ITEM 1.2ELK RIVER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
ONE MISSION. OUR FUTURE.
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MAKE INFORMED
DECISIONS
NOVEMBER 6
Our mission calls for all learners to be educated,
empowered and inspired; we as a greater community are
committed to shape every learner's future. Consistent with
our mission and Strategic Plan, the ISD 728 School Board
placed two questions on the November 6, 2012 ballot. To
make informed decisions, please use this fact sheet and our
web site as references for levy information.
The School Board's first ballot
question asks voters to renew an
expiring levy. This levy is in the
amount of $386 per student, or
a total of $5.75 million. Because
Question 1 extends an expiring levy
at the same dollar amount, it is not
expected to cause any significant
changes in property taxes.
Our mission is to
educate,
inspir �
empower
The School Board's second ballot question asks voters to
approve a new 10 -year levy. This levy is in the amount of
$400 per student, or a total of $6 million. Passage of this it
levy will result in new taxes. For Question 2 to be enacted,
Question 1 must also be approved by voters.
Even with passage of both questions, ISD 728 will still need
to address a projected $2 million deficit. If the first question
passes and the second does not (the second cannot pass
on its own), the deficit climbs to $5 million. If both questions
are not passed, our district will reduce the operating budget
by a total of $12 million.
Impact of a "NO" vote on Question 1
The Gap Widens
$126 .----
$126
$124 --- -_ _ ---e--
.Protected Expenditures
$122 —_. --- -_-- _
$120
$118
p
C $114 _-_.__.. -----"--
Projected Revenues
=0 S112
silo
2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016
Projected Revenues & Expenditures do not include capital & health & safety
QUESTION 1
This is a renewal of taxes approved by voters in 2003.
Because Question 1 extends an expiring levy at the same
dollar amount, it is not expected to cause any significant
changes in property taxes.
With voter approval, the $386 per student ($5.75 million)
will help:
existing curriculum and programs, services, class
and staffing.
ing state assessment mandates.
student achievement gains on the
five percent of the district's current operating budget.
The board of Independent School District No. 728
(Elk River Area Public Schools) has proposed to renew the $386
per pupil portion of the school district's existing referendum
revenue authorization, which is scheduled to expire after
taxes payable in 2013. The proposed referendum revenue
authorization would be applicable for ten years, beginning with
taxes payable in 2014, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as
provided by law.
QUESTION 2
This request of voters is for a new 10 -year levy that will result in
new taxes.
Question 1 must be approved by voters for Question 2 to be
enacted.
With voter approval, the district will provide:
($2.2 million)
directly impacts the classroom ($400,000)
the classroom ($400,000)
3 million)
The board of Independent School District No. 728
(Elk River Area Schools) has proposed to increase its general
education revenue by an additional $400 per pupil. The
proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be
applicable for ten years, beginning with taxes payable in 2013,
unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
ELK RIVER AREA
Why are these questions important?
Learners: Every learner, from early childhood to a
graduating senior, deserves a quality education. Without
this funding, and despite our best efforts, our public school
system will not be able to fully deliver what every learner
deserves.
Curriculum: Ten years is too long for curriculum to be
updated; we must shorten the cycle to increase the
knowledge our learners need to be competitive. Our district
must be positioned to integrate tomorrow's technology into
present and future curricula.
Funding: Without passage of these questions, we will be
unable to provide the comprehensive, quality education
every learner deserves. We will have no other choice than to
make reductions that will impact every classroom.
Community: Passage of these questions benefits
not only all learners, but all of our communities. The
research is substantial; quality schools positively impact
their communities with increased property values, safe
neighborhoods and attractive places to raise families.
How does ISD 728 compare in funding?
OPERATING LEVY PER STUDENT
#1 funded school district
$1,946
W$698 $1,251
$0 $500 $1,000 $1.500 $2,000
GENERAL FUND REVENUE PER STUDENT
$11,291
$10,538
$9,548
$0 $2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $10,000 $12,000
How does ISD 728 compare in student
achievement (MCA proficiency rates)?
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 ISD 728 S STATE
MATH READING SCIENCE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
How much will these levies cost me?
Question 1: Because Question 1 extends an expiring levy
at the same dollar amount, it is not expected to cause any
significant changes in property taxes.
Question 2: This is for a new levy; your taxes (commercial or
residential) are based on your assessed property value. Here
is a sample of the tax impact of Question 2.
ASSESSED
PROPERTY VALUE
ANNUAL TAX
INCREASE
MONTHLY TAX
INCREASE
Use our website to specific olly calculate your taxes.
How is ISD 728 fiscally responsible?
We have...
Restructured regular school bus transportation, resulting in
annual savings of $1 million.
» Implemented a voluntary retirement incentive plan to
reduce salary expenditures with annual savings of more
than $500,000.
» Achieved a savings of $500,000 in the renewal of health
insurance plans.
» Realized a 34 percent premium cost decrease in long-
term disability insurance.
Negotiated a 23 percent cost decrease in life insurance
premiums.
Asked state lawmakers the past three years to pass
legislation that would provide equitable funding to
ISD 728.
» Reorganized administrative personnel cost to 3.41 % of the
budget; the state average is 5%.
Our financial operations have been recognized at the
national and state levels and each independent audit has
verified sound business practices.
What can you do?
Make informed decisions November 6. r a
Learn the facts and share these with your
family, friends and neighbors. Contact the i
ISD 728 Community Engagement Director
Charlie Blesener at charles.blesener@
isd728.org or 763.241.3522, or your local
school principal for additional information. scan the QR code
for more information
The enduring fundamental principles of our
organization; our common ground.
We BELIEVE that...
1. ALL people have value.
2. Valuing and respecting differences strengthens
the individual and the community.
3. People thrive when they feel connected,
supported and affirmed.
4. Everyone can learn.
5. Hope inspires and empowers.
6. Lifelong learning is essential for personal growth.
7. Change is an opportunity for growth.
(. ZMISSION
�l^ OSEVEN CORE VALUES
• ALL LEARNERS
v 2012-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN
VOLUNTEER TEAMS
CORE
• Jeffry Anderson
• John Anderson
• Lora Arnott
• Hailee Athman
• Steve Barone
• Mark Bezek
• Dolly Bina
• Charlie Blesener
• Dusty Bredlow
• Joel Brott
• Jane Bunting
ACTION
• Heidi Adamson -Baer
• Rod Barnes
• Terry Bizal
• Monte Bloom
• Michael Daugs
• Cory Franson
• Tiffani Glew
• Ryan Johnson
• Melissa Jordan
• Alyssa Klein
MEASUREMENT
• Greg Heinecke
• Andy Hillebregt
• Bruce Jean
• Pauline Knox
• Nikki Nordmeier
• Hannah Gibson
• Elizabeth Golden
• Kristin Hanson
• Curt Hinkle
• Jana Hennen-Burr
• Judy Johnson
• Jack Hines
• Bill Hjerstedt
• Bob Kluntz
• Mike Matter
• MCKayla Kroll
• Sandy Langer
• Kristen Larson
• Brian Menth
• Carolyn Mitzuk
• Kristine Niznik
• Paul Olson
• Ruma Padukone
• Megan Reppen
• John Olson
• Pete Pouliot
• Eno Rasmussen
• Joe Samek
• Jason Paurus
• Jamie Plantenberg-
Selbitschka
• Tim Rybak
• Kari Sampson
• Kristen Schrader
• Tom Sterneman
• Jessica Stockamp
• Holly Thompson
• Gail Weber
• Sue Romane
• Tricia Sanford
• Kathy Simonson
• Tami Soens
• Debra Utsch
• Lisa Van Eps
• Sara Weis
• Gabriela Wirz
• Melany Wynn
• Phil Schreifels
• Barb Schwab
• Joe Stangler
• Darren Wolf
• Jolene Jorgensen • Sue Farber
• Jane Bunting • Tony Walter
• Holly Thompson • Shane Steinbrecher
• Dr. Mark Bezek I Superintendent • Janelle Henry
ISD 728 Elk River Area School District 815 Highway ) 4 lover, MN 55330 1 763-241.3400 I www.elknver.kl 2.mn.Ds/strategicplan
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ELK RIVER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Independent
School District
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Our mission is to educate, inspire & empower our diverse learners,
to shape theirfutums, to accomplish their dmams and to contribute positively to our local and global communkles.
