Maybe they could have saved some money from putting up all the "new and fancy" signs up at various schools...Bad PR by the District. Don't spend money on such public items that serve no real value to students in the month before the election.

BP - Just another uninformed resident . . . . how sad.

What a shame...I can't believe that every other school district is able to gain approval for better education for our children except ours. Now teachers will be laid off and children need to go without technology that has already begun to be used in Wayzata and Orono schools. What is wrong with this constiuent base?

We have a spending problem in this country....figure it out people!

Message is learn to manage your money like the rest of us!

That stinks! Not enough people who value education in this district it would seem. I know there is a diverse socioeconomic status of the people in this district. Maybe that effected the vote.

The message is the children will suffer and fall behind other districts willing to invest in their future so for the generation to come those districts will have better educated citizens with good jobs and pay taxes in those communities while 279 still struggles. You call it a spending problem? What kind of problem will we have 15-20 years from now when our children cant compete for those higher earning jobs? You just cut off your nose to spite your face.

Very sad! How could someone vote down for their kids future? I chose MN because of its education priority, but someone decided to vote down.

What's sad is to accuse someone of being uninformed because you disagree with them.

I have three kids in the district, and I voted against the amendments. I read the information the school district sent home (more than once!) and considered it carefully. Nowhere was there any coherent argument about why the money was needed beyond "we'll need to lay off teachers" or "our kids will fall behind other districts." Nor was there any serious discussion of efforts to save money, to economize, or other cost saving measures. Our teachers are buying supplies out of their own pockets, and we're building sports domes with artificial turf and putting up new signs. Classrooms each have a projector - a projector! - in them.

I get that we need to spend some more money to keep up with progress. I really do. But every year, the schools ask for more money, and never - not once - have I heard about initiatives to do things differently, better, or more economically. If - and when - the schools begin to focus on efficiency and out-of-the-box thinking, they will have a much easier time convincing taxpayers to offer more funding. RIght now, it's like throwing money into the fire - nothing to show for it in the end.

Like the rest of us? Like the Republican Party of the State of Minnesota? Anybody with even a vague understanding of this school district knows the salary structures ihave been frozen for years while insurance, energy and other costs increase, and this levy was just to stay afloat. The money will be managed, and the belt will be tightened. This means already enormous classes will go up. My 5th grader has 34 kids in her class right now. We're in Osseo schools for one more year, then back in Anoka schools for jr. high, where we live. Who will open enroll in Osseo now?

Just an additional thought. As of the year 2005, the average spent in the US per pupil on public education was around $11,000. The average cost that same year for a charter school was $5500, and the average for a private school was near $8000. Both charter and private schools performed significantly better than the public schools. Why would we throw more money at government funded schools in those circumstances?

MJ - what, exactly, does the Republican party have to do with your comments? I could just as easily say that anyone with even a vague understanding of this district knows that they haven't made any significant attempts at reform in years; that their consistent answer to these issues is to ask for more money, and that it's hard to justify giving it to them in the face of what appears to (a majority of) voters as wasteful. Sure, costs do increase - with inflation, which has been at effectively zero for three years - and that's reasonable. Our property taxes have continued to go up each year, even as property values have fallen, which helps fund schools.

The district needs to make a case for why they need the money beyond the shameful guilt trips they have been offering in the past, and how they plan to use our tax dollars wisely. I would be the first one in line to vote for increases if they had just done that.

Message is that many of the middle income families with children will take off and go to a community that supports its children and leave the Osseo community to fall behind with increasing crime rates and a faster decline in property value. It is called INVESTING in the community and its FUTURE. Nothing is free and unfortunately other communities surrounding Osseo get this concept . . . but apparently there are some very self centered individuals who care for nothing but their own shortsighted gains.

Lee, just a thought, maybe do some research before voting your kids down. Here is an idea, there is this technology called the Internet, and the district even has what is called a WEBSITE!!!!! Yes, I know, this whole internet is a new thing for some uniformed folks. But seriously, don't wait for the district to spend money to spoon feed you information, go find it out for yourself and LOOK before voting down your child's education. Here are a few links for you to find out all of the answers you have posed questions to . . . too bad it is after the fact . . .

