My wife and I got married and moved into Richfield 2 years ago. We are considering having children very soon. Based on our research, our current plan is to look to move to Bloomington once it would be time to enroll them in school.

There is also the home-school option that is not listed in the poll. We are homeschooling two of our children now and I know that we are not the only ones.

Absolutely not! Despite the school boards poor decision to fund lights the RPS are still great. There are amazing teachers who are teaching our children wonderful things. There are strong committed families who care. I would never let one Internet site dictate my decision to educate my children. Test scores are simply a tiny portion of the entire picture that makes a school. Get in the schools visit them meet he staff see the kids. That is what is important. Richfield is a very small district with the benefits of a big city. The staff truly has a chance to get to know the kids which is so important. RPS are producing amazing kids... I know many that have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, missionaries, and business leaders. RPS are great.

I have lived in Richfield for almost 25 years and went through the Richfield School District myself. My oldest child just graduated from Richfield High School this year and my two other children still attend Richfield schools. I believe that Richfield is an amazing, close-knit community with great schools. The teachers are very involved in the children's lives through teaching, coaching, and extra-curricular activities. They truly care about the children in their classrooms and it shows. As a parent, I have been extremely impressed with the level of communication that I receive from my children's teachers. I receive frequent emails from them to keep me updated on the goings-on in the classroom, as well as assignments that my children are working on. I am PROUD to call Richfield my home. As long as I live in Minnesota, my address will be within Richfield's city limits, and I am happy to say that my children will always be Richfield Spartans.

I must admit, after hearing/reading/receiving so many negative things about the school system I have definitely checked out other districts and considered moving my children but I have also been talking to them about it, to see how they feel about their classes and teachers. I know that the teachers and other staff work very hard to make my kids' education the best it can be, but with all of the budget cuts and the ever-growing classroom sizes, unless your child is someone who can get through without much one on one help, they are suffering. I have one son who is in the Gifted and Talented program who is consistently getting bored and I have another son who has learning disabilities whom I had to fight to get him at least some of the help he needs, but it took several years and meetings. It's slowly getting better, we are going to try it for one more year and see how it goes before I make any decisions.

I am fairly new to Richfield's school district, having only moved to the area less than 2 years ago. Initially, the only information I had about the schools was what they posted on the internet and a few personal referrals. After getting here and enrolling my girls, I realized the choice I made was a perfect fit! The attention, encouragement and dedication my girls get (both in the Gifted & Talented programs) has far exceeded my expectations. The teachers they had recognized their need & ability for a more advanced, challenging educational environment and made it happen. Test scores, rankings and data charts only reveal a very small portion of the portrait of a school. In light of budget constraints in EVERY school in EVERY district in EVERY state, of course the less than stellar points are going to be highlighted in an effort to garner more dollars. I moved to West Bloomington a year ago (due to needing more housing space - after scouring Richfield first). Out of curiosity, I checked into the school my girls "should" be attending. The "home school" for my address is overcrowded and was told my girls couldn't accomodated to attend the same school and possibly not the Gifted & Talented program either. After hearing that, I am thankful I stuck with my gut and listened to my children - standing firm on the decision they REMAIN in Richfield's schools. We will be Richfield Spartans until the last one graduates in 2021!!!

With the second of two kids just graduating from RHS I would say our experience followed true life - it had it's ups and downs but in the end was a pretty good experience academically and athletically. What I learned is that you have to be involved as a parent in order for your kids to be successful. Not the Helicopter Parent involvement but in booster clubs, PTA's and other parent organizations. Go to your kids' events, get to know the other parents, build your own parent support group, attend parent-teacher conferences, ASK QUESTIONS and help out any way you can. It's much easier to understand why and how things work the way they do when you see it from the ground level. Encourage your student to pursue every opportunity available such as College In the Schools (CIS), PSEO and AP Classes. Our recent graduate and his friends set up study groups with the blessing of the other parents who shared dining room tables and basements. Teachers and school administrators were always prompt with email and voicemail responses to inquiries. Sure you run into staff that you wouldn't have picked to teach the class they were teaching but it was also a HUGE learning opportunity for your student on how the real world works and how they need to adjust. I can understand where Richfield Schools may not be for everyone but it worked out just fine for our two. With the rising cost of college having the second one graduate with 21 transferable college credits was icing on the cake :)

