I would like to thank everyone who is posting on my blog. This is another communications tool in my effort to keep the residents of the school district informed. I will address several issues that have arisen in the previous blogs.

1) The cost breakdown for the 4-6 building is detailed on my website http://www.delano.k12.mn.us/docs/district/dist__office/4-6_bldg_cost_brkdown.pdf

The architect, Architects Regal + Youngquist, make these estimates based on their best knowledge of material and labor costs. There is a $632,516 contingency fund, which is normal for these projects, to cover unexpected costs including estimating errors.

2) The total estimated operating costs for the 4-6 building are $566,129. This includes two secretaries, one media center para, one computer lab support for a total of $203,342. The costs for utilities, snow removal, lawn maintenance, garbage hauling health and safety, property insurance and custodians is estimated at $362,787. Again this totals $566,129 and will be covered by the operating levy that was passed in November. Remember also, the board has not levied for that yet.

3) The board is addressing the operating efficiencies of all the facilities with an energy savings project that is being worked on now. The district entered into an energy savings project with Energy Services Group (ESG). ESG has completed a review of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and has started upgrades to them as well as lighting and other energy issues. This is paid for through guaranteed energy savings by ESG as well as alternative facility bonds that will be paid for through existing state approved health & safety and deferred maintenance levies.

4) There was a comment about the taxes in Delano compared to other districts. The school board has very little discretion in the amount it taxes. The legislature determines basic funding levels and mandates services schools must perform. Voter approved levies, like bond issues and operating levies, are needed all across the state for schools to operate. One of the biggest variables among school districts in terms of the amount of property tax paid is based on the taxable market value of the property. Property values in Delano are relatively good, which is a positive reflection on the community (and school) but reflect on property tax bills. I have a document titled "Fourteen Reasons Why Property Taxes Vary from Year to Year" put out by the Association of Counties and League of Cities. If anyone would like a copy I would be glad to email it.

4) Regarding performance pay for teachers: Delano schools is one of about 37 schools that are participating in the state's Quality Compensation Plan which ties teacher pay to student performance, teacher training and other duties carried out by teachers. Most of this is paid for by the state.

5) District costs regarding informing voters: The district will be mailing an informational brochure to all residents on March 3, provided the printer gets it done on time. That brochure can be accessed on my website http://www.delano.k12.mn.us/docs/district/dist__office/Brochure_for_website.pdf
The district has a duty to inform voters of what is being voted on and the brochure is one means to accomplish that. State law requires the district to mail to every registered voter a legal notice regarding the election. That notice will be mailed, as required by state law, between March 24 and April 7, 2008.
No district funds can be used in supporting any vote yes committees, nor will they.

Thank you for your posts.