Home > Organizing > School Levies > 2007 School Levies > 2007 Levy Letters	Print View

Subject: Educational Funding Reform

Dear Governor Pawlenty,

During this month of October, my children are getting lower grades on their spelling tests because I'm not available to help them as much as usual.  They are eating prepared food because I'm not available to cook as much as usual.  They are often shuffled off to relatives' houses during the evening because I'm not at home as much as usual.  Even my boss is getting less performance from me because I am not as available as I usually am.  So, you may ask, what is this woman doing that takes her away from her family and work commitments?

I am trying to get an operating levy passed in our school district.  That's what I and thousands of other parents, teachers, and concerned community members are doing this month.  Our yards are full of leaves AND signs.  Our children may not know how to spell a word on their spelling list, but they can spell "levy" and they know what it means.  Other parents at school might not know my name, but they know I'm the "Levy Lady."  It has become my part-time job.  It is not a job I want to keep.

There is no reason why financing public education should be put to a popular vote.  There is no other government-mandated function that is forced to beg for funding to do the job they've been given to do.  Why is this the case for schools?  It is my opinion that the state is getting dangerously close to being held legally liable for not providing a quality public education due to the underfunded education system and the results our children are forced to live with.

If the State of Minnesota did its job of funding public education in a fair and complete way, I could get rid of my part-time job.  It is a job that should rightfully be done by the legislature, not me.  So far, you and other members of the legislature have had parents and teachers covering you for not doing your jobs.  You should all be ashamed for pushing your unfinished work onto your neighbors.

Sincerely,

Laura Robinson
Savage, MN