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The measurable checkpoints and outcomes to which we will be
held accountable.
Each LEARNER will...
1. Choose to continually engage in experiences that benefit the
community.
2. Intentionally choose to acquire and apply knowledge and skills
consistent with their goals and passions.
3. Articulate their dreams and create and carry out plans to achieve
those dreams.
STRATEGIC PLAN YEAR
1. Educate employees on the strategic
objectives, why they are important to
learner success and how learner progress
will be measured.
2. Train the ISD 728 Collaborative Leadership
Team(CLT) on a shared vision of the skills,
knowledge and dispositions necessary for
successful leadership.
3. Research implementing an all -day, every-
day kindergarten program for every child.
4. Study the concept of flexible scheduling to
address the diverse needs of all learners.
5. Enhance Professional Learning Communities
(PLC) and Response to Intervention (RTI) to
increase all learners' achievement levels.
6. Approve a new district name that unifies ISD
728 communities and increases support of
the mission.
7. Create a welcome center for new learners
that showcases ISD 728 and its diverse
populations.
8. Improve upon a committed, organizational
culture that values collaboration with
parents and community organizations and
agencies to achieve the district's mission.
9. Create a "cradle through retirement"
mission -supported, integrated community
council that helps facilitate the
achievement of strategic objectives.
1
STRATEGIC FLAN YEARS 2-5
1.
Integrate strategic objective rubrics into the district's
15. Initiate a comprehensive instructional
outcomes and standards.
technology plan.
2.
Implement, evaluate and refine pilot programs for
16. Approve professional learning standards
gathering data on learner progress.
with differentiated professional standards
3.
Educate stakeholders on the strategic objectives,
delivered through multiple methods.
why they are important to learner success and how
17. Continue to share district success stories
learner progress will be measured.
that support the ISD 728 mission.
4.
Implement an integrated learner profile database.
18. Open a comprehensive welcome center
5.
Develop collaborative, data -based learner-
that provides new families with personal
progress systems that guide strategic decisions.
and online registration services.
6.
Create individual leadership development plans for
19. Institute a new employee orientation
program that provides commitment training
all (CLT) members.
to the district mission.
7.
Integrate E-12 curriculum standards using essential
20. Provide community members resources and
student leadership best practices.
services from a new welcome center.
8.
Provide leadership development opportunities for
21. Integrate the district mission into employee
emerging leaders.
evaluations.
9.
Collaborate within the ISD 728 communities to
22. Develop a demonstrated system of
create leadership development opportunities.
employee commitment to the ISD 728
10 Implement and evaluate instructional strategies
mission.
programs and schedules, resulting in higher levels of
learning.
11. Implement no fee, all -day, every -day kindergarten.
12. Develop and implement a comprehensive early
education foundational skills plan.
13. Ensure a knowledge, skills and programming system
is integrated that prepares all students for success.
14. Implement and evaluate the cost/benefits of
flexible scheduling pilot programs.
What we must do as a system to achieve the strategic objectives.
WE will...
1. Continually identify, develop and empower current and future leaders
to carry out our mission and strategic objectives.
2. Refine educational delivery services to meet the needs of present and
future learners so they achieve our mission and strategic objectives.
3. Do whatever is necessary to create and sustain a culture in which all
members of our community understand, support and contribute to our
mission and strategic objectives.
4. Collaboratively engage all resources of our community necessary to
achieve our mission and strategic objectives in ways that are mutually
beneficial.
23. Strengthen existing community resource
and partnership databases.
24. Work to ensure E-12 parents are active
partners in the success of their learners.
25. Create parent and community literacy
collaborations.
26. Ensure a system of career planning and
career pathways is in place for all ISD 728
learners.
To remain focused on achieving the strategic objectives:
We will not adopt any new program or service
unless it is:
1. Consistent with our Core Values and contributes to our mission.
2. Accompanied by the alignment or reduction of current practice.
We will not allow current practice or tradition to interfere
with the consideration of new ideas.