[Vision2020] Gabriel Rench and the School Bond

Fri May 17 14:40:53 PDT 2013

To read my name in any list involving support for MSD  is always gratifying, but when that list also names  Gerald Weitz I begin to wonder what I did wrong. Gerald Weitz’ one generous deed in providing for the alternative school is overshadowed by his desire to manage from the sidelines as he used to do when he was on the school board.  Remember those days.  He quit once in a fit of pique when he didn’t get his way.  One act I’d like to live over was my urging him to pull his resignation.  I had this strange notion that intelligent people could find ways to work together, but in his case I was wrong; really, really wrong.  One thing I will say for him, at sabotage, he’s a master.  

He got kudos for buying air conditioners for certain hot classrooms, then had the teachers sell products to help pay for them.  Additionally, wiring in the buildings wasn’t sufficient so it cost the district a bundle to rewire to handle the load.  He prevailed in his suit against MSD sometime later, but the legal fees took money that might have helped pay for tools for student learning. His intent was to make a point, (he told me that.) The fallout was of no concern to him or he would have chosen to do it in a less harmful way.  

In his comparison of MSD spending per pupil and Pullman spending per pupil he chooses to omit a critical figure.  In Washington State per pupil expenditure is $2300 more than in Idaho.  So local effort in Idaho is much more critical.  Note how many local districts in Idaho have to run supplemental levies.  That’s because the state appropriation for public schools, adjusted for regional impacts, is the lowest in the nation.  Gerry knows that.  It’s just not convenient to his argument.  (Idaho is the only state that provides no state appropriation for the building and upkeep of school structures, except this past session they allocated state money to charter schools, but that’s an issue for another day.) 

Lastly, Gerry Weitz is an egocentric bully.  His “gentle” suggestions have one purpose..to defeat this measure.  

Sue Hovey 

From: Moscow Cares 
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 4:44 AM
To: Moscow Vision 2020 
Subject: [Vision2020] Gabriel Rench and the School Bond

Courtesy of today's (May 17, 2013) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks and appreciation to:

Keely Emerine-Mix
Elizabet
Elissa and Darrell Keim
Bill Marineau
Brandy Sullivan
Margaret Heberly
Karen Jennings
Joan Jones
Sue Hovey
Deb Bartlett
Amy G. Mazur
Diane Prorak
Jim Frenzel
Gerald Weitz
Lois N. Love

Margaret Dibble

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View is threat to diversity, unity
Gabriel Rench's His View column (Opinion, May 10) on school-funding measures' "divisive" effect on municipal unity uses divisive and anti-communitarian language to defend his view of "community."

The greatest threat to diversity and unity is Rench's view that Moscow's nonpublic school families are unfairly burdened by taxes that force them to pay for public education for other people's children. It's disheartening to see an argument in defense of the privileges of one's own tribe cloaked in an argument for the greater civic good.

Christians like Rench believe that "government schools" are an intrusion on the sovereign familial sphere, a godless system dedicated to inculcating children with an anti-Biblical worldview. Their embrace of the free market and a selfishness foreign to Scripture births a social view that says every child, no matter how impoverished or neglected, is on his own - a free economic agent who participates successfully or falls by the wayside. Only "their" children occupy their concern and receive their support, which is designed to exclude the "other" while now invoking pro-unity and diversity language that I find nauseating.

A more thoughtful analysis shows equal access to public education has been the most important factor in redressing societal wrongs, ensuring that underprivileged children receive opportunities that Rench takes for granted and establishing a common civic and academic language that builds solid communities.

As a Christian, I would hope Bible-believing voters support the justice and opportunity public education provided our children, rather than slapping a splintered Christian veneer on an attitude of selfish exclusion.

Keely Emerine-Mix

Moscow

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Bond is essential for schools
Posted: Friday, May 17, 2013 1:00 am

Our family recently moved to Moscow from western Washington. We have two children, so our decision to move here rested on the quality of the schools. We were nervous about moving to Idaho, with its abysmal funding of public education on the state level. We seriously considered living in Pullman and commuting to Moscow.

Our tour of the school buildings didn't overly impress us. We could see the buildings were in need of some TLC. However, the people we met assured us that the local community here in Moscow reliably supported education, and the students and educators we met were bright and articulate. We took a leap of faith and chose Moscow as our home.

Now, within a year of our arrival, the pedal hits the metal - can and will this community pass the school bond? We can, and I hope we will. The health of the city depends on it. It's not just families that pay attention to these things when they are deciding whether to relocate here and whether to stay. Businesses pay attention, as well.

