To the editor:
Although I only spent two years in New Ulm Public Schools, I am no less disappointed by the decisions made by the citizens of New Ulm regarding the education of the city's youth. With the failure of the District 88 referendum, the precedent has been set.
Although there are those who argue that the cutting of extracurricular programs will result in "better academics for all," I completely disagree. Attending school is an experience that not only includes learning in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom, and extracurriculars are a large part of the learning experience. It is through extracurriculars that many students learn the qualities of teamwork, accountability, and leadership, and without these programs, how are students going to develop?
In addition, extracurriculars can make applicants more desirable to post-secondary institutions, and cutting these extracurriculars puts students at a major disadvantage.
Aside for the issues regarding the elimination of extracurricular programs, can this school district even survive further cuts in teachers and staff? During my time at NUHS, classes were already too large to facilitate effective learning. If more teachers are cut, how does that promote the idea of bettering the educations of all students? Does packing students like sardines into a classroom sound like a great way to learn to you?
So, those of you who voted "no" on the referendum, how does it feel to have jeopardized the futures of your children?
Lora Hlavsa
NUHS Class of 2009