Eastern Carver schools weighing levy renewal vote

Article by: KIM MCGUIREKIM.MCGUIRE@STARTRIBUNE.COM
Updated: August 7, 2012 - 11:35 PM

Two levies that generate more than $8.5 million for the district are set to expire in 2013.

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Members of the Eastern Carver County School Board are slated to discuss on Aug. 16 whether they want to schedule a referendum to ask voters for new dollars for technology expenses and the renewal of two operating levies.

The school district has two operating levies that are set to expire in 2013. Together, they generate more than $8.5 million.

This summer, board members have discussed renewing the levies at the current levels and also renewing them with a cost-of-living adjustment.

With no adjustments, the owner of a $250,000 home would pay about $389. With a cost-of-living adjustment, that same homeowner would pay $396.

As one of few west-metro school districts without a dedicated funding source for technology, the board is also thinking about scheduling a technology referendum. Board discussion has focused on a plan that would generate about $2 million a year.

The district's recently approved technology plan calls for network upgrades, increasing the wireless infrastructure, providing additional levels of technical support and providing personal wireless devices -- possibly iPads or laptops -- on a scaled basis at elementary and middle school levels.

"We know we have to scale back our plans and really focus on what's going to have the most impact on teaching," said Diane Kaiser, the district's information systems director.

If voters approved the plan to generate $2 million for technology along with a cost-of-living adjustment for the operating levies, the owner of a $250,000 would pay $488 per year -- or about $99 more than just renewing the operating levies.

The board has until Aug. 24 to decide whether to hold a referendum in November.

Kim McGuire • 612-673-4469