|
|
|
Moose Lake School board adopts resolution asking for operating levy increase |
 |
 |
 |
 The Moose Lake School Board agreed three months ago to take a request for an operating levy increase to district voters come November. At its July 19 regular meeting the board unanimously approved a formal resolution that asks voters to replace the existing referendum revenue of $250 per pupil with a new authorization of $400 per pupil per year for ten years.
The resolution calls for a special election of the proposed referendum concurrent to the general election on November 2. The one question on the referendum ballot will read, “Shall the increase in revenue proposed by the Board of Independent School District No. 97 be approved?”
If passed, the new 10-year referendum authorization would generate about $308,500 a year and become effective for taxes payable in 2011. It would replace the existing levy of roughly $193,000 per year that expires in 2012. The $400 reflects $150 more per pupil unit each year for the district, yet $400 is significantly less than the average operating levy of $847 per pupil per year at districts throughout the state.
“We’re not asking for the moon,” said Superintendent Tim Caroline at an earlier meeting this month. “We’re still asking for well below the state average.”
The tax impact to home and commercial property owners is dependent on market value. Owners of a home valued at $150,000 would see a $47 per year increase in property taxes, or just under $4 per month. Owners of homes and commercial property valued at $200,000 would see an annual increase of $63, or $5.25 per month. Owners of agricultural property pay taxes based only on the value of the house, garage, and one acre. Seasonal recreational residential property owners pay no taxes for the proposed operating referendum.
In the resolution asking for an operating levy increase, the board declares the necessity for more funding from the taxpayers. The additional $115,000 a year generated from the new levy would be used to supplement basic state funding, which has declined over the years and has not kept up with inflationary costs. The board anticipates that the extra levy funds would help maintain rising operating expenses and benefit the district in areas from enhanced technology and more high school electives to support programs and infrastructure priorities.
Other board business
After a presentation by teacher Julie Duesler on the School Readiness program, the board agreed to increase the number of class offerings to three sections for the coming year. With 26 youngsters already signed on for the program, Duesler feels that a third class is necessary to keep each size at an optimal 15 students or fewer. While opening a third class will cause an approximate $8,000 increase in spending for the program, the board says it’s worth the cost in preparing children for school.
“It’s an investment, not an expenditure,” asserts Caroline. “Early intervention can save money in the long run.”
The board approved the high school handbook for 2010-2011, with changes to the dress code, lockers, car parking, technology, athletics, and prom. An added line in the dress code section reads, “Shorts, skirts, etc., cannot exceed a maximum of 5 inches above the knees.”
The rental fee on a lock for a school locker is now $5.00 and will be refunded at the end of the year when the lock is returned. Students who park on school grounds are required to “park in designated parking spaces. Students who do not have their cars parked in designated spaces” will have their car towed off school grounds at the student’s expense.
The prom change states that a student must be in 10th grade and younger than 20 years old to participate in prom. Regarding the change in technology, portable electronic communication or music devices are not to be brought into the classroom or locker room. If any electronic device disturbs class, or interferes with student learning, it will be confiscated by staff.
Students participating in athletics or other extra-curricular activities must maintain satisfactory progress toward graduation “and each activity’s individual criteria for participation.” Fees for athletic participation in senior high are $60 for football and hockey and $50 for other sports. For junior high students the fee is $40 per sport. There is a $125 family maximum per season.
Changes to MSHSL participation
The board approved an update to the eligibility requirements for Minnesota State High School League participation. Some of the changes stated include: A student receiving an F at the end of a quarter or semester will be ineligible for participate in competition for two weeks from the date the Athletic Directors receive notification. A student with two F’s will be ineligible for four weeks.
A student must maintain a quarterly GPA of 2.0 or a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be eligible to participate. The GPA criteria will not apply to students in grades 7 and 8; however the failing grade and incomplete criteria will apply. Students who raise their quarterly GPA to 2.0 at mid-quarter will have their eligibility restored. Students who are considered ineligible may participate in team practices at the discretion of the coach.
Energy cost savings
Doug Jost, Performance Assurance Engineer from Johnson Controls, presented the annual report on the district’s energy cost savings over the year. This marks the tenth year of the district’s performance contract with the company -- a union that was formed to identify ways of reducing energy consumption and costs at the school.
The report shows that at the time the project started, the cost per square foot at the school hovered at 62 cents. However, because of the increases in energy costs over the years, the cost per square foot this year is at 90 cents. “This compares to $1.22 per sq. ft if the project had not been implemented,” the report states.
The energy savings in 2009 reached $44,560, and the total energy savings for all ten years sits at $313,436. And while the savings are significant, Jost notes in the report that, “There are improvements to be made in each building.” It is the company’s goal to continue providing the district with recommendations for additional savings in the future.
|
|
|
