Votes for the future

Next Tuesday is an important day for Springfield Public Schools. As you know, your vote matters when it comes to local, state and national issues related to education. I encourage you to look closely at all the candidates and all the ballot issues that will no doubt have a major impact on the direction of our country and the future of public education.

This election will have a direct connection to the waters we will be navigating in the immediate and long-range future. Of course, right now the dominant topic of concern is the economy. I can assure you we will be following closely the impact a slowing economy will have on our budget, and I encourage you to stay engaged with our district so that we can work through these times together.

The Board of Education will be having a strategic discussion during its Nov. 11 Study Session to discuss the current economic conditions and its impact on our tentatively scheduled April 2009 bond election. While there is no question that the types of projects to be tackled with this bond, including the completion of air conditioning at the remainder of our schools, are needed as soon as possible, it is imperative that we be sensitive to the economic conditions that exist with our stakeholders as well.

Through focus groups conducted this year we were encouraged to find that frequent voters are very supportive of this school district’s direction as established by SP5. At the same time, we were encouraged to keep an ear to the ground when it comes to the economic reality faced by Springfield citizens during this economic roller coaster. Please know, we are indeed keeping a very close ear to the ground and will work hard on making the best decisions for all those impacted by future funding initiatives.