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

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. It will all be over then, none too soon most say. Besides the presidential election, state offices will be decided and the school referendum will be voted on for the third time.

Why do you think the last two school referenda failed? That’s the question of the week. It was a sunny day on Friday and most were willing to stop and chat about the election. It was evident from comments that many think the whole election process has gone on too long.

And there seemed to be a consensus of sorts about the failure of the past two attempts at passing the referendum. There’s a belief that many retired folks, the older population, aren’t in favor of the referendum because their kids are grown and they’re on fixed incomes. There’s a perception as well that many moving into the area, again retired folks, just won’t support any proposal that might, even remotely, lead to higher taxes.

A number of people who responded believe the information from the school board has been misleading in the past and that if the situation was explained simply, the result would be positive.

Most thought even if the initiative was voted down, taxes wouldn’t go down. And if it’s passed, most thought it would, in the end, cost more than we think. We’ll know more Tuesday. Don’t forget to vote.

Tell us what you think...

Comments »

Stop the lies wrote on Nov 26, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Enough with the lies about the pay for SDR employees, you cna check out the pay of every SDR employee on the DPI website. "

Response to Doug S wrote on Nov 26, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Doug S.

Your first post that you put on here only shows the ignorance, blinded view of certain people. Seniors got hit just as hard as everybody else in the downfall of the economy! No matter how much "budgeting" they will do, there will always be "items" that will pop up and take them by surprise.

Your second posting is even stranger than the first. Don't kid yourself if you see taverns and coffee shops as a sign of a strong economy in your community. They are a small part of a bigger picture. It's sad to say, but if the paper mill goes, so does Rhinelander. The community needs a strong industry, not just department stores and taverns! Open your eyes! "

Doug S. wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:07 PM:

" Doug S. Response...I'm not understanding what you're saying. If the state says that we are a community in need, then why doesn't the state funding system change? Why do I hear radio adds about how great our northwoods ecomomy is? Why do we still have X # of bars and taverns with the doors still open and a Coffee Shop on every corner. I love them and I want them to stay here. But we can't sit and piss and moan about out economy and pay for community education when we continue to pay for luxuries. "

Doug S.-response wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:21 AM:

" Doug your email says everything about you that is a true reflection of true pass values instill in you during your time as a Rhinelander student! I too am not a senior citizen and most senior citizens pay there way after working many years, by the way! But, with Rhinelander community rated by the State of Wisconsin as needing help, (can not remember the exact wording), but a community with low income,under stress ecomony, etc. it tells you that this community is not well, and has not been for years!
A very sad statement...From an pass Rhinelander student "

Floyd Estelle wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:05 PM:

" Yes, I agree more than senior citizens voted this referendum down! Some people just do not get it!!!!!

I for one voted against it, and will continue too as it is presently, and I will become more vocal as we continue to discuss this referendum and whys or why not this passed! It is what it is, wrong time, for the wrong reasons, and the wrong things! But, this has not sunk in to many in the community that have push this referendum!

Many people young and old are hurting, look at the food bank, employers closing,assistance needed in this community, etc. this should give any responsible person the answers, but not here in Rhinelander! "

Open Your Eyes wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:41 AM:

" To all those who wrote about the seniors not passing the referendum...it wasn't just the seniors that voted on the referendum, it was the voting population of the school district of Rhinelander!

How do you know that it was just the seniors that voted down the referendum? Maybe most of them did, but others had to as well. Look at the outlaying districts on how they voted. Also, look at the voting records in town as well.

My thing is this, quit cutting down the seniors of our community. If you want the referendum to pass, put one together that makes sense, that is justifiable. Don't add anything else than what the school district ABSOLUTELY needs! Everybody is feeling the crunch of our economy, not just the seniors! "

Options wrote on Nov 23, 2008 11:21 PM:

" Seniors have options...
1) Be selfless, teach young people the golden rule, leave the world better than you found it, and when YOU need support those young people will be ready and willing to help
2) Be selfish, teach young people to be greedy, leave the world worse off than you found it, and when YOU need support those young people will be no where to be found... "

joan wrote on Nov 23, 2008 10:52 AM:

" I read that the Superintendant of schools receives a salary in excess of $600,000.00 a year. If this is correct; how is this salary justified? Amd who ok'd it? That would pay for 6 teacher salary's or more. We need teachers in our schools. Without teachers, we have no school. A superintendant is optional. The teachers know more about running a school then any outsider, including the school board. We need to take the politics out of our schools. "

Chris-Goodluck wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:58 AM:

" Sounds like a plan for you and yours! "

Doug S. wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:35 AM:

" If I hear about "fixed incomes" one more time I'm going to vomit. Are you serious? Aren't we all on fixed incomes? I cannot dictate my salary to managment. It's the same last month as it was this month and I kow what it will be next month. It's called budgeting people! and if you're in your 70's you've had the last 70 years to plan. Not our problem. Every generation gets old and it's time to pay it forward. "

Chris wrote on Nov 20, 2008 4:16 PM:

" Since the Local town did'nt support my children (let the Townships support the local businesses)then I will be shopping in a town that cares about children, and I am looking to move my family of eight to an area that knows that goods schools are the FIRST place family's and businesses look to relocate. I will miss being a part of the community that Rhinelander once had,but is very clear what direction it is heading and I can't and wont be part of it.and when your taxes go up again and they WILL at least you can be proud that it was'nt for the schools. "

Brent S wrote on Nov 20, 2008 1:27 PM:

" I think it would be a good idea to take the Kids from the Jr. High and move them into the High School. Then round up all the elementary kids from all the other schools and move them into the Jr. High. That way you have all the children under two roofs thus saving on a grand level. I think this would solve alot of problems. There are many other districts that have the Jr. and Sr. High under one roof, why can't we? "

Concerned parent-please transfer now wrote on Nov 20, 2008 12:48 PM:

" There are choices we all make, and if yours is to take your child out this school, then you will need to think about it quickly, and submit something by February! Added transportation,gas, cars and insurance to get your child care too and from will be your option!

Just think of the choices senior citizens are having to make now, where they do not have as many options as you do! Kinda hard to get a job right now for anyone, let alone if you are in your 70's! Think about the heating bills, food bills, gas (will not stay down forever), user fees (registrations, etc.), insurances and medical, it goes on for them, BUT on fixed amount of money! I am sure the stock market has turned there once secure retirement into limbo!
You have options!! "

concerned wrote on Nov 20, 2008 9:25 AM:

" How much funding will the school lose if parents like me transfer our son or daughter to another school that offers what we want? Think of your cut in state funding then tell me if you gained anything. If they need school space try combining the two charter schools in one building and guess what you have alleviated overcrowding in neutral fashion. Even if they eliminated the charter school how much money would be saved. "

Why-ever think wrote on Nov 19, 2008 2:55 PM:

" The Vote Yes group asking for the a new pool and fieldhouse with the maintenance upgrades, repairs! Knowing full well that our school district was facing a large deficit this year and years to come! Knowing this would result in needing new money by new referendums or requiring additional cuts would come, and then one of the first mention from the principal was swimming, something just smells about all this referendum smoke screen! Sounds like we are getting ready for a school board slant 4th referendum! By the way has anyone ask Mr. Erdahl if the process is working, he mention this after the 2nd defeat on channel 12? "

Make People Responsible wrote on Nov 19, 2008 12:55 PM:

" To Bill

I know that the city council and the school board are total seperate entities, but if there are no businesses or if the community is not generating any money, why would the families want to stay? Why would they want to upgrade the schools if the city council doesn't put effort into the community? If one side benefits, wouldn't the other as well?

I really and truely believe that the city council and the school board need to start working together. If the money starts to come into the community, the school board will get what they need, the population will increase, community receives more $, so on and so forth.

