Guest Column by Mike Funk

Mike Funk is the superintendent of Albert Lea Area Schools.

Over the past couple months, I have had the opportunity to meet with many groups of people to discuss our upcoming referendum on Tuesday. These discussions have revolved around three key points: 1) Does the need for updated facilities exist? 2) Has the school district been effective stewards of our tax dollars? 3) How will this referendum impact individual taxpayers?

Does the need for updating exist?

Though opinions may differ on the proposed solution, almost every person is in agreement that something needs to be done with our current athletic facilities. Our field house at the Hammer complex was built for two boys sports, and we currently house seven teams there. There is inadequate locker and storage space (Oftentimes visiting teams will have to change on the bus due to the lack of space). Our stadium has no running water and has significant patchwork from deterioration, and the district faces Title IX issues (equity of facilities between boys’ and girls’ sports). Because of the poor condition of the stadium, we may soon be dealing with issues of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Furthermore, Halverson Elementary has a tiny gym, and its principal office location is unsafe.

Has the school district been effective with our tax dollars?

In 2018, district taxes on a $100,000 home are $10 more a year than they were in 2014. Since 2009, Albert Lea Area Schools has sought one referendum from our taxpayers — an operating levy renewal that was approved in 2013. In comparison, Owatonna has had seven referendums since that time, and Austin and Faribault five apiece. Operationally, we have improved the infrastructure of our schools, to include the installation of new HVAC systems in six of our buildings. Each student has daily exposure to modern technology, to include individual laptop computers in grades six through 12. We have maintained very competitive salaries and benefits for our teachers. Our district four-year graduation rate is also up 13 percent since 2012.

How does this vote impact taxpayers?

If the project is approved, the district will issue a 20-year bond valued at $24.6 million. Because some current debt is expiring, the issuance of the new bonds will be tax neutral for our taxpayers.  There will be no increase to current taxes.  Taxes for this project will be extended out 20 years.  If the project is not approved on Tuesday, taxes will go down in 2021 by $34 a year on a $100,000 home. It is important to note that because taxes will go down if the referendum does not pass, by approving the referendum and increasing taxes to their current level, approval is considered a tax increase. The ballot has tax increase language on it as a result. More information is available in a tax impact statement that was recently mailed to all property owners in the district, or on our district website.

Please consider these questions when you determine how to vote on this proposal.