Question #5: Are you running because you want Caledonia to secede from Unified?

The Answer:

"No."

It is true that I circulated an informal petition asking the Village Board to move forward with a feasibility study regarding our schools.

I want to be very clear here...This petition has always been about the people having a voice.

The subject of Caledonia leaving Racine Unified comes up every so many years. When the subject recently resurfaced, many of us were hoping for some answers. We wanted facts, not assumptions. But when the idea of holding a referendum to gauge the people's interest in this matter was terminated by the Village Board, I felt like the people were shut out. So, I collected 500 signatures and presented them to the Village Board. The Village Board in turn, voted to move forward with this study.

“ We need to know the answers ... that’s what the people are saying,” resident Kathy Burton said. “There is a want for this study to happen. Let’s do this study and figure this out.” From Journal-Times 10-24-07

When the results of this feasibility study come back (and let me stress, this study will only give us financial information) I understand the Village will hold public hearings to disclose the results of the study and determine how to proceed. IF the study results appear favorable, the good PEOPLE OF CALEDONIA, not the elected officials, should be allowed to determine, via a referendum, if we will take the next step to forming an independent school district. If I am elected, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the PEOPLE make this decision, not elected officials, and I will support the People's decision 100%!

In the event that it is NOT feasible for Caledonia to move forward with a school district, then the subject will be "put to bed" for the foreseeable future. Caledonia then needs to actively collaborate with Racine Unified to help to improve the schools for our Caledonia kids (which they should be doing regardless).

The bottom line here is that: "One way or another, the children and taxpayers are entitled to good schools. Good schools attract good development. Good development makes for a sustainable, quality community - which is my goal for Caledonia."