They were at Sertoma to present an overview of the projected three million dollar shortfall facing the school district this year. We got some very exact information including different views of the budget allocations. We all received a questionnaire which could be filled out and returned to the district office or completed online.

The purpose of the whole visit was to continue the School District’s policy of being respectful of the community and making sure that all voices are heard. Brainerd has been dealing with the shortfall for three years mostly by making up the difference in moneys produced by federal, state, and local sources with reserve money. This year the district must cut programs, expenses, and/or staff in order to make up the deficit. Both administrators assured the audience that they are committed to keeping class sizes in the elementary at their present levels.

Citizen input in the form of answers to the questionnaires will help the administrators and school board make the necessary changes based on what the people feel is important. One important thing to remember is that the construction of Forest View had absolutely no effect on this operating budget. Bond money cannot be used for operating expenses. Go to the website at www.brainerd.k12.mn.us for more information. Mr. Dickinson also offered to answer any question via email at asdickinson@brainerd.k12.mn.us. A question and answer period also brought out another area of confusion. Brainerd has 47 non tenured teachers all of whom will receive notification that their contracts are not being renewed. Gary Phillips assured us that about 90% of these teachers will have a job, but it is a necessary move to give them flexibility to handle the shortfall.

1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
10. If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
11. Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.
12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.