Vox Pop - Hein urges people to vote Yes on Rib Lake referendum

Vox Pop

The editorial in The Star News March 7 edition supporting the upcoming April 2nd school referendum in the Rib Lake school district was spot on. I wish to add my support and the rationale behind said support.

Rib Lake is my home town and in my 73 years the system for educating our young people has changed often both in response to physical needs for our system and educational demands which are placed upon all educational systems. Some of the school buildings I attended are long gone.

Exceptions are the original portion of the present high school and Clearview elementary. When we built our present elementary school the Clearview building became our public library/village hall/police department complex. Needs addressed were educational, governmental, and societal. Continued usage and recycled modifications are in evidence and are key components to a safe and fulfilling life for all of us in our area.

Referendums I recall resulted in a new high school in 1964, addition to that building in 1983, a new middle school in 1986, and a new elementary school in 2000. All were built by our support through our dollars. There is no other way.

What was the return? All who have gone to our Rib Lake schools up to my time as a student and up now for all who are in those schools have been and are provided the access, the basis, to enter society as adults and to live, contribute, and provide in positive ways.

No matter if one goes around the block or around the world, the foundation was laid for those students right here. What was the return? Immeasurable and unfathomable. Those of generations past have invested to gain the above return. It is now our turn. Let us keep our “blue ribbon” school system, a shining light in our community, glowing brightly, with that light illuminating pride and dedication that are ours. Let us invest for the future returns comee. Vote YES on the April 2nd referendum!

— John Hein, Rib Lake