If the school bond fails, the buildings will still need to be repaired and made safe for the students. An already tight budget will snap, and funding for music, art, drama, foreign language and nonmandated programs such as business, vocational, technical, gifted/talented, athletics and extracurricular activities will have to be cut. Staffing levels will go down, and classroom size will go up. I find that completely unacceptable.

My husband and I have already voted. It felt great to do our part to support the schools and our new home. Won't you please do the same?

Elizabeth Stevens

Moscow

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Rench got it all wrong
We disagree with Gabriel Rench's May 10 His View column. Following Rench's advice to vote no on the upcoming school bond would be a mistake for our entire community. Here's why.

One of the first measures of community people review when deciding where to relocate is the quality of local schools. Worn schools - our schools - make it challenging to recruit and retain employees, sell a home or encourage people to "buy local." Why support local businesses when the young person working at the checkout stand can't count back your change? Just as a rising tide floats all boats, providing a good education benefits everyone in the community. As a "businessman," Rench should understand this.

Rench speaks of community but doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines community as having "joint ownership or participation." This means everyone in a community needs to do his or her part. When Rench moved to Moscow, he willingly chose to become part of our community. Being part of a community means paying the fair share of community services - water, sewer, trash collection, streets, parks and, yes, schools.

A good education is one of the most important services our community provides. Community life isn't a la carte. This isn't a game of "not it." We are all in this together - and this time it's about our community pride and investment in our future.

Regarding his "economic" argument: The estimated tax increase is $6 per month - an Egg McMuffin and coffee. The school bond isn't asking for the moon, nor is it curtailing Rench's school choice. It is simply an opportunity to increase energy efficiency, safety, security and facility improvements.

Supporting the bond is a small price to pay for a community that has pride in itself and values education. Count us in.

Elissa and Darrell Keim

Moscow

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Vote yes for Moscow's future
Please vote yes Tuesday. Everyone in Moscow should find something positive in the Moscow School District's health, safety, infrastructure and technology bond. People of all ages can use the new and much needed playfields; businesses will benefit from guests attending planned tournaments and students in the Moscow School District will have safer, more pleasant and energy efficient environments in which to learn.

I am a third-generation Moscow resident and principal at West Park Elementary School. I know and support our entire diverse community. As a member of numerous facilities study task forces since 1988, I also know our schools inside and out. I have thoroughly studied the issues related to this bond. I offer to you that this bond is a fiscally conservative plan to fix and maintain our current facilities and add valuable playfields for all Moscow residents.

Because this is a conservative request during conservative times other facility needs will still exist.

What I appreciate about the studies completed by local businesses, the district, and the city of Moscow is the bond will fund projects that create potential for future improvements without dismantling currently planned projects. This is a solid, step-by-step approach to financial and facilities planning by multiple community groups.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please visit our website at http://msd web.msd281.org/wordpress/.

Please join me in voting yes Tuesday. A yes vote for our schools is a yes vote for Moscow.

Bill Marineau

Moscow

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Reject the tribe mentality
I agree with Gabriel Rench's His View statement (Opinion, May 10) regarding the value of our community in Moscow, and that's why I disagree with his conclusion we should vote no on the May 21 Moscow school bond. We are not coexisting in this community as separate "tribes" based on religion or the school our children attend, but rather we are an integrated community working to raise our children to be productive, responsible and contributing adults. It is in the best interest of us all, of all of our children and of the future of our nation to ensure that all children receive an education in a safe facility, regardless of where they choose to be educated. We need to care about education and safety not only for "our own," but for all the children in our communities.

Rench's assertion that funding the bond would compromise his ability to pay for his school of choice is difficult to understand - the average taxpayer would see an annual increase in taxes of $72.63, or $6.05 per month. I am skeptical this increase would prevent one from continuing private schooling. If your home is worth $269,000, you would see an increase of $145.26 - about $12 a month. If one lives in a $269,000 home and can't afford an additional $12 a month to continue the private education they so value, they may be living above their means.

Please reject the tribe mentality, vote to unify Moscow and vote yes on the bond for the good of all of our community, including those in the private schools and those home-schooled.

Brandy Sullivan

Moscow

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School bond worth supporting
Whoa, Gabriel Rench - we have a little difference in view here (Opinion, His View, May 10). We are both entitled to our free speech in this country, but there is another privilege we are also entitled to - each child in our country deserves a free and sufficient education. The fact that Americans have that right differs from many other countries.

Each child can go to school and each child can aspire to college with the support of scholarships, grants and determined parents. Each community is judged by its schools. That's why you live in this community you say you value and why you say you get along with your neighbors. You and I aren't going to get along on your opinion about public schools.

