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2	Referendum Basics – November 2 Red Rock Central Public Schools, #2884
3	What is a local Operating Levy Referendum? This levy is a locally approved supplement to basic state per-pupil funding. This levy raises additional funds to help operate the daily routine of educating and supporting children. Today 90% of school districts statewide depend on operating levies to help cover the cost of operating schools and supporting programs for children.
4	Many school districts are requesting referendums There will be 75 school districts going to their patrons asking for assistance through the form of referendums during the November 2, 2010 general election.
5	RRC Mission “To offer high-quality education in a dynamic, supportive learning environment and help all learners develop the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to lead healthy, productive, fulfilling and socially responsible lives in a diverse and changing world.”
6	We Value Quality Education Higher/Better Test Scores Diversified Course Offerings Computer Competency Vocational Awareness
7	The Proposal We are seeking your approval to revoke the school district’s existing referendum revenue of $950.22 per student and replace that authorization with a new authorization of $1450.22 per student. The new proposed referendum of an additional $500 per student would be applicable for 10 years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
8	"The additional $500 per..." The additional $500 per student will cause a $50,000 valued home to increase their taxes by $89 per year or about 24 cents per day. For agricultural property the taxes for the proposed referendum will ONLY be based on the value of the house, garage and surrounding one acre of land.
9	How do we compare????? Tax Rates: Today nearly 90% of all Public Schools depend on operating levies to help cover the cost of education There will be 75 school districts going to their patrons asking for assistance through referendums during the November 2010 election Since revenues have continued to decline, RRC discontinued both programs and personnel over the past six years. We have reduced 4.5 teachers, 5 education assistants and a number of extra activities personnel. However, we maintained quality education for our students.
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11	Test Scores U.S. News & World Report has stated during their past two rating years that RRC is “one of America’s Best High Schools.” In fact, last year, our high school was one of only eleven high schools in Minnesota that was honored to receive the “Silver Award” U.S. News & World Report. The U of M Humphrey Institute has recognized RRC as “One of the Ten Best Prepared High Schools for College Students in Rural MN”.
12	"Those RRC high school students..." Those RRC high school students who took the college ACTs over the past three years have outscored nearly all of the six immediate schools in the subjects of English, reading, math and science. Last year’s graduating class earned $281,500 in college scholarships. A large number of last year’s seniors graduated from RRC with much of their first year of college completed.
13	"Our elementary school in Jeffers..." Our elementary school in Jeffers also receives their share of quality standards and honors in education children as Standards and Poors rated our elementary school as a “Top Performing School in Minnesota” for EIGHT CONTINUOUS YEARS!
14	Area Schools with their Referendums and General Fund Balances Schools Referendum Fund Bal Heron-Lake $2,087 $834,149 Mt. Lake $1,510 $747,921 Windom $1,332 $1,296,392 Murray Co. $1,282 $675,602 Wabasso $1,000 $1,334,207 RRC $950 $545,503 SW MN Average $878 Tracy/Balaton $867 $1,108,723 State Wide Average $847 WWG $700 $1,343,622 Cedar Mt. $700 $1,488,026 Springfield $600 $2,426,199 Redwood Falls $500 $2,070,585 Sleepy Eye is planning on a Referendum this Nov. for $1,567 per student
15	The Overall Need Maintain quality educational programs, services and opportunities for all children. Offset decreasing revenues due to declining enrollment and offset the State withholding 27% of RRC’s state aid. Minimize the impact of additional further budget reductions on student programs. Continue to move forward to replace 40% of all our roofing and other physical plant needs in both Lamberton and Jeffers buildings.
16	The Overall Need continued Set a replacement schedule to purchase new school busses (the average cost of one bus today is $80,000). Attempt to maintain revenue balances each year to roughly 25% of the budget (today we run 9%) Design future budgetary needs to replace many if not all outside entrances in the Lamberton and Jeffers buildings.
17	June 2010 Bus Inventory BUS AGE MILES HOUSED #08 2008 (2 years) 38,640 Guy’s farm #05 2006 (4 years) 90,927 Russ’s farm #04 2004 (6 years) 128,360 Bill’s #02 2002 (8 years) 187,769 Linda’s farm #01 2001 (9 years) 196,760 Chad’s #2 1996 (14 years) 244,471 Lamb. Spare #96 1996 (14 years) 283,680 John’s #3 1994 (16 years) 221,835 Jeffers Spare #89 1989 (21 years) 243,072 Lamb. Spare
18	344 Square Miles! When the district consolidated in 1997, it was one of the largest school districts in square miles in Southern Minnesota.
19	Tax increase based on the following Market Value Market Value Tax Increase Cost per day $25,000 $45 12 cents $50,000 $89 24 cents $75,000 $133 36 cents $100,000 $178 49 cents $125,000 $223 61 cents $150,000 $267 73 cents $175,000 $312 85 cents $200,000 $356 One Dollar Special Note: Agricultural property will pay for this referendum based ONLY on the house, garage and one acre of land.
20	Thank you.