Since mid-July the Strong Schools Form Our Future Committee has been answering community questions about the Parkers Prairie school district operating levy referendum. In the final three weeks before the election the Committee will recap its answers for the questions that seem to still be uppermost in voters minds.

Why is the referendum needed?

Minnesota schools are funded by local property tax dollars and funds which come from the State of Minnesota. State funding for all Minnesota public schools has not kept up with increased costs of running a school. These costs include staff, fuel, transportation, textbooks and facility upkeep. In recent years, the cost of operating the Parkers Prairie School District has gone up 4%, but the State of Minnesota has increased its funding by only 2%. The school district has tried to work with the amount of money it receives by cutting expenses as much as possible but has arrived at a point where only the elimination of programs, courses or personnel will bring the costs down to match the funding.

If the referendum passes, how will the money be used?

If passed, the referendum will generate approximately $405,000 per year for the Parkers Prairie School District. That money will be used for two purposes. (1) It will be used to pay back any funds borrowed for operating expenses. Note that in the coming school year, expenses will exceed revenue from the state and local taxes and there is not enough money left in the district’s reserve fund to cover the shortfall. (2) Aside from paying back any operating debt incurred, the money will be used to prevent the necessity of borrowing funds in the foreseeable future to operate the school district. The money will be used for general operating expenses such as building maintenance, utilities, supplies, salaries, insurance, etc. In short, the referendum will be used to maintain the school district programs at their current levels.

Individuals with questions can address them to the Strong School Form Our Committee by sending them to P.O. Box 191, Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 or emailing SSFOF@live.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FOR THE PUBLIC FORUM REGARDING THE REFERENDUM SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008, AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM.