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

The news just keeps getting worse. The stock market is tumbling, layoffs loom and Rhinelander High School is scrambling to find money.

Are you concerned about the cuts proposed by the Rhinelander School District? That’s the question of the day for “On The Street” this week. The wind was chilly but the sun was shining as crowds prepared for the gun deer opener and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Everyone asked was willing to give an opinion and everyone was concerned. Many stressed the state funding formula must be changed and blamed legislators for ducking the issue. Most realized cuts have to be made somewhere.

A number of people, including a former teacher, think the community will be sorry the referendum didn’t pass and our children will suffer in the future.

Some thought items in the referendum should have been voted on separately.

Others wonder why we’re back to talking about a seven period day when we went to a four period day because it was said to be more cost efficient.

It seems communication still needs to be improved between school administrators and the public. The world goes round and round.

Answers:

“I believe they need to update for our kids. They won’t

get the same education we got.”

Alice Herrick

Tomahawk retiree

“I’m concerned. They’re facing huge deficits, they’ve got to cut somewhere.”

Bob Young

Retired from Rhinelander DNR

“Oh, definitely!

I think our kids are going to suffer. What’s it going

to be like for

my 3rd grader.”

Lynne Nehlsen

Rhinelander homemaker

Yes. If they were

so worried, they

should have dropped the pool and fieldhouse.”

John Beckman

Rhinelander millwright

Tell us what you think...

Comments »

Parent of 4 wrote on Nov 22, 2008 12:02 PM:

" Ok so the referendum didnt pass, I am glad. The school had budget cuts so they sold 4 buildings and crammed all those kids into the remaining schools. Then there isnt enough room so we need to expand the remaining schools. Now here we go again. Changing the classes at the High School from 4 period days to 7 period and possibly dropping the requirements for graduation, the Charter schools possibly having to be relocated. Why was this not mentioned in the referendum. The biggest concern for the referendum was a field house and the pool. I believe that sports are an important part of school, but not as important as education. There are many schools that have had to cut these programs to save money. Oh, what happened to all the money from the sale of the old schools? "

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