For the average home owner, that’s only $8/month for one yes or $10.42/month for two yeses. So for $10.42/month you could get 2 Big Mac Value Meals, 1-1/2 movie tickets, less than 4 gallons of gas, one large pizza (with a coupon) OR a school system that we could be proud of. Please vote YES, YES on November 6th.

Information provided on behalf of T.E.A.M. (Together Education Achieves More)

Ballot Question #1
To increase the school district’s general education revenue by replacing the current operating levy, that will end in June 2008, with a $869 per pupil levy for the next seven years. The
average valued home ($100,000) would have a $96 per year increase if question #1 is approved.

Ballot Question #2
Increase the per pupil amount in Question 1 by $89, for a total of $958 per pupil unit. The average valued home ($100,000) would have a $125 per year increase if question 2 is approved. Ballot question #2 will pass ONLY if ballot question #1 passes with a majority of YES votes, AND ballot question #2 passes with a majority of YES votes. You must vote on question one before you can vote on question two.

For the average valued property ($100,000), residential, commercial/industrial or apartments, the tax increase would be $125 per year or $10.42 per month. Taxable Market Value: $50,000 property, $64/year - $5.34/month; $175,000 property, $220/year - $18.33/month; $250,000 property, $316/year - $26.33/month.
Farm land is not taxed, only homestead.

Recent History of Reductions to Projected Expenses
“Cutting to live within our means”
1990-91 Reduction $610,474
1991-92 Reduction $1,003,700
1992-93 Reduction $331,582
1993-94 Reduction $31,362
1994-95 Reduction $806,838
1997-98 Reduction $521,727
1998-99 Reduction $950,000
1999-00 Reduction $265,659
2000-01 Reduction $763,288
2002-03 Reduction $1,100,000
2004-05 Reduction $420,000
2007-08 Reduction $1,000,805
Total $7,796,435
Information Source: ISD 241 School Board Resolutions

General Fund Expenditures for the past ten years with % +/-
1996-97 $25,383,833
1997-98 $25,165,533 -0.86%
1998-99 $25,033,848 -0.52%
1999-00 $25,217,540 0.73%
2000-01 $26,617,042 5.55%
2001-02 $27,465,567 3.19%
2002-03 $27,234,270 -0.84%
2003-04 $30,206,413 10.91%*
2004-05 $30,720,669 1.70%
2005-06 $31,612,295 2.90%
average 2.53%
average w/out 2003-04 1.48%
* approved referendum implemented:
- added all-day-K and reduced class sizes
- health insurance costs increased by 14%

Other resources:

• 2007 Referendum Mailer (PDF)
• 2006 Budget Reduction Plan (PDF)

Source: MN Department of Education Website
District #241 Consolidated Financial Statement (pdf)

On Thursday March 8th, global warming is coming to Southeastern Minnesota. But don’t expect any heat waves– the Citizens’ Energy Forum, hosted from 7-9 p.m. at the Riverland-Austin Theatre by the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, will be focusing on Global Warming Solutions and what we can do to help create Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future.

Steve Morse, President of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, will speak about the clean energy initiatives and possibilities at the state-wide level, and what we need to make Minnesota a leader on clean energy and global warming. Melissa Pawlisch, founder of the Clean Energy Resource Teams, will speak to what people can do to start transitioning to renewable energy in their businesses, homes, and communities. Bruce Anderson, founder of Sustainable Community Solutions in Northfield, will speak about his experience bringing wind turbines and biodiesel to his community, and how similar projects can succeed here in Southeastern Minnesota.

Local energy and environmental organizations from Albert Lea and Austin will have information booths open for browsing from 6:15-7:00 p.m. People are encouraged to come early and talk with groups such as the Clean Energy Resource Teams, the Sustainable Farming Association, Horizon Wind Energy, the Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League, Advocates for a Cleaner Environment, and others.

The message is clear: global warming could change our great state and nation forever, but we can do something about it. Southeastern Minnesota will be essential in creating a clean energy future for Minnesota, and we all need to get involved. Come to learn more, ask questions, and learn how you can make a difference.

Download forum flier (pdf).

See ya there!

This November Albert Lea residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum to stabilize District 241 education funding. It will allow District 241 to maintain the necessary pieces required to continue educating students at its current level.

According to a fact sheet distributed by District 241:

State funding does not provide our commuity with the kind of school system we want and need. Because state funding was frozen for two years, our district did not receive $1.6 million in funding. To maintain the level and quality of education currently offered, including one mile bus service, all-day kindergarten, smaller class sizes, electives, fine arts and athletic opportunities, the district must replace the current opperating levy.

Over the years, the district has diligently adjusted its budget in order to allow for reductions in the state’s funding of Albert Lea’s schools. District 241’s fact sheet continues:

Over the past 15 years nearly $7 million has been cut. The cuts included the elimination of many teaching positions, administration, clerical, and custodial staff. In order to maintain a quality education for our students, we cannot cut valuable teaching talent and educational opportunites for our children.

Below is the “Estimated Tax Impact of the Approval of the Property Levy”

Your contribution will make a HUGE difference in the future of Albert Lea and the future of Albert Lea’s students, teachers, staff, and all who want Albert Lea’s educational system to remain strong for years to come.