Inadvertently, the city council is also responsible for the failure of the referendum as well, not just the school board. The two do go hand in hand. "

Eustress-Two separate view points wrote on Nov 19, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Two views of the community schools

One, build a new pool (replacement for the old) and a fieldhouse, that will make more room at the high school, and make everything beautiful! With the hope that this will attract more business and be more attractive to potential employers and professionals!

Separate from this is maintenance of the schools, although railroaded piggy backed together! Taxes netural for this, not pending any other educational needs in the future!

Second-Separate the two parts- maintenanace, additional rooms, etc.
NO new pool or fieldhouse.

With the district already facing 2+ million deficit, it will only be a short time before more engaging referendums will be table for our community! This will not be tax netural! "

Eustress wrote on Nov 18, 2008 7:44 PM:

" Imagine what amazing things could be accomplished if all of these powerful emotions were focused on a common goal. The town and school would both thrive, and everyone would win in the end. "

Bill wrote on Nov 18, 2008 4:49 PM:

" "Make People Responsible" should understand that aside from acting as a tax collector for the School Board, the city council is NOT directly responsible for the education of area children. The School Board is a separate and distinct taxing entity and governmental agency and has COMPLETE and TOTAL control over all facets of the operations and goals of our local schools, including tax levies and budgets. Put the blame for any woes with the schoools (especially financial) where it belongs - with the School Board. "

Make People Responsible wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:11 PM:

" It must really make the people on the school board upset that they cannot get the fieldhouse that they are asking for, but for Ministry Medical to give Stevens Point $500,000 to upgrade their fitness center.

Don't blame your school board for the lack of education to the children, but the city council for their lack of concern in this field. They are ultimately responsible for the failed businesses within your city and surrounding areas. Why don't the citizens of Rhinelander wake up and put the blame on the responsible people. You can see where the money is going, do something about it!!! "

Jobs jobs jobs jobs wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Look at your kids, they can hardly wait to get out of town soon after graduation!
All communities are looking for new employers and professionals to come to their communities! Regardless, of new pool and fieldhouse, yes, it will look nice,and maybe make something to look at and say, boy that is nice! We will not attract many employers due to location, location, transportation, property taxes, etc.

Every person that moves, professional or not, always wants to know that the schools are OK, notice I did not say good, in our case! We just do not have much to offer people, times have changed! "

Jobs jobs jobs jobs wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:40 AM:

" We have a 2+ million deficit now and in the next years to come!

The old pool cost 160,000.00 a year to operate (per; board president), Mr. Erdahl did not know, new pool cost per year; 240,000 plus! I am not sure if this considers the repayment in debit!

So, we have known about a deficits coming for over a year now. Now the pool was in all the referendums, but because of the deficit, consideration to discontinue the swimming program is mention! LET me ask a very stupid question, if the referendum went through, we got a new pool, how was this going to change the deficits coming? Would that not been hard to discontinue the swimming program, when we have a new pool! Sounds like games are being played to me!
To be continue "

Doug S. wrote on Nov 17, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Also, it is a retirement community and Rhinelander has accepted that and we have senior housing everywhere and new expensive condo's. Rhinelander does nothing to bring recent grads back to the community. Also, if it is a retirement community and we accept that. How do we get good doctors if our Schools blow? They aren't going to take less money on a small community to give their kids sub-par schools. The kids do see what good things that other communities have and develop a complex and feel inferrior. I used to make fun of Crandon, Eagle River and Lakeland for being "behind the times". Now I can't say anything because they have moved forward. "

Doug S. wrote on Nov 17, 2008 1:09 PM:

" A few things to think about.
I was not a great student however, I was a good enough athlete that my sports were what got me into college. I am now very succesfull and have a great job. I learned enough in athletics to teach me how to work with others and rely on others and put in the time and effort to acheive positive results. College is much different than high school as it is at a slower pace and people can become better students in high school. I barely graduated high school on time but finished my college career on the Deans List. Sports and athletics are very important to the social and physical development of teenagers. Our sports have failed miserably. Our major sports have struggled as of the last decade or so. "

Pat wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:42 PM:

" The real reason - So your telling me that we always had this problem, therefore we should never even try to solve the problem. I love the way some of you people think. I'am poor or rich and selfish so my kids will be poor or rich and selfish. Do you not want the next generation to be better. "

The real reason wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:56 AM:

" I wonder if the real reason for leaving our school district isn't based more on increased financial benefit from living in a city with a much larger population that can support a highly specilized skill in the medical field. Graduating students leave in order to find jobs that can support a family, as there has always been a shortage of decent paying jobs in our school district. "

Mike wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:52 AM:

" This was all mentioined before the last referendum, these are the reasons for the referenda. Everything is connected.