General levy information: http://www.district279.org/DistrictNews/Levy2012/index.cfm
Operating Levy Details: http://www.district279.org/DistrictNews/Levy2012/OpLevy.cfm
Technology Levy Details: http://www.district279.org/DistrictNews/Levy2012/TechLevy.cfm
Link to what they have done so far with details and cost reductions/savings: http://www.district279.org/DistrictNews/levy2012/Doc/CutExpenses.pdf

116 votes that will severely set our community back and behind our peers for years to come . . . so very sad.

Maybe you should go to a school board meeting Lee, no offense. Half of what Dean Henke ever brings up is how to do things more cost effectively. That's why my kids' school starts at 9:30, to save money on bus routes. Saving money has driven the discussion for years. And again, no offense, but your numbers don't sound real - cite your sources. Including bussing, Blake and Breck are well over 20 grand a year. And they don't serve all the special needs kids, which spike costs.

Lee is the only one on here that get's it

The district needs to make a case for why they need the money beyond the shameful guilt trips they have been offering in the past, and how they plan to use our tax dollars wisely. I would be the first one in line to vote for increases if they had just done that.

This is our problem in the entire country, spend more money, how about a plan to reduce spending, be more efficient...wow what a concept

We home school and are not getting an increase in our education funding. Anyone want to chip in for my child's education?

A projector? What era are we live in? I'm glad our own school PTO fundraiser to get some iPad for the kindergarten kids to explore. Please don't get me wrong, iPad is not a "game console" as some people might think of. Go to Apple store and try look at them and see how much education app for it.

$13 tax hike for medium home price, is that too much to ask? I know property tax go up every year, and who know why are the expense for those? But this levy is focus on our children education. They are the one will need to compete in the future, don't complain when job are ship oversea because we don't have resource and talent here.

Have you see the levy in Hopkins (700m+), Edina / Eden prairie (400m+ or something like that). They are much higher compare to us. I can believe we didn't vote for that. I hope my school still will find way to improve their technology. But nothing much they an do if they need to layoff some teachers. This is really bad.

The problem is $13 here $5 there. When you look at just this item it does not seem like a lot but when you total all the "little" tax hikes up and then you see the big amount. Why would you give children that young an ipad? I can see if you want to give a kindle fire or something like that to 3rd graders on up. Are they saying they can reduce book costs by using a reader type device? is the ipad the best choice? May kids these days have access to computers so I really do not see that value the way it is being sold today. Like I said, I home school my child and nobody is helping me out - there is hardly a tax credit.

I voted for both levies, strongly supported the technology levy, but I do agree the information given on the operating levy was vague and included generalities. . I'll admit I wasn't well versed on the details as I know others are, but as a teacher( in a neighboring district), I felt as if more specifics would have been helpful on their literature. I'm very concerned about the low ratings Osseo received last spring from the dept of Ed (see star tribune school ratings). Comparing Title I (higher poverty) schools in Wayzata district to non Title I (lower poverty) in the Osseo district, the scores were shocking. I'd like to hear specifically what the district is doing to change this.

For those quoting yearly student costs, look at the yearly costs of daycare, where student teacher ratios are mandated by state law. Depending on the age it is 4:1, 10:1, and 12:1 (for ages up to 12), now look at class sizes in the university system? How many kids sit in freshman lectures? 100-300 sometimes. How many people with learning challenges attend college? You think we should have our poorly paid teachers managing more than 32 1st graders in a class?? How much learning will go on? Go sit in on some elementary classes, volunteer, don't punish the children because you weren't given a better report. There have been major cuts over the last few years, class sizes have increased dramatically - there is a limit to how many cuts can be made and not signifficantly impact the education our kids receive. This was an emotional decision for more people than it was a well thought out one.

Unfortunately, I agree with the posts that said the information was vague -- I voted yes, but the material that was provided was terrible. In no way did the information that was provided 'sell' the proposals to anyone. There was no rational justification for the tax hikes. It was very close. Next time, get some help preparing material that sells/justifies the expenditures. The school district will now suffer for their failure to communicate.

In light of the levy failures (I voted for both), I do hope the district considers cuts in the mainstream classroom as last resort (increasing class size last levy failure was irresponsible). Significant administrative cuts should be the priority.

