Significant progress is being made on the Duluth Public Schools' Long Range Facilities Plan, with four schools already complete and construction and design work underway at several others.

Four Duluth schools are finished: Stowe Elementary, Homecroft Elementary, Lowell Elementary and Lakewood Elementary.

Work is in progress at four schools (completion date in parenthesis): Denfeld High School (Fall 2011), Lester Park/Rockridge Elementary (Fall 2011), Eastern High School (Fall 2011) and Eastern Middle School (2012).

Duluth taxpayers began paying for the Long Range Facilities Plan in January 2008 and have already absorbed virtually all of the expected tax increases needed to fund the Project. In other words, there are no large tax increases coming for the Long Range Facilities Plan.

The capital costs for the Facilities Plan are approximately $293 million, less than half of which is being paid for in new taxes. Operating efficiencies and the sale of some school properties also will make a significant contribution to the balance of the cost. This means that the community is funding less than half of the cost of the Project – $135 million – using new taxes.

In 2008 a home assessed at $125,100 paid about $9.10 per month for the Facilities Plan. After the first year, the increase is expected to average less than $0.25 per month on a home assessed at $125,100. These cost estimates take into consideration construction inflation and financing costs over 20 years.

Even after projected tax increases, Duluth school tax rates will still be lower than most non-metro communities.

Click here for Long Range Facilities Plan construction photos.

Duluth Today

. Lake Superior College Student Life has honored outgoing president Dr. Kathleen Nelson with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

. The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a female suspect who has been making purchases with stolen credit cards and checks. Click here for a photo of the suspect.

. The annual United Way Day of Caring will be held June 23. The project matches teams of volunteers who are eager to give back to the community with local non-profit agencies in need of extra hands. Volunteers tackle projects such as painting, planning activities for kids, collecting supplies, landscaping, light maintenance and many other opportunities. Visit unitedwayduluth.org to volunteer.

. Click here for Twin Ports Prep Hockey Spring League rosters for the May 16 all-star game at Duluth Heritage Sports Center.