Just to clarify, because I know there is some confusion surrounding this meeting, particularly on the part of some school district officials. The meeting on Wednesday is a gathering of representatives from area cities who are getting together to start a planning effort to explore any of a number of ways to maintain both educational and community viability for the five cities in the county north of the Mesabi Iron Range.

While there will be a point for input from the audience, the discussion will be primarily centered around the city representatives and the moderator. ISD 2142's restructuring plan and Dec. 8 referendum are not on the agenda, so those who want to argue the pros and cons of that issue should understand that this is not the forum to do that. This meeting was organized after the school board failed to offer its own Plan B in the event of the failure of the referendum. The district's stated view that dissolution would be the result of a no vote is unacceptable to communities in our area. Since the school board opted to punt on the future, it is up to the people of our communities to pick up the ball and run with it. And that's what this meeting is all about.

I'm glad that this meeting is being held because it means folks might be finally beginning to acknowledge the grave fiscal situation 2142 is in, the lack of practical alternatives we have at this late hour, and the ugly consequences of a defeated referendum. The bond levy and reorganization plan is the result of 2 years of planning and debate. The district's plan may not be perfect, but I see it as the best chance we have to move ahead with a school district intact. Personally, I would love to see a suite of good back-up alternatives, but 2142 is bankrupt; their back is squarely against the wall and there is no breathing room. We have one chance to get it right. Vote yes.

Yes we have the right to Vote No. We can come to the meeting tonght to listen to the brainstorming as to what we as communities will do after the December 8th special election.

As the ISD 2142 chose to make no plan B it is up to the local communities to come up with a viable plan B.

I will take my chances with a community driven Plan B. It makes the most sense for my community. I choose to give my kids a fair chance even though ISD 2142 and Johnson Controls chose not to.

VOTE NO for a BETTER alternative.