To help explore the many dimensions of the 2021 SHRSD referendum issues, we created a Mind Map to help visually map out the problem space.
What is a mind map you say? A good definition might be this:
“Mind mapping is a way of linking key concepts using images, lines and links. … Mind mapping uses the concept of “radiant thinking” – that is, thoughts radiate out from a single idea, often expressed as an image. Branches flow backwards and forwards from and to the central idea”.
In that spirit, we give you a mind map of the referendum process and issues:
Note: You can click on the image above to get a higher resolution version.
The mind map covers three major areas. On the top right in pink, we have the relevant laws, regulations and case laws that were broken during the referendum process by the district. This includes N.J.S.A. educational regulations, NJ Supreme Court rulings, case laws about school district conduct, and laws and local policies regarding student communications around elections and referendums.
On the left in blue are the areas where the district hid information from the public, including information about costs, about what the Board of Education was doing behind the scenes, details of the referendum process, and significant issues about the LPS site.
Finally, on the bottom right in red we have the laundry list of illegal PR activities that were undertaken by the district to push voters to a “yes” vote.