Keep in mind there are parents who live in the "good school districts" who also choose to open enroll. For example there are kids who live in Edina and go to charter & private schools. There are kids who live in Eagan & go to school in Bloomington. Let's not forget that there are many reasons for school choice beyond perception of a school or district being a poor performer. What needs to be highlighted is the importance of making an educated decision. You can't do that based only on a composite test scores. So don't count a school out based on a number only. Also it is important to care about the district you reside in even if you don't have kids in the schools because the quality of the school directly impacts your property value. Richfield set a goal to do better & they are as evidenced by increased enrollment & test scores that have been segmented out by subjects & groups. Take time to get the full facts & support the schools and you will in turn make your community stronger.

I find it interesting that, for the most part, parents of students in Richfield Schools are supporting of the schools, while parents considering Richfield are being scared by what I feel is an incomplete picture. With one son in RHS and another just graduated, I feel we could not have made a better decision to keep the boys in Richfield Schools. They both acheive higher than average scores on the national tests and enjoy great friends, sports, and band programs in which they can play a big role (because the school is small). As experienced parents, we've loved having our kids in Richfield Schools, and we've also enjoyed getting to know the other parents, our neighbors, and the real sense of community Richfield offers.

Our family has lived in Richfield since before our children were born. The first of our three boys will be a senior this year. We would never consider sending our kids to another district, private, or charter school. We feel that Richfield really represents our world and appreciate the diversity our kids are a part of. While I realize there are issues with test scores I know there is a lot of reasons those numbers look bad. My children are thriving in their academics and have access to athletic and fine art opportunities they might not have in a bigger district. We have had wonderful teachers who are dedicated and creative given especially given the limited resources they might sometimes have to work with. We are lucky to have caring and involved parents in our district and that needs to continue. If don't want to send your kids to our schools why would you continue to live here? Don't just sit back and complain. Get involved and be part of the solution.

I could not agree more with Carolyn and Kendra. As a lifelong resident of Richfield (37 years) and a graduate of RHS, I love my community and would never consider living anywhere else. We are a Centennial family and could not be happier with the education our children are receiving there. Our daughter is in the Gifted/Talented program; Lego League; Math Club, and was on the Student Council last year. She has had so many opportunities for learning and fun, and she has loved everything that she's been involved in. Our son is entering first grade this year and we're excited to see what his future holds as well. Our children are also involved in dance, Girl Scouts, sports, and church activities - all of which contribute to a fulfilling and diverse life for each of them. I agree with others who have said that school is what you make of it...test scores and rankings are NOT the bottom line when it comes to your child's education. Get to you know your kids' teachers. Stay on top of their homework. Talk with them about their day and what's happening with their friends. BE INVOLVED. We really believe our community is thriving and we're proud to be Richfield residents!

Richfield's been great for us the past two years. After our 11th grader completed 4th grade and 9th grader finished 2nd grade, we pulled our kids out of the district to send them to charter schools. We sent them back to RPS for high school and have been very happy. It's so much more easy living in the same community where our school is. The honors and AP classes have been challenging for our son and we look forward to the CIS classes soon. As Kellie Bauer, who helped to make this year's track season so awesome for us as parents, stated above (hi Kell!), getting to know other parents is key. We have had great experiences learning how to help navigate our kids through high school because of the help from others. Also, the addition of RDLS and STEM have seemed to help younger families stay interested in the district. I feel that Dr. Slotterback has brought new life back into the district, every member of the school board (whether they agree or differ in opinion) truly care for Richfield and that exciting things are going to happen this next year for RPS. Go Spartans!

