ALL BOARD CANDIDATES SUPPORT REFERENDUM

All five candidates for the Brainerd School Board said last night they would vote for the operating levy referendum on November's ballot. And all five said the Brainerd district was not overstaffed with administrators. Incumbents Ruth Gmeinder, Kent Montgomery and Reed Campbell as well as challengers Mark J. Olson and Phillip McConville told the Brainerd Dispatch that passage of the referendum was necessary to maintain the quality of education in District 181. None of the candidates criticized administrators and teachers for recent pay increases they received, even though the district was facing tough financial times. Superintendent Jerry Walseth turned down his raise this year. Current board chair Kent Montgomery and challenger said a wage freeze for teachers would have been great but the board was dealing with real people. Board member Ruth Gmeinder said everyone deserves a cost of living increase. The referendum on November sixth would raise over $5-million dollars the first year and could be adjusted for inflation during the next 9 years.