John Reinthaler wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:30 PM:

" Just in case you have you missed the meeting - this referendum if it passes as is would not raise your taxes. Maybe the referendum is being voted down because all the false information the vote no committee is spreading. The vote no committee said last night that they would not collectively support there own plan now. They continue to lower the bar in the name of supporting education. The enhancements that the referendum would do for all the schools would benefit ALL the children and the community. "

PM wrote on Sep 16, 2008 1:47 PM:

" WAKE UP! This is not about who you like or dislike, its about our children and our community! Do you honestly think that we are helping with the economy but voting NO! Thats not true by voting NO and not bringing the standards up in our schools we will hurt the community.Schools are one of the first things business and business professionals look at when deciding to move to an area. If it is tax neutral than what is the real reason for not giving our community the educational advatage it needs??? Vote Yes! "

wanted to stay quiet wrote on Sep 16, 2008 1:41 PM:

" Cont....
I'm just feeding into the field house arguement again and did no want to do that. From what I read with the first referendum, the voters against it did not want their taxes to increase. The new referendum is presented as tax neutral. Now the ones against it don't want a pool and fieldhouse. My guess would be that if one was presented without these 2 things, they would just find something else. I doubt there are too many on the fence that opinions will sway. I just encourage everyone to have a say and go out and vote. "

wanted to stay quiet wrote on Sep 16, 2008 1:40 PM:

" I've listened to both side and have tried to educate myself on the issue as much as possible. It seems that those with opinions don't listen to the other side anyway. I have found out that the surrounding schools with fieldhouses were paid with some sort of state funding, not referendum. This would be part of my tax money. So, I've already helped pay for ones that I can't use. I would look forward to having an indoor facility to walk in the winter. I also encourage kids to exercise and would like a place for them to go. This seems like a better option than playing video games and they will hopefully carry a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. I can not afford a Y membership to utilize their facility and the tax neutral amount is much less than anyway. Cont... "

Bud wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:59 PM:

" I have been a silent voter in the pass, but this will change now, I see the school board sticking this down our throats! For something that I have heard needs to be pass this year, but have it the same, I say vote NO, NO, NO, and NO, period! "

Old Man wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:54 PM:

" It seems this school district needs to look into where it's money is going before asking for more. All of the cost savings seen so far have come at the exspense of the support staff reductions and never any of the top heavy administration the school district has. We have never heard the administrators proclaim to freeze salaries or take a reduction to help out the burden. I would vote to pay someone to clean house at our district by better defining what administration is absolutely needed to operate, what costs can be cut before enabling any improvements. Let's see how much could be saved first then ask for what you need. "

Interested wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Explain to me what tax neutral means....I still don't understand how taxes can be neutral. They are still there and they still increase. The money has to come from somewhere. "

tax payer also wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:32 PM:

" How much do we care about our schools and childrens education and physcial fitness, if we don't care about education close all the schools and pay to have the students sent to Minocqua, Tomahawk, or Eagle River. That way only people with children in school will have to pay extra for education. If education is important then end all sports across the board if they are of little importance. But we should do something before all is lost "

Mark wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Joe, you refer to the voters being dummies of the district and the Vote Yes committee. Many others talk about the "few" supporters and the minority of Yes people. But lets look at facts: The Vote No committee is based out of the Cassian-Woodboro area. Cassian-Woodboro school was added onto and renovated due to a passed referendum 10 years ago. They have a great new school and now are deceiving to save money cause they already have what everyone else NEEDS. The latest referendum that kept taxes neutral was defeated by 20% more than the first in Cassian. Had the same percentage of people in Cassian support a less expensive option, the referendum would have been passed. Who's the real puppetmaster? "

Tracy wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:16 PM:

" those who voted no are calling for education first. think what being in an after school acitivity does...and NOT just sports but Drama, Mock trial, Band, ect...it teaches team work, self worth,how to stay active and healthy, plus many other positive attributes. high school sports are still the best way for us to help our children discover what they are capable of accomplishing as human beings. this is why we are so strong on this referendum, we want our kids to be the best they can be! "

RA wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:12 PM:

" If this fieldhouse is so important why can't the vote yes people start fundraising?? If they could raise 1/2 of the building cost I would vote yes to giving them the rest. I feel bad about the needed repairs but these people have got to start comprimising. "

Jon wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:04 PM:

" What part of NO does the school board members not understand? It's about time they start to listen the the wants and needs of the voters or resign. "

An extra NO this time wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:01 PM:

" I didn't vote the first two times because I just couldn't decide which way to go, but this level of disregard for the will of the people has become enough that I will be adding my NO vote this time around.

