Welcome! Forest Lake Area Schools Community Meetings November 4, 2003 Levy Election

Why are voters being asked to approve an Operating Levy ? School districts were not protected from the State’s budget woes. In fact, since education funding was frozen, over 70 districts are going out for levies this November.

Legislature Freezes Funding In and , the General Education Formula (per pupil funding) remains frozen. The lack of an inflationary increase for this year and next year is forcing the district to seek more revenue or cut programs and staff.

Operating Levy The Operating Levy will be the first question on the ballot and will generate $2 million per year. The Operating Levy will provide revenue to maintain our current programs.

Operating Levy The Operating Levy, if approved, will take effect in the school year for a total of five years. Budget reductions totaling $2 million will be made should the Operating Levy fail.

Who Benefits ? EVERY STUDENT in the Forest Lake Area School District will benefit from low class sizes, safe transportation and competitive academic and activity programs.

Has the district tightened its belt prior to this year ? YES, $ 600,000 CUT ,700,000 CUT ,000,000 CUT ,000,000 Added Back ,000 CUT

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? TRANSPORTATION: $550,000 - Only Provide All Day Every Other Day Kindergarten - Cut Bus Purchases

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ELEMENTARY: $600,000 - Cut 15 Classroom Teachers - Reduce Instructional Supplies - Reduce Administrative Support

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? SECONDARY: $600,000 - Cut 10 Classroom Teachers - Cut 2 Behavioral Intervention Specialists - Cut 1.25 Administrative Assistants - Cut 1.5 Media / Audio Visual Paras - Cut.75 Custodians

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? SECONDARY: $600,000 (continued) - Reduce Administrative Support - Reduce Instructional Supplies - Increase Student Parking Fees from $65 to $125 per semester

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES: $150,000 - Cut Cheerleading Program - Cut HERO Club Advisor - Cut International Club Advisor - Cut DECA/BPA Advisor - Cut Electronics Club Advisor - Cut Science Olympiad Advisor

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES: $150,000 (continued) - Cut SW/Century Weight Training Program - Cut 1 9th Grade Football Assistant - Cut 2 9th Grade Volleyball Assistants - Cut Mock Trial Advisor - Cut 2 9th Grade Boys Basketball Assts. - Cut 2 9th Grade Girls Basketball Assts.

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES: $150,000 (continued) - Cut 2 9th grade Girls Softball Assistants - Cut 1 9th Grade Baseball Head Coach - Cut 2 9th Grade Baseball Assistants - Reduce Trainer Contract - Cut 3 Musical Production Assistants - Cut 2 Play Production Assistants

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES: $150,000 (continued) - Cut 2 One Act Play Assistants - Cut Odyssey of the Mind - Cut Knowledge Bowl - Cut 4 Adaptive Athletic Assistants - Cut 3 High School Weight Training Assts. - Cut 2 High School Track Assistants

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES: $150,000 (continued) - Cut 1 High School Football Assistant - Reduce Athletic Supplies, Officials & Transportation - Cut 1 Alpine Ski Assistant (.5 girls/.5 boys) - Cut 1 High School Speech Assistant - Cut 1 High School Debate Assistant

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES: $150,000 (continued) - Cut 1 High School Drumline Assistant - Cut 1 High School Performing Arts Appreciation Program - Increase student participation fees: 7&8th grade from $85 to $100, 9th Grade from $115 to $150, 10-12th grade from $130 to $150 and increase the family maximum from $500 to $750.

What happens if the Operating Levy fails? DISTRICT SUPPORT: $100,000 - Reduce Textbook Purchases - Reduce Curriculum Writing - Reduce Technology Repairs - Reduce Instructional Supplies - Reduce Administrative Support

Technology Levy The Technology Levy will be the second question on the ballot and will generate $2 million per year. The Technology Levy, if approved, will take effect in the school year for a total of five years.

Why do we need a Technology Levy ? The last Technology Bond was passed in 1996, resulting in over 80% of our technology being under-powered and outdated. The Technology Task Force began meeting during the school year.

Technology Task Force provides report to the Board Task Force recommendations: $2 million, $2.5 million and $3 million plans presented Provide continuity in instruction Provide flexibility to adapt to various environments Provide maximum availability Is easily reconfigured and fits comfortably in the classroom

Technology Levy The School Board selected the least expensive proposal. $2 million per year in technology funding.

Who benefits from the Technology Levy? We will improve educational opportunities for all of our students through technology equipment acquisition and replacement. This project will allow the district to meet student and community needs in a flexible and efficient manner.

What will we purchase with the Technology Levy ? - Upgrade Infrastructure - Network Servers - Classroom Computers - Wireless Portable Computer Labs - Software - Technology Support (over the 5 year project)

Why are we asking for a Technology Levy ? - Technology empowers students to learn how to learn. - It enables students to become knowledge producers in addition to knowledge consumers. - Technology connects students to the world.

Annual Tax Impact of Both Levies

Monthly Tax Impact of Both Levies The simple version: $100,000 Home = $ 7.00 per month $200,000 Home = $14.00 per month If both levies are approved

Maintaining and Moving Forward The Operating Levy is necessary to avoid budget cuts. The School District will cut $2 million if the Operating Levy fails. The Technology Levy will help us to replace under-powered and outdated equipment to help our students keep moving forward into the 21st century.

Thank You ! Are there any Questions or Comments ?

Thank You !