Q: What are the ballot questions? A: There are three questions. Q&A: Centennial ISD 12 Referendum General Questions SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION 1 RENEWAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPIRING REFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATION The board of Independent School District No. 12 (Centennial), Minnesota has proposed to renew the existing property tax referendum authorization of $164.19 per pupil that is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2015. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2015 for taxes payable in 2016 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. YES NO Shall the renewal of the expiring property tax referendum proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 12 (Centennial), Minnesota be approved? BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO EXTEND AN EXISTING PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE. SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION 2 APPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATION The board of Independent School District No. 12 (Centennial), Minnesota has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $549 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. YES NO Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 12 (Centennial), Minnesota be approved?
BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION 3 APPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL PROJECT LEVY AUTHORIZATION The board of Independent School District No. 12 (Centennial), Minnesota has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the amount of 7.092% times the net tax capacity of the school district to provide funds for the acquisition and installation of technology improvements and technology systems. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $1,800,000 for taxes payable in 2016, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $18,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education. YES NO Shall the capital project levy proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 12 (Centennial), Minnesota be approved? BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. Q: When is the election? A: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Q: Where can I vote? A: The precincts and polling places for the special election will be: Combined Centennial School District Precinct No. 1: (encompasses all territory in ISD No. 12 located in the City of Centerville, Precinct 1) Centerville Elementary School 1721 Westview Street Centerville, Minnesota 55038 Combined Centennial School District Precinct No. 3:
(encompasses all territory in ISD No. 12 located in: the City of Blaine, District 1, Precinct 1,; District 1, Precinct 2; District 1, Precinct 7; District 2, Precinct 1; District 2, Precinct 9 and the City of Lexington, Precinct 1) Centennial Senior High School Performing Arts Center 4707 North Road Circle Pines, MN 55014 CITY OF CIRCLE PINES CIRCLE PINES Precinct 1 Centennial Fire Station #1 2 East Road Circle Pines, Minnesota CIRCLE PINES Precinct 2 Circle Pines City Hall 200 Civic Heights Circle Circle Pines, Minnesota CITY OF LINO LAKES LINO LAKES Precinct 1 Lino Lakes Senior Center 1189 Main Street Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 LINO LAKES Precinct 2 Centennial Fire Station #2 7741 Lake Drive Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 LINO LAKES Precinct 3 St. Joseph s Catholic Church 171 Elm Street Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 Q: Why is the District making the ask of voters? A: In an effort to continue the excellence of Centennial schools, needs were identified through the strategic plan and surveys of parents, the community and students.
Questions about the renewal of the Operating Levy (Question #1) Q: What happens if the renewal is not passed? A: If the renewal is not passed, there will be approximately $1.1 million in cuts to be determined in year one, for the 2016-2017 school year. The majority of the cuts will be centered around staffing. This will affect class sizes. Q: Even if question 1 passes, will there be budget shortfalls in the future? A: This renewal doesn t address all of our needs, therefore, the need for the second question on the ballot for voter s consideration. Q: How does the renewal affect class sizes? A: The passage of the renewal minimizes class size increases, but does not decrease overall sizes.
Questions and Answers about the Programming Levy (Question #2) Q: What is STEM and why is it important? A: STEM is an integrated program of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17%, from 2008-2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-stem occupations. STEM workers receive higher wages, earning 26% more than non-stem occupations. The integration of these areas of study helps prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Q: How were the priorities for programming and services identified? A: The initial process started in 2011 with the drafting of a strategic plan. The District spoke to parents, community members and students to identify priorities. To validate the items initially identified, the District initiated multiple surveys and discussions to ensure the ask truly met the needs of our community. Q: What will class sizes look like if the question is passed? A: By passing the question, we can positively benefit class sizes. Every effort is made to stay within the board-adopted ranges.
Q: What is a technology levy? Questions and Answers about the Technology Levy (Question #3) A: A technology levy is dedicated funding towards technology infrastructure, devices, training and support. Q: What other districts have technology levies? A: Approximately 50% of the metro districts have a levy in place. Districts near Centennial that have levies in place are Spring Lake Park and Mounds View. Q: Why invest in technology? A: Everyone is relying on technology. Technology is the use of tools to prepare students for what s next. Students need to be proficient. Q: What is the District s technology plan? A: The plan is a comprehensive overview of technology use in the District. Include a link to the District s plan: www.isd12.org/about/departments/technology.