ICESR 09-28-2004 INFORMATION - Laserfiche WebLink

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Just the Facts! Information about the Elk River Area School District's Referendum Election, Tuesday, November 2, 2004 What is the proposal? • Question #1-Operating levy for $2.3 million or $250 per pupil unit. Funds will be used to hire staff to open new schools proposed in bond referendum, maintain class sizes and minimize future budget reductions. • Question #2 -Bond referendum for $87 million. The passage of question #2 is contingent on the passage of question #1. Funds will be used for the following construction and renovation projects: ^ Construct a new elementary school for the Otsego/St. Michael area -- $22.95 million ^ Construct the planned third classroom wing at Rogers High School -- $8 million ^ Construct the planned third classroom wing at Westwood Elementary School -- $4.35 million ^ Renovate existing gym space at Elk River High School into 12 classrooms, and construct a new and larger gym activity center -- $13 million ^ Construct a fine arts auditorium at Rogers High School -- $9.4 million ^ Construct a swimming pooUice sheet combination facility at Rogers High School -- $15.6 million ^ Purchase land for future schools and complete renovation projects at existing facilities -- $13.7 million Why is the operating levy needed? • The amount of funding that the district receives from the state has remained the same for the past three years. • There is no indication that funding levels will increase for the next two years. • The district is facing a budget shortfall for the 2005-2006 school year of about $4 million. Why is the bond referendum needed? • Enrollment in the district has increased from 7,500 students in 1995-1996 to 10,870 students this fall. • Enrollment is expected to continue to grow to more than 15,000 students in the next 8-10 years. • New schools, classroom additions and other facilities are needed to keep up with the rapid increase in enrollment.