I wrote the letter and it basically sums up my frustrations about the Richfield School District's decisions of late and the district's rankings that lag behind a majority; if not all, the surrounding communities.

I'm really glad to hear so many parents have fantastic things to say about Richfield schools, but what I truly want to know from those who have preached our schools:
Are you ok with spending so much money on lights verses something that would directly benefit your children's education?
Are you ok with all that money going to lights that will benefit maybe 10% of the students (if that)?
Are you ok with that in the recent tight times... a time when the average family is making tough spending cuts & decisions at home to make ends meet... that the school board decides it is ok to spend on what most feel is an unnecessary luxury item?

I grew up in Richfield Schools, but it isn't the 1970's, 80's, and 90's anymore. Times and places have changed. Richfield doesn't battle Edina anymore on any level... academic or athletic. Sports were a huge part of my life growing up so I'm certainly a huge backer of sports programs, but I really see the light decision as a very poor choice of spending. I think most of the teachers in the school district are probably among the hardest working folks you will find. I tip my cap to them for their efforts... But they can't make gold out of straw. And lately it seems like that is what the school district continuously asks them to do.

Thank you Marc Schaefer and all the other people with positive comments about Richfield Public Schools. We have lived in Richfield 28 years and are parents to a 2006 and 2009 RHS graduate and one entering RHS this fall.

No, why would I not want my kids to go to school in the community I live? If you don't like the community, leave. Please.
Richfield's a great community. If you're looking for a school over run with White, Stay at Home Soccer Moms, and helicopter parents, w/ an average household income of $250,000, I hear the housing market in the suburbs is just awesome.

I can only assume the previous comment was deleted, thank you.

Marc... I don't see where I started off with a general comment on richfield schools? I started with two personal opinions about me. I believe everyone if free to have those. They are written with some anger and are intended to make a bold statement on my position which they obviously do.

I then stated that Richfield on the handful of school websites is ranked dramatically lower then nearby schools. This is a documented truth and I listed one ranking and website as a reference. At that point most people seem to stop reading, let emotion take over, and fail to process anything else or how it relates to anything.

I then go to some of our recent political leaders comments about wanting to bring more white collar, high income families to town (look at some of the local meetings in regard to the Ron Clark project) and make a general comment about how low ranking schools won't bring any families too town.

The light decision was the final straw for me with Richfield schools. Final straws may come later for others or not come at all. Maybe some good decisions will bring me and some of my other friends who have their kids in other districts back. Time will tell, but the light decision and budget cuts do not point in a good direction in my opinion.

Well said Laura... I don't think folks mean to be as harsh as they read at times. You can tell many people are very passionate about Richfield schools. I have certainly been impressed by that and it may make me give a second look when my children get to that point. I wrote this letter from a perspective as a someone trying to evaluate what to do with their children. People say to leave, but I think most people know that for about 95% of people who have bought homes within the past 10 years that is a lot easier said than done.

@Mike, exactly, though I don't know if we would move if we could (remodel, maybe!) Richfield is a fantastic community, almost small town-like with a lot of pride. Don't get me wrong, Richfield schools aren't bad and the teachers and other staff are fabulous, it's the budget cuts and the low test scores that make me worry for the future. When we moved here 12 years ago when I was pregnant with my first son it was specifically for the school system. My kids have been blessed with some incredible, wonderful teachers.

