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Mayor Reimann expressed concern with the size of School District No. 11 and <br />how children bussed in from other communities lose that feeling of identity <br />between school and community. <br /> <br />Mr. Finch stated that District No. 11 is 175 pquare miles in size and <br />includes 13 cities with approximately 32,000 students. There are some <br />concerns but the size of the District has enabled offering the students <br />some wonderful opportunities in terms of scope and quality of programs. <br /> <br />Mr. Finch did note that transportation, not distance, is a major concern <br />and that there is a great need for bridge crossings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Pearson inquired as to the trend for student enrollment. <br /> <br />Mr. Giraux replied that for the first time since 1976, the District is <br />experiencing growth. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann inquired if there could be another elementary facility in <br />Ramsey. <br /> <br />Mr. Finch replied that at the present time, the growth rate in Ramsey would <br />not support another elementary school. <br /> <br />Mr. Giraux explained that a city experiencing a steady growth of 200-300 <br />homes per year is simply considered absorption and not to the point of <br />requiring another facility. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann stated that he is concerned with the School District calling <br />for special elections when more of the voting public would have had input <br />if the question were included on a regular election ballot. Mayor Reimann <br />stated that bond issues should include information regarding how much the <br />issue will cost commercial property as well as average residential <br />properties. People should be made aware that the commercial entity will <br />have to increase the cost of their products to pay their share of the bond <br />issue. Therefore, the resident pays twice -- once in property tax <br />increases and a second time in the increased cost of products. <br /> <br />Mr. Finch replied that the public school system exists at the will of <br />Legislature. In the past legislative sessions, there was a decline in <br />State revenue directed to public schools and the districts were told to go <br />to the voters for needed funds. District ll's only alternative to making <br />major program cuts was to hold a special levy referendum. Previous to this <br />the District made a major reduction of $7,000,000 and virtually everything <br />was cut back; if the most recent levy had not passed, a similar reduction <br />would have been necessary. The District could not wait until the regular <br />election in November as law requires certifying the budget by October. <br /> <br />Mr. Dahle stated that publicizing more detailed information regarding levy <br />impacts on commercial properties presents problems as there are many <br />classifications for commercial property and various methods of assessing. <br />Therefore, a decision was made to publicize the impact on homestead <br />properties and a percentage increase on all other types of properties. <br /> <br />City Council/January 19, 1988 <br /> <br />Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />