Southwest patrons can work together

Someday soon, we hope, the new Southwest School District 179 can resolve its differences and go forward with a united front to serve the educational needs of the young people in a major portion of Red Willow County, as well as parts of Frontier and Furnas counties.

Yes, there are strong opinions, and, yes, those differences have produced hard feelings. But, thankfully, there are established ways in America to settle conflicts and that system is now at work.

First, there are the courts. That's where one of the issues regarding the new district is being contested. At stake -- in a case which has reached the Nebraska Supreme Court -- is whether districts created through consolidation can issue bonds to pay for such mergers.

The question was raised in a suit filed by Frances Louise "Frankie Lou" Nicholson of Lebanon. In the suit, she contends it is unfair to tax the two former districts at the same rate. That is because the former Twin Valley District had $129 million in valuation at the time of the merger, and the former Republican Valley District had $87 million. To tax the former districts at the same rate means Twin Valley patrons shares a greater tax burden than they should, the suit argues.

On the other side of the issue, the Southwest board contends it followed prescribed procedures in setting the levy. "We patterned what we did after the Southern Valley merger," said Duane Teter, Southwest board president.

As is their duty, the courts must decide. And that's for the best. This issue needs to be resolved once and for all so the new, expanded district can move forward.

While the court case is pending, there is a way district patrons can take an active role in setting the course for the future in the Southwest District.

That's through the election coming up in just 12 days. Voters need to get to know the six candidates whose names are on the ballot: Steve Daffer, Danbury; Brian Holze, Wilsonville; Crinda McConville, Indianola; Brad Randel, Indianola; Duane Teter, Bartley; and Dennis Wasson, Lebanon. They have differing opinions, but what is most important is how they will serve the educational needs of the students in the Southwest District.

From the reports we have received, the students are adapting well to the new school arrangements in the Southwest District. Let us now hope, by following the established procedures of the courts and the electorate, that the conflicts can be resolved and the district can move forward with cooperation and pride.