For a better understanding of these issues see the response from the Board President please check out the link below,

http://rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2008/11/12/news/doc491adfc444278342289396.txt

Mr. Fitzgerald does a great job of explaining how it’s all connected.

To the students reading these comments please know there are people out there working hard for you, and on all three referenda just under 50% of the people voted in favor of improving the schools. So there ARE many people out there that support you and your hard work. Don’t give up on us. "

Notice sometime wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Did you happen to notice nothing was mention about this before the referendum, oh, I know, it just the time of year now to go over budgets, etc. But, if you had to cut teachers and you let the community know this, then they probably would ask the following question, why are do we want to build more classrooms?

I was in Kalamazoo, Michigan too, about 20 years ago, when a referendum was voted down three times, then the school said, sports programs would be next, you know school administrations have a "101 on how to get referendum pass", right now you are seeing another ploy! Cut 4-6 varsity sports, with it costing 400,000.00 a year for the pool and etc., let's make swimming the first to go!! "

Concerned Parent of young ones wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:19 PM:

" The 2,000,000 budget shortfall is from the operations budget and has nothing to do with the facilities/maintenance. The state is penalizing Rhinelander and only funding our schools 27% compared to 65% for most other schools around the state. The costs increase about 5% a year and we get a 1% increase. So, RHS will eliminate 4-7 FTE teacher positions, return to a more cost effective schedule, reduce graduation requirements and cut 4-6 varsity sports. The budget will be cut in this manner for the next three years unless the community supports a referendum to support sustaining curriculum/programs. In essence the district is being dismantled. It is not mismanagement, it is the STATE FUNDING FORMULA as we are considered property rich and have declining enrollment. YOUR tax dollars are given to DC Everest, Antigo, Stevens Point, Merrill, etc. Write to Dan Meyer (Disctrict 34 State Assembly) to work for our district! "

Student Who Cares wrote on Nov 12, 2008 8:05 PM:

" Ya i am reading all the stuff that you people are writing. You are not even thinking about the students. To whoever said "They might as well hand out Welfare applications at Graduation", THANKS FOR HAVING HOPE. I bet you dont even have a student that attends the district. And if they LOWER THE STANDARDS, that would maybe make it so kids dont waste time with Child Development, and Cooking, so they can focus on math. If kids graduate earilier, they can get a job for college. Ya but you guys just are self conceeded and wont even think about us. THANKS FOR ENCOURAGING US!!! But who cares, we will just turn into an eneducated redneck dump anyways. I DO so stop and realize, we hold the future, you had your chance, help us out. You have a choice, SO HELP US STUDENTS!!! "

Bill wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:40 PM:

" Question for "Another Parent" :

What in blazes does the physical condition of the the school have to do with graduation requirements??? Comments like this exemplify just how out-of-touch the priorities of the "yes to the referendum" crowd are. "

Concerned parent for all wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:38 PM:

" I have sat here and read all of your comments and I have come the conclusion that you all need to just sit back and listen to yourself, do you not think our kids read this? (believe me, they do!) My parents taught me that bullying each other is not going to get you anywhere and that we need to respect one another. So what are we teaching our children? Those of you that make negative, rude & unnesessary comments to each other need to realize that we are not giving our children very good values in life.
We all have freedom of speech, but we need to draw the line somewhere when our children are affected by such negativity. No matter what side of the spectrum you are on, Vote Yes or Vote NO, Just remember this, this is about our childen and their future. Thank You "

Mike wrote on Nov 12, 2008 2:35 PM:

" Wow, you would think that people finding their way to this comment board would be a little more informed. Rhinelander Resident summed it up perfectly. The last referendum was about everything, all the items required so our kids can compete with children coming out of other districts. It was not just about a pool and fieldhouse, many chose to make it about those two items, but it was comprehensive improvements to every aspect of or district. Because of its failure money NOW does have to go to require maintence that can’t be put off any longer.

