District 88 details plan to seek excess levy

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- District 88 Superintendent Harold Remme and school board chair Sue Ullery explained the need for the district to seek an excess operating levy in a referendum Nov. 6, to members and staff of the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce and the public, at a "Hot Topics, Hot Breakfasts" session Friday morning at the New Ulm County Club.

The district is seeking to raise an extra $450 per pupil unit for 10 years.

Remme presented the dollar amounts associated with the levy.

"School funding in the state of Minnesota is extremely complex, yet very simple," Remme said. "The problem is very simple -- operating expenses exceed our revenue. If expenditures exceed revenue, there's either a lack of revenue or overspending. I feel it's the lack of revenue."

Remme assured the chamber that the district has used their money efficiently and doesn't overspend. He cited figures showing that the district made $708,000 in budget cuts in 1999-2000, $700,000 in 2000-2001 and $1.3 million for the current school year.

Remme said the district spends $588 less per pupil unit than the average district in Minnesota. School expenditures per student were $6,461 in 2001-2002, with the state average $7,049 per student. When the number of pupil units in the district is multiplied by the cost per pupil unit, the district spends $1.5 million less than the average school in the state.

Remme said state foundation formulas have not kept up with the inflation in the 1990s and declining pupil units are main reasons the district is not making ends meet.

A pupil unit is roughly the same as a pupil -- but a senior, for example, is more and a kindergartener less.

In 1999-2000 the district had 91 fewer students; in 2000-2001, 91 fewer; and 2001-2002, 108 fewer. Remme pointed out that even though the district has fewer students, when they are spread out through the grade levels and class sections, it doesn't merit fewer teachers.

The district has 22 fewer teachers this year than last year. Currently, Washington Elementary has four class sections with 31 students and two class sections with 30 students; the Middle School has 65 class sections with 30 or more students; and the high school has 30 class sections with 30 or more students.

The issue of using fund balance dollars to finance operations was addressed. Remme said the district needs to maintain $1.5-2 million in its fund balance to maintain a good cash flow -- to allow for unforeseen emergencies and expenditures recommended by the district's auditor, the Department of Children, Families, and Learning. Remme pointed out that the interest the fund balance generated allowed the district to keep six teaching positions for the year.

The $450 per pupil unit will generate $1.2 million in 2002-2003.

According to estimates by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, farmland property taxes in that time span will decrease 23-27 percent, business and commercial taxes 10-12 percent and residential taxes 23 percent.

The district's referendum goal will raise taxes on a $80,000 home by $108 a year; on a $100,000 home by $134, on a $150,000 home by $202, and on a $200,000 home by $269.

According to the County Assessor's Office the average value of a New Ulm home is $88,900.

"It's our responsibility as a community working together to provide the best education for all our children," school board chair Sue Ullery said.

To help relay her point about caring for students, Ullery cited a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "If you care for your own children, you must take an interest in all."

"I feel it's our patriotic duty to support education, " said Ullery. "I know that sounds dramatic, but I'm not kidding -- we live in a democratic country, by the people, for the people. All children, regardless of economic status have a right to receive an education. Children need your support and your commitment to help give them the best education possible."

The $450 wasn't an easy figure to come by.

"We spent countless hours agonizing over different cuts we've had to make. We are pleading with you for supplemental support," Ullery said. "This is the time to teach our children about pulling together and supporting one another. You need to see how important and how vital a good education is to our community."

Tim Babel, a member of the referendum citizen steering committee, wanted the community to realize that when dealing with public education it's a commitment by the entire community.

"Look at the money spent in district 88 -- things are efficient, things are getting done on a very small budget," Remme said. "New Ulm is a wonderful community, but we have to do what we can to make sure our kids are doing well and are prepared for when they go off to college."

"I brag about our schools," he also said. "We have three good education systems. All the kids are performing at or above state average. We as a community have to realize pride is a big aspect in the commitment, and make sure we are going to provide children with the benefits they deserve."

Remme said a statement can be made by the people of New Ulm on election day.

"The people of New Ulm on Nov. 6 have the opportunity to show community pride," Remme said. "To send a message it's a great place to live and raise kids."