Referendum organizers back on campaign trail

With some six months to go, the campaigning for Minneapolis voters to approve the second school referendum in the past eight years has begun.

More than 30 people attended an inaugural organizational meeting Monday night at the Matthews Park Recreation Center in the Seward neighborhood to start mobilization for the latest campaign to increase school taxes.

With previous referendums passing in 2000 and 1996, supporters are hoping that another presidential election year equals another renewed levy.

"There is good support from our community," said School Board Member Pam Costain, adding that campaign organizers conducted a soon-to-be released poll that strongly suggests many favor a new referendum.

The current levy supplies about $27 million of the district's general fund. If voters fail to pass a replacement this fall, the district could see losses of about $30 million within three years.

History is on the district's side. City voters have consistently backed a referendum since the measure first appeared on a ballot in 1990.

In 2000, a $42 million excess levy was approved by more than 70 percent of voters with the promise to lower class size. The increase took effect two years later.

Referendum campaign supporters then raised more than $300,000 from private sources and had the backing of key city leaders, including former Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, the City Council, the Republican and DFL parties.

But much has changed. Class sizes have increased. Budgets were tightened. The district is on its third superintendent since Carol Johnson departed in 2003. Several schools have been shuttered, scores of teachers have been laid off and the district has seen its enrollment decline by nearly 30 percent.

"We have to build back credibility for those who care," Steve Kotvis, a parent and member of the referendum citizens steering subcommittee, told attendees. He said the group also hopes to have a website soon.

But the immediate goal is to get people involved in various subcommittees all with the intended goal of promoting the referendum through a citizen-led dialogue.

"This campaign will be won by people talking to people," newly appointed campaign manager Paul Rohlfing said.

This latest referendum quest is also garnering political muscle: Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison have attached their names in support.

This time around, with a weak economy, nothing can be taken for granted.

Kip Wetterlund, a father of two in the district, said he needs to "get a clear message on what I intend to talk about."

Bambi Patrick, a parent of four in the district, told attendees that she is interested in campaigning, but she wants to know more specifics.

Costain said she understood, but hopes that, "we'll be able to change your mind."

Terry Collins • 612-673-1790