Commentary; Posted: 11/1/06
Support both school levies on Nov. 7
By Cliff Buchan
There comes a time when every community needs to stand up and do something right. That time is now in terms of renewing the existing school district operating levy and approving the additional funds that the district has demonstrated it needs to continue to improve student achievement.
The five-year, two-question levy package would generate a total of $39.5 million of local aid supported in part by property taxes here with some state equalization aid. That may seem like a lot but with the knowledge the district is seeking renewal of its 2001-voter approved operating levy of $6 million a year, the new funding is far less in total at $9.5 million.
The district has built a $500,000 annual increase into the renewal amount to compensate for inflation from the 2001 passage date and the inflation to come over the next five years. The five-year $1.4 million operating levy will provide funds to reduce class size via new staff hires, improve offerings for gifted students, take care of future needs in the districtís strategic planning process, purchase curriculum materials to meet new state guidelines and return to the half-day, every day kindergarten program that many in the district have requested.
From our perspective, approval of the two questions makes sense. As a public we continue to demand more of the schools. ISD 831 has not lost track of its goal of improving student achievement and the second ballot question offers a vehicle to continue that effort.
The renewal question is far more than a common sense decision. It is a decision that must be approved or the district will face the horrible task of trimming $6.5 million from its budget this winter. The 2006-2007 school year is the final year for the $6 million operating levy that is now on the books.
If those funds go away, the district will face difficult times. Not a high funding district right now, Forest Lake would drop to the bottom on the funding level in the metro area. Forest Lake will no longer even be able to say it is average. We demand above average results while funding schools at a lesser rate that makes the task next to impossible.
There is no question that good schools are a centerpiece for any positive, progressive community. Good schools are a magnet for new businesses and new residents wishing to put down roots.
We would much rather see Forest Lake and the surrounding towns and cities within the district recognized in this light and not seen as a black hole of negativity where the public has turned its back on its schools.
Failing to pass the renewal levy will have serious implications to the school operation. If it fails, one elementary building will be closed, the district swimming pool will be closed, kids living within two miles of their school will no longer receive district bus service and some 200 total staff positions, including 74 classroom teachers, would be cut.
Is this what we want? We can hope not.
The base levy of $6.5 million a year will cost a home with district average market value of $250,000 just $14 a year in new taxes. If both levies are passed, the increase in taxes would be $106 a year for the same $250,000 home.
The price is reasonable. The results are predictable. Given the tools and the resources, Forest Lakeís capable teaching machine can deliver proven results.
This is a critical crossroads for our district and the results at the ballot box will have a lasting impact, pro or con.
Some critics will tell you the district has not handled money wisely in the past. Is there room for questions when a general fund budget is more than $60 million? No matter what school or business institution you study, there will be spending decisions to critque.
We choose to be positive and support the Nov. 7 levy package. It is an opportunity for district residents to step up and support the schools as our parents and community elders did when todayís adults were students.
Itís the right thing to do on Nov. 7. Vote ìYesî on Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605