Are you aware there are some private schools that won't accept your children even though you have money? They also have to have good grades. You feel you don't have to pay taxes that we all pay because you don't like your community's schools. Thousands of us believe in our public schools and pay those taxes even if we often have to struggle to do it. We do that for our children, your children, the rich and the poor children.

I truly think there are enough of us who will pay our taxes as usual and will vote yes on the bond election.

Margaret Heberly

Pullman

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School bond needs to pass
Moscow School District does remarkably well in providing students with quality educational opportunities and extracurricular activities, despite being in Idaho where support per pupil from the state ranks among the lowest in the country, and where there is no support from the state for building new schools nor for upgrading and renovating existing facilities.

Families locating to the area could easily choose to live across the state line in Pullman where state funding for education puts Idaho to shame, especially for facilities. Despite the inequities in state funding, Moscow is on par with Pullman in regard to the quality of education and the opportunities it offers students. Such opportunities are among the main reasons why many families choose to live in the Moscow area, which greatly contributes to Moscow's housing market and retail economy.

Recently, Pullman handily passed a bond for five times the amount of the MSD bond with the main project to replace their high school, which is actually younger than MSD's youngest school, McDonald Elementary School. The amount of state funding, which is on top of what Pullman will get from the bond, is just about the amount MSD is asking of its patrons Tuesday.

A two-thirds yes vote is vital for continuing to attract businesses and families to Moscow and for maintaining and growing the local economy. Therefore, everyone, even those without children in the district, should be concerned about passing this bond. Voting for those living in Moscow will be 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Latah County Fairgrounds. Rural precincts will vote in their regular location.

Karen Jennings

Moscow

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Bond important for strong community
I encourage all eligible voters in Moscow who are interested in public education and a strong community to turn out and vote yes for the proposed school bond.

Please don't assume your vote isn't necessary - a show of support for this bond is important. I know of two families who opted recently to locate in Pullman because the schools there are "better" than in Moscow. The teachers in both cities are excellent, and services are currently comparable, but the actual physical condition of the public buildings and the likelihood of improvements to facilities in the future, tipped the balance for these families. Interest in all facets of our public education has long been a hallmark of Moscow residents. Please continue that trend and vote yes.

Joan Jones

Moscow

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Bond is good stewardship
Gabriel Rench urges us to vote no on the Moscow School District bond because it takes money from him that he might use to send his children to private school (Opinion, His View, May 10). He asks we not bring "red herrings" into this discussion, but that is exactly what he has done. This bond has nothing to do with his choice to send his children to private school. They are there now and, regardless of the outcome of the vote, they will undoubtedly remain.

This bond is about stewardship, not choice. Rench and all of us who pay taxes own the school buildings. A good steward maintains his property. He pays for repairs. This bond replaces a roof. This bond pays for student safety. This bond replaces outdated plumbing and provides for decent bathrooms.

I have not had a child in MSD for more than 25 years, but I want to be a good steward. I appreciate those people whose children had already graduated, yet they helped pay for repairs for my children. I want today's students to attend school in buildings that are safe, comfortable and well equipped for their learning needs.

It's not unlikely Rench's daughters may be using these facilities as other home-schooled and private school students often do. Many of them take classes, play sports and attend events in the public schools. I want for them, also, to be safe and comfortable when they do.

Sue Hovey

Moscow

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Bond is in Moscow's best interest
More than 120 years ago, we, the people of the state of Idaho, ratified our state constitution. We included articles covering the functions we considered to be most necessary for securing the common welfare of all of the people of Idaho. We asserted that the stability of a republican form of government depends mainly upon the intelligence of the people, and therefore that we intended as a group "to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools." An important part of maintaining our agreed-upon public schools is taking care of the school buildings, hardware and infrastructure.

Healthy communities know that maintaining safe, structurally sound community buildings, parks and recreational areas are just as important to attracting businesses and new residents as safe, structurally sound houses and residential areas. It is in our best interest as a community to fund the repairs and improvements necessary for providing safe and secure places for our newest people - our children - to learn.

It is also in our best interest as a community to stand by the agreements that we, the people of Idaho and the city of Moscow, made more than 120 years ago to maintain a thorough system of public schools. I urge you to vote yes Tuesday to approve the proposed bond for much needed improvements to Moscow's school buildings.

Deb Bartlett

Moscow

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Bond passage will aid development, prosperity
I have been a taxpaying property owner in Moscow since 2001. I have no children. Like many others who work at Washington State University, I have chosen to live in Moscow and thus pay Moscow and Idaho state taxes.

