I had a weird thought cross my mind when I was updating the Northshore schools’ list for our Residents’ Guide:

They’re not sure, but it could happen.

The decision wasn’t final yet, but at the time we went to press in late February, it seemed to be heading that way. And so next to Woodin Elementary, I wrote: scheduled to close after 2008 school year.

Not anymore. (White out anyone?)

The Woodin folks pondering the fate of the school’s dual-language program can now give the school district a dual round of high-fives for deciding to keep the school open for another year.

But that might be all they get, because the district still needs to make $700,000 in budget cuts, and sees closing a school as a possibility.

Not for now, however.

I certainly applaud the district’s decision, because no one wants the thing they love to go away. But the Woodin people — and those at other local schools — also have to know that they may be back in the same position a year from now.

So I urge that they make the most of the remainder of this year, and next year, as well. Take nothing for granted and make your school the best it can be. At least you tried your hardest, and that’s all we can ask for, right?

Never say never.

The perks issue

If you were given a perk at your job, would you take it? It would certainly be hard not to, but I’m glad the school district changed its policy to restrict technology purchases for its principals and supervisors to work-related items.

There will be no more HD TVs, MP3 players, computers and digital cameras for home use.

The school district said the $600-$1,500 a year was given to some of its employees in exchange for 16-hour days and 24-hour availability, and to encourage them to work with new technologies.

However, some people don’t agree.

One woman wrote to us:

“Spend a day at our school and really talk to the kids and parents and see how many of our families would love to make half of your salary. Talk to the children who empty their piggy banks and bring in a pocket full of change for our fun run, to help support our school.”

Now, we can certainly have our opinions, but what it comes down to is that these principals and supervisors did nothing wrong. Some didn’t even use the money at all.

However, I will take a stand and say that the money should be kept in the classroom to teach the students about new technologies. The students and teachers can learn together, and that’s what will create memorable moments.

Teachers teaching the next generation of teachers.