Now, @Robert, at what point did I EVER make any type of statement or insinuate that I am a racist? One of the reasons I love living here is for the culture and the fact that we DO have all different kinds of people that make up OUR community. I have always taught my kids that you love someone for what's inside, not out. With the comments you keep making towards me it sounds like you may be the one with the problem. I also don't see anywhere in my comments that I want to move to an "affulent" neighborhood, do you? If I did, please by all means point it out. Unless you are talking about when I mentioned the budget cuts to the school system and if you are you can't tell me that if you actually had kids in the school system currently you wouldn't be a little worried about a $1,000,000 budget cut and wonder where that money is going to come from. As for the English-speaking comment, last I checked we are currently speaking English right now, aren't we? They speak English in the schools when they are teaching, right? Except for our Dual Language school, of course. Did I say anything at all or complain about my kids being in a school that doesn't speak English? I am excited for my kids to learn other languages and love that they can already understand some of the things that my neighbors say who are from other cultures. So before you start going after me with unfounded and downright rude accusations maybe you should take the time to read what you are so confident to attack.

I am shipping my kids off to Richfield STEM and Richfield Middle School. If you are wondering what other schools I was looking at, I was looking at the other STEM schools around the Twin Cities that go past 5th grade and I was looking into different art schools for my other son. And yes, you are right, most of the other schools that are ranked higher than RPS have a higher percentage of white students. That's because we are lucky enough to live in one of the most diverse cities in the area. As for the higher income, I'm sure a lot of them are but I'm not ashamed that my city isn't Edina or Minnetonka, are you? But you can't argue with the fact that more money in the school system can mean more learning opportunities for our children and when some of that money gets taken away you need to wonder where it's going to come from.

The reason Richfield's test scores are dropping is due to people running their kids off somewhere else. Most notably, this trend toward Charter Schools. How many kids attending Seven Hills live in Richfield? If you're looking for helicopter/elitist parents, or the money Richfield schools won't receive next year due to test scores? Blame the charter schools. They're receive government funding as well.... At least parents sending their children off to private schools are actually paying for it.

What we need is more parents getting involved in Richfield, take pride in it! Running from a problem only creates more... Simply trotting your kids off "somewhere else" doesn't make you a better parent, especially if you never tried to help in the first place.

More to Joe's point... I wonder if those who choose to flee the district think their child will either help improve the overall test scores or contribute to bringing them down? If it's the latter, then I say go ahead, hit the bricks.

You shouldn't judge people if they are doing what they think is right for their kids. There is no right or wrong here. Hostile emotions and comments towards your neighbor certainly isn't making things better.

Of course, I'm beeing a bit cynical and flippant.... Obviously, we all want what's best for our kids. It's not surprising, however, when one's commitment to community is called into question when they decide to attend school outside the district. Visit the schools, get involved, stay in the district.

While I'm happy to hear so many positive comments about Richfield schools, I have chosen to send my child to a private school. Based on the information I had at the time I needed to choose, I felt it was the best choice. My hesitancy about RHS is partially due to the crime element I've heard about. I think ultimately, parents need to choose based on the best fit for their child (gifted, artistic, etc). In the end, isn't a child going happily off to school each day most important, regardless of public or private?

Wow, this has been a really great discussion! The only thing that I would have to add is this: for people concerned about budget cuts in the Richfield schools, make sure you get out and support the referendum in the fall. This will allow the schools to help the students achieve even greater successes. Great schools are an important community asset. Not just for families with kids, but for the whole community.

I have a hard time using test scores to compare schools. I don't think that we should compare Richfield schools to other schools based on the test scores as each school has a different student make-up. How are our white students, or ESL, or minority, or free/reduced lunch students doing compared to their counterpart in other schools? When we break down the scores into like groups how do we compare then? When I view those scores I look at how my 2 sons are doing and progressing compared to the district and the state. My sons are doing well and love going to their respective schools (RMS and STEM). Their teachers and opportunities have been great. I don't think that my sons would have any better opportunities or experiences in another district or charter school.

How do I feel about the lights at the baseball field? I don't know, I can go both directions on this issue, but, since the field is being updated now (via grant) it makes sense to me to add lights now rather than later. But, here are my questions - how is/was this money going to be used if we don't use it on lights, what other options were being considered for this money, will the lights help bring in income for the schools?

FYI - if you missed this this morning, here are details on the referendum questions. http://patch.com/A-wHG9