LETTER: Annual meeting remains important

To the Editor:

Checks and balances are the safeguards we the people depend on to keep freedom, the government, finances and life as we know it running smoothly. Unfortunately, the people of New Richmond have been absent from the meetings where public input and presence is needed.

On Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in the New Richmond Middle School Auditorium the residents of New Richmond will have the opportunity to have their voices heard and vote on the direction and financial future of the school district at the Annual Meeting.

Wisconsin Statute 120.08 School district meetings. Every elector of a common or union high school district is eligible to vote at an annual or special meeting of the school district.

We have elected residents of New Richmond to speak and act on our behalf with regard to the operations and expenditures of our schools; the task they undertake is not an easy one. Without the input and participation of the community the school board fails to meet the checks and balances of good government. As residents we have a very important role in the success of our schools and or our school board; we must participate in the process, voice our opinions and vote.

Wisconsin Statute 120.10 authorizes the school board to do the following at the annual meeting.

1) Chairperson and clerk. Elect a chairperson and, in the absence of the school district clerk,

2) Adjournment. Adjourn from time to time.

3) Salaries of school board members. Vote annual salaries for school board members or an amount for each school board meeting the member actually attends.

4) Reimbursement of school board members.

5) Building sites.

6) Tax for sites, buildings and maintenance.

7) Tax for transportation vehicles.

8) Tax for operation. Vote a tax for the operation of the schools of the school district.

9) Tax for debts. Vote a tax necessary to discharge any debts or liabilities of the school district.

10) School debt service fund. Vote a tax to create a fund for the purpose of paying all current bonded indebtedness for capital expenditures…

11) Tax for recreation authority.

12) Sale of property. Authorize the sale of any property belonging to and not needed by the school district…

14) Legal proceedings. Direct and provide for the prosecution or defense of any action or

15) Textbooks. Authorize the school board to furnish textbooks under conditions prescribed by the annual meeting or by the school board. The authorization shall continue in effect until revoked by a subsequent annual meeting.

16) School lunches.

19) Consolidation of high schools. In a union high school district, vote to consolidate schools or to discontinue a school where more than one high school is operated by the school district.

We have a choice to be a part of the process of checks and balances.

If we choose not to participate, the checks will be written and we will pay the balances in tax dollars.

Scottie Ard

New Richmond

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion