Tracy Krueger
Sartell
I am the parent of two students in high school and have been with the Sartell-St Stephen school district from the start. I’m also the step-parent of two children currently at Riverview Intermediate School. I take an active interest in the district and the discussions taking place at school board meetings.
At the last school board meeting, I was mostly confused about how much time was spent on something that, as Tom Lee (interim superintendent) said, is a “no-brainer.” That urgent issue is to replace the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) in Riverview school. Anyone with professional knowledge knows that system must be replaced. The three newly elected board members are voicing the opinions of one very vocal group called “Concerned Parents and Community of ISD 748.” That is, in essence, a Facebook group made up of the members of “Kids Over Politics.” Is that a fair representation of our community? No. Would a community vote, as suggested by a few board members, be beneficial? No, because replacing the HVAC system must be done for the health and safety of our children, the sooner the better. Would anyone on the school board buy a home with an HVAC system from the 1960s?
Lee and the district have been transparent: Parents received an email, Lee’s letter was published in the Newsleader, the district is even getting a podcast! The information is there for the public. Going door to door, as one board member suggested, would lead to more confusion. I found the Facilities Master Plan from years ago on the website. It stated the Riverview system must be addressed in 10 years. That means NOW.
This issue was not suddenly “thrown at the board,” as one member claimed. Board members must familiarize themselves with policies in place and future plans already created. They should review details of the school-tax levy. Perhaps more attention should’ve been given to that instead of using precious meeting time to push a book-ban agenda and create national and unhealthy “noise” for our district.
Replace Riverview’s HVAC system now!
