Lettter to the Editor: Why I'm Against STEAM

Editor's Note: This letter is in response to the approving the creation of a STEAM magnet program at Olson Elementary School in Golden Valley for next school year.

Having served on the RAS Divestiture Committee, I can speak to the two reasons that Olson was not recommended for sale immediately.  First, it was a possible site for students from Northport or Lakeview during remodeling (no longer needed with the remodeling being done over many summers). Second, other being as a possible site of a magnet school, but only if financially sound both short & long-term.

I disagree with the decision to open a STEAM magnet school at Olson site.  The reasons are;

1.)  The over $2,200,000 cumulative cost is not fully paid back for 10 years.

2.)  The money used is being TAKEN from other programs, which could be used to reduce the LARGE opportunity/achievement gap.

3.)  The District needs to concentrate on its current student’s achievement, not on creating another lottery based school that benefits a few (500) at the cost of MANY (thousands) students!!

The proposal of a school within a school for STEM/STEAM is a better use of limited resources that will benefit many more students, cost less and allow for two additional EXCESS buildings (Olson & Pilgrim Lane) to be sold, which will create additional revenue to be used to pay for Northport or Lakeview or other capital costs.

I believe that the FIRST responsibility of our school district is to provide a great education to all students, not a select few.  Education of students is the primary function of public education and NOT employment for adults.

I encourage all residents of RAS to contact the Superintendent and all school board members to express your feeling directly.

 Ron Stoffel, New Hope

Editor's Note: Do you want to write your own letter to the editor, either about this or another local topic? Email Golden Valley Patch editor Mary Costello at mary.costello@patch.com. Submission does not guarantee publication.