To me, voting yes for the school bond is an easy decision. The fiscally responsible budget addressed within the bond will fund basic maintenance, safety and technology improvements to each school. The bond will also fund much-needed public recreation and sport fields used by the entire community. These improvements will allow additional space for all students in public and private schools as well as attract economically beneficial tournaments that are profitable to local businesses.

Increasingly, families are choosing to live in Pullman instead of Moscow for what are perceived as "better" schools. Unfortunately, this perception appears to be on the rise. Healthy schools ultimately bring more business to our community, and more business enhances our property and land values all around Moscow. If the bond does not pass, business owners, farmers, students and the community as a whole will all feel the economic effect together.

Join me in voting yes to support our schools and Moscow's economic development and prosperity.

Amy G. Mazur

Moscow

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School bond is necessary
Public schools are a necessity for a livable community in our country. Whether you have children in these schools or not, good public schools provide our community with hope for a broadly educated citizenry and young people who are productive contributors to our society.

Without good public schools, there is increased social division and crime. Schools are made up of good educators, first and foremost, but bringing children together in productive ways also requires facilities. The Moscow schools are in need of various repairs and upgrades to meet the safety and technology needs of our community's children. The upcoming Moscow School District bond election could provide for the most needed repairs and upgrades to schools in the district. In addition, the bond will help fund fields for sports activities to help keep children active and healthy.

The bond election is like fixing potholes in the roads - necessary if we want our community to continue to keep moving forward. Please vote yes on the Moscow School District bond Tuesday.

Diane Prorak

Moscow

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Every vote counts
I encourage all patrons of the Moscow School District to vote in the special bond election May 21. Every vote counts toward demonstrating the community's support of public education.

Jim Frenzel

Trustee, Moscow School District

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Show the positive leadership
Certainly the Moscow School District needs maintenance and updates, which I support, but do we need to spend $3 million on playfields, and is the MSD facilities plan for an elementary school sited on this FEMA-designated floodplain realistic? What if it floods?

Diagnostic observations and a gentle comparison:

Pullman has award-winning 21st century vocational curricula, and its students have long had the ability to receive industry certification. Moscow rejects this responsibility. Pullman's students have long had the opportunity of acquiring numerous hours of dual-enrollment from Washington State University. Moscow fought this concept.

Pullman has inspiring 21st century infrastructure - Moscow houses its students in a 1930s-era high school. Pullman has outstanding leadership and a great internal culture that unites its community. Moscow calls for building a school on a known floodplain with a $3 million price tag for playfields.

It's not about maintenance and operations money since the last time I researched, both districts spent per student similarly, with Moscow spending slightly more. Other Idaho districts have superior infrastructure, modern vocational offerings and dual-enrollment opportunities resulting in an associate of arts and a high school diploma.

The solution:

Transfer the ownership of the Joseph Street lot to the city of Moscow with the understanding that the MSD can use the fields and will pay proportionally for its maintenance. With $1.5 million of Hamilton/city money, turn the project over to our service clubs and watch the magic of working together on a worthwhile project that unites our community.

With the $1.5 million savings in the bond, spend this amount on infrastructure for music and art. The creativity and discipline this nurtures will serve our students well.

Add an additional $1.5 million for 21st century vocational curricula and use Pullman as an example. This is positive leadership and unites our community.

Gerald Weitz

Viola

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Work to make things better
In the May 10 edition of the Daily News, Gabriel Rench had an opinion piece urging a no vote on the school bonds. He contends that public schools lessen his ability to educate his children.

If he chooses to put his children in private or religious schools, that is his right, but not everyone has that choice.

Public schools were established to educate the poor and immigrants. This has created a nation of bright, intelligent and creative people. This has made the United States the leader of the free world.

Remember, if we don't educate all our children now, 10 to15 years down the road we will support them on welfare or in prison.

If you don't like the way public schools are run, stay in and work to make things better.

Lois N. Love

Moscow

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Community will benefit from bond passage
On Tuesday, the patrons of the Moscow School District will have the opportunity to fix up their aging school buildings. Clearly, students will benefit from new science labs, adequate electrical wiring and roofs that don't leak.

In addition, Moscow's schools are a community resource used by many groups, from square dancers to religious organizations. We need to take care of them if we want Moscow to be a desirable place to live. The city of Moscow has promised money from the Hamilton Fund (not tax money) toward building more playfields, benefiting the whole Moscow community. Vote yes for the school bond. Vote yes for Moscow.

Margaret Dibble

Moscow

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Seeya at the Wingding, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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