State Aid has dropped by approximately 2 million per year for the last 4 years and will continue to drop. So every year cuts will need to be made unless something is done. It’s time for people to get their HEAD out of the SAND. "

Rebecca wrote on Nov 12, 2008 2:06 PM:

" For those of you who don't think the quality of education in Rhinelander is a deciding factor in professionals coming to town,think again! My husband (a surgeon) and I moved to Sioux Falls in June after 4 years in Rhinelander. Why? We have four children, and were disappointed by the education they were receiving and the opportunities they had to advance their education. You might not want to believe that extracurricular activities matter, but in this day and age, getting into a competitive college requires good grades AND extracurricular activities. We can all talk until we're blue in the face about how we went through school without all the perks and turned out just fine, but TIMES HAVE CHANGED! Unfortunately, Rhinelander isn't keeping up with the needed changes and it's causing people to pass up jobs in the area or move to communities who DO care. "

Former resident wrote on Nov 12, 2008 1:51 PM:

" And another thing: Do you realize that the poverty rate (approx. 60%) in the RSD is higher than many of the most impoverished areas of inner city Milwaukee. The numbers don't lie. Maybe everyone would be better off if most of these families moved on to greener economic pastures and the RSD could gradually reinvent itself as a high quality, albeit smaller district. I hate to sound so darwinian, but this is reality as I see it. "

Former Resident wrote on Nov 12, 2008 1:44 PM:

" What is the difference??? 99% of the kids who are educated in Rhinelander schools and have enough on the stick to go on to further their education and careers cannot(I did not say will not) stay here anyway because of lack of economic opportunity. I think everyone involved on both sides needs to get a grip on reality to see that this is not the same town it was even 10 years ago, much less at its peak in the 70's. "

Rhinelander Resident wrote on Nov 12, 2008 12:42 PM:

" Remember when people were up in arms because the school was purchasing computers? Times have changed. Physical education must be important to a well rounded education or they would no longer require it. I believe the referendum was a combination of all aspects and made tax neutral as the majority requested after the first round. "

Unknown wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:38 AM:

" So a better field house and pool will improve the education in Rhinelander?? Ok that makes sense. I have no problem giving money for books, computers, teachers etc but like most I do not see a new pool improving our school system. Rhinelander is a retirement community so the only industry that will thrive here is the medical field. "

Never thought of how bad this school been managed wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Last email really made me think! How poor shape the schools are in, $2,000,000.00 budget problems, brought the referendum back for the 3rd time, 2nd time without changing anything, trying to get a new pool and field house in as pork, sounds like some very, very, very poor leadership! "

Less teachersless classroomsless to vote on wrote on Nov 11, 2008 3:29 PM:

" Um, $2,000,0000 cuts, just because the school referendum for a pool and fieldhouse was defeated for the 3RD TIME! Never been much for investigations or calling anyone out, but I think this is really telling me sometime! Sounds like some bad leadership from the top of the teachers union/school board/etc. Must I go on, what does this tell someone if they came from the outside looking in! Mis-management at it's best!! Um "

Never would have happened wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:05 PM:

" If the "Yes Vote" teachers union did not push this referendum, and this starts at the tippy top of the food chain! So, we go back to 7 classes a day, what an idea, that only worked for 30 plus years, but the teachers convinced the community that 4 classes a day would be better! Well, I know one teacher that is scare to death, she never came to parent-teachers conference prepared anyway, now to have 7 hours, oh boy, she will be lost, and yes, she teaches you kid! How about the teacher that can not instruct you kids, only can say use the TI-85 to do it, long form, forget it, I know more about math!