I won't stand for the academics being whittled away time and again so that the "multi-purpose" facility and pool can stay in. That's like forcing me to take a Happy Meal when all I really want is a Big Mac (academics). I don't want a small fries and a drink ("field house" and pool) with my puny cheeseburger. "

Seriously folks wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Seriously, is what you'll get back (20-40 dollars by the R.K.V.U. statistics) going to do for you what it will for the district, the kids, and the community?

Seriously, do you think that a win of 45 votes gives you a mandate? Why does Harshaw get to decide what the whole community deserves?

Seriously, is being "strong-willed" in support of the community and its kids "harassment"?

Seriously, should everyone that has fought for anything "shut up" if they fail the first time? How many good things came after an initial setback?

Seriously, our young people are watching us and wondering if we care at all for them. That isn't overblown rhetoric. That's reality. If we want to protect our kids in difficult days, we need to engage them in positive experiences enhanced by this entire proposal! "

Chris wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Like I said yesterday in response to Mike, that's exactly what they did to us up here in Eagle River. They just bring it back again and again until they get one vote over (because an opponent had to work extra time to pay their taxes and couldn't vote?) and then everyone has to pay for a long long time, whether they agree or not.
There should be a limit on how often it is revisited.
If the VOTE YES people are so hot for it, maybe THEIR school levy should be doubled and they could also make personal contributions. "

Concerned Resident wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:11 AM:

" So many residents are against the Vote Yes in my opinion due to the large dollar amounts slated for the pool and field house construction. If those agenda's were removed from this proposal, I would vote Yes!

Education should be first and foremost!! "

taxpayer wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:07 AM:

" The voters were heard. NO NO NO
If this goes on the ballot again, do those of us whom voted no have any legal recourse to have it brought to ballot again. This is not democracy at it's finest is all I can say. "

Joe wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:57 AM:

" It's just absurd that the district and the Vote Yes committee continues to treat the voters as a bunch of dummies and try all manner of trickery to ram this referendum down people's throats by hook or crook despite it being voted down TWICE. Let's face it, people are having tough times up here, and aren't buying the claim that a new pool & fieldhouse are the magic bullet to fix our economy.

It seems doubly absurd when you consider that the district is seeing DECLINING ENROLLMENT, and somehow their math adds up to fewer students costing more money to educate. Perhaps they need a lesson in basic math.

There ought to be a law....... "

TD wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:56 AM:

" We feel so strongly about this referendum because we support our children, plain and simple. The referendum is not about a fieldhouse, which many vote no people think. Its about the condition of our schools, the condition of the overcrowding and the ability to give our kids more than what we had. Think about the kids that are hearing the banter of 'its not worth our time and taxes" what is this doing to them? "

Hodag wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:47 AM:

" Isn't this a form of "bullying" on the part of the School Board and the "Vote Yes" committee? I thought our school system had a zero tolerance for bullying? This IS ridiculous!!!! "

Tax Payer wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:17 AM:

" This is ridiculous! The community voted on the proposed referendum and if failed! How can it be that the "Vote Yes" committee and other strong willed community members feel that it is appropriate to put the same proposal back up for a vote? How many times do we have to go through this? If it passes in November do those of us not in support of the referendum get to have it put back on the ballot in the spring so that we can play our little games some more and try to get people on our side? I hope that when this proposal goes back on the ballot that it fails horribly! This is ridiculous! "

bill johnson wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:10 AM:

" Don't you know, if you vote no, we wont go...away

isnt this borderline harrasment of the citizens of this community?

exhausting "

hv wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:58 AM:

" If the money isn't spent and you payoff the current bond, then you would have a reduction in taxes. In the current economy I would welcome a reduction as many others would as well. Why does the school board and a select few feel the need to continue to shove this issue down the throats of the taxpayers? If anything you are going to compel others to go against this issue just to shut up the few that cannot get over the fact that the voters turned this down several different times and it doesn't matter what color lipstick you put on this issue it still will be voted down. Stop crying over the multiple losses and get on with the business at hand...education "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.