Readers Write: Suburban schools, same-sex rights, Amazon headquarters

Responding to the article "Students in flight: School choice splits suburbs into haves, have-nots" (Sept. 25), I encourage families, inside and outside the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District to take a closer look at our story. It includes many academic achievements and innovations.

Burnsville ranks No. 1 in participation with College in the Schools. I'm sure the fourteen 2017 4.0 valedictorians took those classes.

When districts cut art and music in the mid- to late 2000s, ours kept it. Art and music teachers are in every school with dedicated classroom space. You'll find orchestral programs offered in elementary through high school.

Students have many opportunities to lead and find their niche in the 103 activities, athletics and clubs at Burnsville High School. A Walser Foundation grant bolstered an already-impressive automotive program. Students gain practical skills in certificate programs or by working in the city's state-of-the-art production studio. Recent renovations built a fabrication lab with a 3-D printer. Our student body reflects the U.S. population, preparing them for today's global community.

Voters consistently support operating levies and referendums to maintain and improve programs, technology and facilities. Unfortunately, neighboring districts cannot say the same thing.

For 29 years, the district has earned the certificate of excellence, which is the highest recognition for school district financial reporting. It has saved millions by refinancing debt and pursuing energy efficient projects.

Its innovative FIRE Academy forges relationships with immigrant families while helping parents learn about the American educational system.

It is understandable that a couple of filmmakers do not want to make videos of a gay wedding that is against their values ("Challenge to same-sex rights rejected," Sept. 21). I am sure there are people who do not want to film a marriage with a divorced participant, an interfaith marriage, an unusual faith marriage or a civil ceremony where God wasn't invited.

I've visited the Walker Art Center. Sure, video, photographs and cakes can certainly be called art — so can flower arrangements, balloon bouquets, ice sculptures, fruit plates, plastic tableware and wastebaskets. Can the designer of a wedding dress attach a covenant insisting that it be used only in acceptable ceremonies? Could they insist that no one who has defiled their body with tattoos wear their creation as it would destroy their artistic intent? Can the gift wrapper at Pottery Barn demand to know the details of the wedding before she is willing to hand-craft a beautiful package?

The questions are endless. If I am offering my grandfather's old barn as a venue, can I restrict it to Christian ceremonies? As the proprietor, could I prohibit blasphemous music from being played at the reception? Could the bed-and-breakfast used by wedding guests demand that only married couples share a room? Would that mean that two bridesmaids could not?

Can the graphic designer of a paper plate insist that pork and shellfish are never placed on his art? Could the artist of handcrafted cut crystal insist that alcohol never be placed in his sculptures? Can a car rental company refuse to rent a limo for any event it considered sacrilegious? Would the driver be forced to chauffeur people he considered infidels?

In my house, I can have my own rules. Once I become a business, that changes.

Some of the benefits:

• Cat included, although she only likes to be petted sometimes.

• Access to our printer (Epson!).

• Less than 20 minutes from the airport, and sometimes we can drive you over if it fits our schedule. (We do this for relatives all the time. All. The. Time.)

• You can work as late as you want, but we usually go to bed at 9:30. Turn off the porch light when you're done.

• Not to brag or anything, but the color "beige" was invented here (Go, 3M!)

• We have two well-behaved beagles, so there's no waiting for petting or snuggles. (But not 100 percent house-trained, if you know what I mean.)

• If you have extra stuff, feel free to store it in the garage. We do.

• You can also have the kids' old bathroom. We will move the litter box.

So, Amazon, please consider using our spare bedrooms as your next headquarters. We think you will love it here — we do.

P.S. My wife makes me apple crisp for dessert sometimes. If you guys moved here, I could get you some.

• • •

"Please, don't forget to do the math" is my message to our state and local agencies working on a proposal to lure Amazon to the Twin Cities ("Bid for Amazon gathers steam," Sept. 29). I find it appalling that Wisconsin has agreed to spend as much as $1 million in taxpayer dollars per job in its deal to lure Foxconn.

I also think some effort needs to be turned to assessing the impact of Amazon growth here on such things as our housing market, the whole job market, and the needs of all employers, traffic conditions, infrastructure needs, etc.

Despite these concerns, it might be the right thing to hope and try for — or it might not.