Ya, what a deal and if your children do not become successful, then it is the schools fault, right? "

This Is Ridiculous wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:04 AM:

" That is a great idea "Another Parent". We should pass out welfare applications at graduation because naturally since this referendum failed our students will automatically become total burdens on society. Its obvious that since this referendum failed parents will stop encouraging their kids to succeed and Rhinelander will turn into a little uneducated Redneck Dump.

GET REAL!

Do you people who keep complaining about this failed referendum know how ridiculous you sound?

The referendum failed 3 times!

Get over it and move on with life! "

Another Parent wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:09 PM:

" There will be a meeting on Thursday the 13th and another on Tuesday the 18th to discuss how our under funded high school, is going cut a large number of teachers, and lower (yes LOWER) the requirements for our kids to graduate. Read it how you like but the referendum failed and our kids are now going to be LESS educated. At least though, our taxes won't go up which is fortunate since we will be paying their food and housing bills for the next thirty years while they live at home. Perhaps they can pass out welfare applications at the graduation ceremony. "

James wrote on Nov 10, 2008 3:18 PM:

" Rhinelander will just slowly fade away as a desired location in Wisconsin. No Jobs here and now no schools.....Realize that the kids you are saying "NO" to are our future. Wake up and quit being so selfish ! Rhinelander Give a little to get a lot ! "

Dear Concerned Citizen wrote on Nov 10, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Do you really believe we get the best of doctor's now? You are so off base that this community just lost in the next month 40 well paying jobs, yes you are right about jobs leaving this area, why, it is not because of the school referendum! Read about a California family coming to your great school and find out that they are advance in their studies, why would that be, oh boy, get your head outta your behind, butt! You are probably someone whom has lived here all your life and just do not know or understand! Now does that sound like the "Yes voting block", we NO people just do not understand, bull, we understand fully and know that it was "PORK" you wanted! So get off your high horse, Concerned Citizen!!!! "

Concerned Resident wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:05 AM:

" I wonder if those who voted "no" considered how voting "no" will truly impact the Rhinelander area. Not only will you see businesses leave the area, we will not attract or keep doctors and will have shortages in healthcare staff and any hope for new businesses. Some health care workers are already looking to move and place their children elsewhere. Something to think about if you ever have a medical emergency or just need a good doctor. The aging population will need healthcare workers but the younger population will leave the area to place their children in better school facilities. Those who voted "no" will see the negative of doing so in their own lives. I think those who voted "no" really need to analyze the impact in their own lives. I believe we will all regret it. "

Bill K. wrote on Nov 8, 2008 4:45 PM:

" Now that the election is over and the teacher's union "messiah" has been elected, perhaps they could invite him to Rhinelander and have him waive his hand over the school building and miraculously fix it. A few baskets of fish and bread would also be nice for us seniors on fixed incomes who can barely afford to grocery shop anymore, much less see our already high tax bills increased. "

parent wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:12 PM:

" Our future children come first, a good education is needed. Thats alot of money to pay back, with people loosing thier jobs. I say drain the pool and repair it. Wait and see what everyone can spend in 3 to 4 years. It amazes me how a california family moves here and their kids are to advanced. Lets start giving the education these kids need. Maybe start replacing staff. Get back to the basics. "

Heather B. wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:58 AM:

" As a former RHS grad and Northwoods resident I am extremely disappointed that the referendum failed once again. On behalf of my family I will tell the entire Rhinelander community that you made a mistake not passing the referendum. My husband and I are both college graduates who moved out of Rhinelander to a nearby community a few months ago so that when we have children they can get a good education and attend quality facilities. Many have said Rhinelander needs to focus on economic development and the rest will fall into place. This is a big mistake, we left the community and relocated our jobs and home 20 miles away because of the poor facilities and lack of support given to our fine teachers and support staff. Our future children come first, you can get a job anywhere. "

Angela wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:39 AM:

" To whiners:
Good logic - let's punish the children for the faults of the adults. And quite frankly, if you looked at the school budget for the past several years you would see that there is rarely an increase so the best was done with what they had. ALL school districts have to ask for referendums to maintain the schools. "

Will They Stand By Their Own Words wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:54 PM:

" The following comment from Mike S. is not true:

"The teachers went so far as to push school kids to do there bidding."

I am glad that the board is going to consider trying again in February, if for no other reason it will test the honesty of those who say they will vote for the proposal if the questions are split. I hope that the Kelly Hermans of the world are true to their word and are willing to actually work towards its passage as they've promised they would. "

whiners wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:07 PM:

" quit whinning. Hold the district management accountable for the poor maintenance and horrible planning of facilities.

Then you might get more money out of the taxpayers. "

John R. wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:05 PM:

" Still the name calling, etc. on both sides. Boring. The school addition/maintenance (would easily pass) and pool/gym (not at this time) should have been separate two referendums ago. How about some fund raising effort for the pool/gym rather than lay it on the taxpayers? "

Mike S. wrote on Nov 5, 2008 2:37 PM:

" First to JR.When I stated that they try to compete against the Fox Valley it was in regaurds to wages and benefits not sports. Why don't you check the books and you will see that personnel matters are not open records and are done in secret. I have a college degree and so do my children. All of us went to RHS and then went on to bigger and better and at not one interview was my or my kids HS sports record a deciding issue. The school board has acted like a school yard bully "Take this or else". The teachers went so far as to push school kids to do there bidding. "

RHS senior wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:31 PM:

" i think before people vote yes or no they should come into the school and see the condition. You who vote no say the school is fine? how is it fine when in come classrooms the ceiling looks like its going to fall! yea sounds real fine. And the gym and pool are not just for sports (just so people understand that) its used everyday for gym. Here's what I'm trying to say. Think Before You Speak!! "

JR wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:47 PM:

" Mike S - the way you write show your lack or unwillingness to get educated and maybe that’s why your poor as you say. First of all the school board has not lied, show up at a meeting once or look back in the record, everything is open book. Second Rhinelander is in the Valley Conference not the Fox Valley, that’s in Appleton. Third are Crandon, Eagle River, Tomahawk, Merrill and Antigo all richer then we are? Because all those schools are better off then Rhinelander. For once get the facts and read for yourself. "

Rick wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:31 PM:

" The children are our future and will decide the directions this country will travel but the ability to swim a lap or run 100 yards is not going to be the diciding factor on their choices. Give us the building repairs as a stand alone referendum or if money is needed to improve the three Rs then you got it! "

Also a concerned parent wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Quit bashing the school board, they have been upfront. All you had to do was attend a meeting and view past records. They've done the best they could with little to no support from the community and with an extremely limited budget.
The no group lied, refused to correct their errors even when given the facts and they refused to support their own proposal.
Who has a hidden agenda here!
Let's just punish the children shall we. "

A concerned parent wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:17 AM:

" I would like to address the no voters, or at least the ones that cursed, flipped the finger to and were extremely rude and disrespectful to the high school students who were petitioning for yes votes.
The students were polite and respectful and considerate to all of those they approached with flyers. And yet, some no voters (adults, lets make that clear) chose to swear at and the like at these students.
Great show of maturity and support even though the no voters say "they care about the kids".
Those of you who are guilty of this should be completely ashamed. "

again and again and again wrote on Nov 1, 2008 4:40 PM:

" Reminder to All that this is not a secured 30 year loan. it is not a fixed rate, its more like an adjustable rate mortgage. Why cant the school district deal with the repairs and add on a few classrooms and bring in a pool in say 4 years from now at the next presidential election so we can really see where our economy is and how stable this community is. "

Mike S. wrote on Nov 1, 2008 2:28 PM:

" The school board lies. that is why it failed. That is why it will fail again. The current administration has wanted Rhinelander to compete against the Fox Valley in wages and facilities. We are not that rich. Please vote no on this and on the next 12 referendums they try to force down our throats. "

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