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Contact: Valerie Burke |
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Media Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Edina Public Schools Plans Referendum for Nov. 8, 2011 Two Questions Will Appear on the Ballot; Several Opportunities to Learn More
Edina, Minn., Sept. 19, 2011 – Edina Public Schools will hold a referendum levy during the Nov. 8, 2011 general election. Two questions will appear on the ballot. Question one seeks to renew the $400 per pupil portion of the school district’s existing referendum and question two seeks to renew and increase the capital levy from $1 million to $4.5 million to advance learning through technology. Existing levies are scheduled to expire in 2012. Referendum information will be mailed to all Edina residents in mid-October. All referendum related information is also available on the District’s website at www.edina.k12.mn.us. Anyone interested in learning more about the levies are invited to attend October community meetings:
The District is also hosting a Technology Open House for the community to learn how students are using technology in today’s classrooms:
District officials have scheduled speaking engagements with several civic and community groups between now and the November vote. Community groups that wish to schedule a presentation about the referendum may contact Valerie Burke, Director of Community Education Services at 952-848-3960 or valburke@edina.k12.mn.us/. Edina Public Schools was the first district in 2001 to capitalize on new legislation that allowed school districts to levy for technology upgrades. That levy provided funding for hardware only. The new technology levy would provide funding to integrate technology hardware, software, infrastructure, support and training as outlined in the District’s 2015 Technology Plan. “Our vision is to expand successful, innovative and personalized learning to occur anytime, anywhere,” said Superintendent Ric Dressen. “Technology will be essential in this effort, providing students with interactive, hands-on and engaged approaches to traditional curriculum for deeper learning and skills development.” The District currently receives the least amount per pupil from its technology levy when compared to six neighboring suburban districts. Edina receives $122 per pupil, while Hopkins receives $719, Minnetonka at $655, Eden Prairie at $637, Wayzata at $545, St. Louis Park at $306 and Bloomington at $273. The current tech levy pays for only a small portion of the District’s actual technology expenses, the majority of which are covered by general funds. The new technology levy would allow the District to redirect almost $1.2 million funds currently used for technology back to the general fund. These funds would be used to support educational programs, services and projects. If both questions are successful, the additional tax impact on a median-priced home of $400,000 in Edina would be less than $15 per month. Edina Public Schools recently received a top credit rating from two of the leading global rating agencies. Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings bestowed their AAA ratings on the District, the highest assigned by both companies. "Strong communities make strong schools," noted School Board Chair Randy Meyer. "Edina students continue to excel and our district continues to rank among the best in the nation because the Edina community places a high value on education and has historically supported the operating and capital levy referendums. The community's support of these referendums is critical to our ongoing success." About Edina Public Schools
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