I was pleased to see the Dispatch covering the meeting regarding parking expansion near the schools. I am concerned that the issue of parking lot expansion was not discussed before the referendum, even some in the district leadership seemed to know about expansion plans. I recently received information from a Data Practices Act request indicating that the district plans to spend over $5 million creating additional parking near the high school, and two elementary schools. This information was not shared with the voters prior to the referendum. This estimate is probably low as the district has underestimated the costs of property acquisition near the high school, and possibly near the other schools as well.
The voters did not approve spending over $5 million to confiscate numerous private properties, taking millions of dollars of private property off of the tax rolls, all to create unnecessary parking lots that will be an eyesore in our neighborhoods.
I do hope that the school board will listen to our city leaders, and our community and find a better use for over $5 million.
Ed Shaw
Brainerd
