Esteemed Board Members;The deficit is partially to blame on the expansion of the wind farms. Interesting, where are all the funds that the "Wind Farms" were supposed to supply?
Music, Art, and Language are very important classes. Language is considered a core course for many High Schools. Music, Art, and Language would be helpful through someone's entire life. Not only does it help expand ones horizons by exposing them to more culture, it also gives them a way to express their feelings. For some, Art and Music are also very therapeutic.
The last school board meeting stated eliminating all extracurricular items would save $248, 000. How much would be saved by eliminating the sports programs (football, basketball, cheerleading, etc). Why is it, whenever there are funding issues, the extracurricular items such as Music, Art, Language and Agriculture are always the first on the chopping block. How much additional revenue would be brought in by NOT-RENEWING the Wenona TIF.
Looking at what is best for the children long term should be the first consideration when making cuts. Being able to play football, basketball, cheer-leading, etc.. in middle school & high school will help the majority of the kids long term how?? Granted they may make some good memories – how many of them will be able to make a profession out of it? How many would be able to use the skills developed within football, basketball, cheer-leading, etc. to achieve goals in life? I would suspect very few kids would have long term benefits from participating in football, basketball, cheer-leading, etc.. in middle school and/or high school.
On the flip side, skills developed by extracurricular items such as Music, Art, and Languages are critical for students both now and in the future. They include(but are not limited too) - Project development skills; Different hands-on abilities; A sense of pride and achievement; Time management; How to focus and concentrate; Attention to detail; Improved hand eye coordination; Creativity; The ability to follow through; Problem solving skills; Social skills; etc
I would beseech you to do a lot of research before eliminating the extracurricular classes such as Music, Art, and Language. Eliminating the extracurricular classes will NOT benefit our kids long term.
The extracurricular classes are beneficial for ALL the students. Can you say that about sports?
Following are some good informational links. Art Benefits for High School Students
U.S. News published a great article last year talking about how Extracurricular items are central to learning
An article that talks about 12 benefits of music at school
The January Fieldcrest Board Meeting summary mentions making an attractive offer to Lostant regarding sending all high school students to Fieldcrest. Will this bring in extra revenue to Fieldcrest or would it cause a greater strain on Fieldcrest.
I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read this.
Richard Stillwell
Editor's note: The windmills are generating over $1 milliion for the school district but it is partially offset by reduced payments of $500,000 from the State. In effect, the windmills do generate a positive source of revenue.