As a 20-year Mankato resident and organizer of the recent canvassing, I respond to “Our View: Referendum vote has a message for the school.” While I share concerns about the school’s financial management, I’m disheartened by the insinuations of being an outsider.

Local advocacy, like door-to-door canvassing, is vital for genuine community engagement.Although school-related property taxes aren’t calculated per student, analyzing them on this basis reveals spending trends. In 2011, the per-student property tax was $2,200. Adjusting for inflation, this figure would be around $3,000 today. Alarmingly, it rose to $3,500 before the referendum, outpacing inflation rates amidst a 4.5% dip in Minnesota’s median household income, adjusted for inflation (Axios Twin Cities). These statistics raise legitimate questions about the school’s budget management.

Beyond numbers, the core issue is transparency. Entities like The Free Press, Greater Mankato Growth, Common Sense and the School Board should have presented comprehensive budgets with detailed explanations as to why these expenses are necessary.This empowers residents to formulate informed opinions rather than being swayed by partial narratives.

Many residents made rational arguments for alternatives, such as a modest building bond and the inclusion of an operating referendum that would support classroom staff or reallocating funds from sports to other necessary building remodels. It is disappointing that our leaders did not engage in broader discussions before deciding on the bond amount. A more inclusive approach would have better served our community.My experiences in canvassing have shown me a community rich in diverse opinions yet united in its desire for straightforward, transparent dialogues and active participation in decision-making. These conversations are vital for decisions that resonate with our community’s needs.Elizabeth Hanke