I have read all the posts and can "hear" both arguments. I voted YES because I believe one must invest in the future of not only the kids and schools but also the community. I agree that the information out there was not totally convincing but I have volunteered in the schools and community and know that money is needed. I cried when I heard that the levies failed because I know the teachers and administrators at my son's school are dedicated and the class sizes are already too large for my comfort. I do not want my son (or anyone else's child) to not get the education he deserves. Private schools are not the answer. We need strong public schools for this community and the country to succeed and compete in the future. I hope the school board gets better information - with details - put together and they try again soon.

Dr. Ferguson's comments are correct. Here is what the district said technology levy dollars would purchase:

"The levy will pay for computers and mobile devices that promote interactive
learning; replacements for classroom equipment, such as digital projectors
and video/audio systems; science equipment; instruments and programs for
writing music; and software and hardware for career and technical education.
Funds will also be used to equip and empower teachers to take full advantage
of technology-enhanced learning.
Finally, funds will be used to strengthen the district’s technology infrastructure.
You may be surprised to learn that the Osseo School District is the third
largest employer in the area, following Boston Scientific and Target. Just like
other major businesses, the school district needs a reliable technology
infrastructure that ensures efficient operations."

This is nothing more than pablum. District staff should be able to itemize - down to the specific technological device and where it will be placed - for each dollar spent. I understand some funds would be held back to address future technological needs, but that too should be itemized and explained.

Instead, we get a 27 page feel good powerpoint with no specificity. It's amazing these levies didn't fail by larger margins.

In case you're interested, here's a item I just posted that looks at the city-by-city breakdown of the yes/no levy votes: http://maplegrove.patch.com/articles/a-look-at-the-voting-for-the-osseo-school-district-279-levy-requests

LG-
I agree with Dr. Ferguson and Lee they really do get it. I actually called the ISD 279 offices and asked for a detailed explanation of the technology levy. Where and how the dollars were going to spent. I'm a technology professional, I feel that it's vital to our students to have the technology they need. I wanted to vote Yes, I really did. But I had to find out what and where the technology dollars were going. When I contacted the ISD 279 offices the person I spoke to told me that the information I was looking for wasn't available they would take a message and find out and have someone call me. Guess what? I never got a call back. That was all the answer I needed to vote No. As I stated I'm a technology professional, and I have to justify my spending to my peers and management in order to keep systems current and operational 24/7. If ISD 279 can't provide clear and concise information to the taxpayers, whom they are asking money from then we have no alternative but to vote No. My husband is a union employee and for the last 6 yrs they have voted down a pay raise so that they can keep their health care benefits within reason. We have to live within our means and salary requirements, I think it's about time ISD #279 do the same. If we can make personal sacrifices, cut spending and still provide for our family think of what a large school district can do if they balance their budgets and put kids and education first.

Again, I'm not against additional funding if there is need. But we are long past the time when we can afford to vote yes for something when the justification is "we really need it - trust us." If there is a need - a true need - I'm all for it. The district failed to justify the need.

Maybe it's unfair to lump all of this together, but as I look back at the last four years since the financial collapse, I look much more closely at how individuals and organizations reacted. My family cut back as needed, reduced our debt, and tried to be more careful with money. Most that I know did the same. The city of Maple Grove built a new library, a new outdoor concert venue, a new artificial turf practice field and sports dome at the high school, a new maintenance facility, plus more I'm sure. The school district bought new signs.

As someone else pointed out, that came from the capital budget, a different budget from the operating fund. Fine. But the money in the capital fund comes from somewhere, and if there's enough money in the capital fund for new signage, then contribute less to the capital fund and use that money for computers.

There seems to be a lack of seriousness on the part of governmental authorities everywhere, and no one seems to be able to say no. School funding is the worst offender sometimes, because it's so easy to demagogue the issue - "how can you vote against the kids! For shame!" All I ask for is for them to demonstrate the need.

So I understand that people want more specifics, but who figures out what those specifics are? Support staff.

Corporations are complicated structures, with complicated accounting systems that are not up for public scrutiny.

It's great to see people passionate about this but it is a little too late. Had they indicated the positives of what this funding was for versus the negatives of larger class sizes and laying off teachers, I believe it would have been approved. Haven't we done this before and our classes are busting at the seams- prior funding apparently didn't answer the problem.
Having one child in private and another in public, I see the points from both sides. With the private school- we have fundraisers, capital campaigns, galas, etc. to raise money for the school- then we as parents determine if and how much we give versus not having it rammed down our throat as another tax. Why can't Dist.279 do the same thing- then the 30,000+ that voted for the levies can donate whatever they want and you never know, the ones that voted against may just show up and pay more than the $13 it would have cost them.

Hello Everyone.
I’m School Board member Jim Burgett. I want to know why voters did not approve the two levy requests, so I’m compiling a list. So far, here is a paraphrased list of what people have mentioned already above:
1. Save money rather than put up “New and Fancy” signs in front of buildings (BP Resident)
2. We have a spending problem - Learn to manage money like the rest of us (TB)
3. No coherent argument about why we need the money (Lee)
4. No serious discussion of efforts to save money (Lee)
5. We’re building Sports Domes while teachers are buying supplies out of their own pockets (Lee)
6. Classrooms each have a projector! (Lee)
7. Every year schools ask for more money (Lee)
8. Never do I hear about how schools are doing things better, differently, or more economical (Lee)
9. It’s like throwing money at a fire – nothing to show for it in the end (Lee)
10. The proposal was emotion based, lacking in real figures. Tell us exactly how and why you will spend the money, and break it down by school. (Dr. Paul Ferguson)
11. Both charter ($5,500/year) and private schools ($8,000/year) performed significantly better than the public schools ($11,000/year). Why would we throw more money at government funded schools in those circumstances? (Lee)
12. Schools have adequate funding already, they aren’t spending it wisely (Lee)
13. The District did not define what adequate funding is, and/or why it is not adequate (Lee)

14. Sure, costs do increase, but inflation has been effectively at zero for three years (Lee)
15. Tell me why it costs almost as much for a k-12 education per year as it does for college? (Lee)
16. The district did a very very poor job at presenting their proposals (Dr. Paul Ferguson)
17. The problem is all the little tax hikes add up (Pine Cone)
18. What is the district doing to address the low ratings last spring from the dept. of Ed? (BE)
19. How much of the district staff is “teachers” and how much is “support staff” (Lee)
I see several common themes here, but I’d like to know if there are any more that have not been listed.
Thank you in advance,
Jim Burgett

If the district is asking us for our money, we have every right to ask for a financial plan and breakdown as to where every penny will be spent. Every business I know that asks for financial backers has a breakdown with specific numbers. The district is asking us for financial backing, and I, for one, will not vote yes until I have an exact breakdown as to how the money will be spent. I did not receive one thing at my house informing me of this levy. Not one.
Additionally, I worked for the district for many years - I know how they spend their money, and it is not on the teachers or the classroom. The district office is very top-heavy, and they all have hefty incomes. The district is very generous to a specific group of employees, and the teachers, classrooms, and students don't get the money the district said they would. So... if the district wants to ask me for my money, fine. But show me a financial plan that will be adhered to.

Laura - my perception of the district has been one that is top heavy. It's interesting to hear this from someone who worked there, too. Again, I strongly hope the district looks at administrative when making their cuts. Their literature suggests they will go for the classroom if levies didn't pass, yet I just don't think this is fiscally responsible or demonstrates a commitment to our children.

Mr. Burgett- thank you for taking the time to summarize the comments.

Just search the web on the stats on the Osseo district as far as per pupil spending .....found an interesting site designed for comparing communities that had been recently updated that compares the districts. Osseo already spends several hundred dollars more per pupil than Wayzata for education. Yet, they 'needed' more. Really would have liked to seen a detail explaination as to why rather than the usual threat of teachers cuts if they don't.

Mr. Burgett;

Thanks for dropping in. It's refreshing to see that someone from the district is listening in, and while this topic has gotten heated at times, a respectful discussion of the issues is always a good thing, and I think that is something we accomplished here.

It also seems to have stirred people to think about alternatives (Dtrain, for example, suggests private/public partnership funding, which is an interesting idea) to doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. We can, and must, do better, and with new and creative approaches I think we can.

In the end, my objections came down to a simple statement - when times are tough, citizens find ways to make do with less. We economize, we do without things, we ask for help from friends and family, and we pay more attention to how we spend our money. We expect the same thing from our elected officials, and if we feel like we are getting it, we are willing to entertain additional funding if it's justifiable.

Lee,
It is very helpful to hear the honest opinions of the community. I know that others on the Board are reading these comments too. We are trying to do the best we can in a difficult environment. We debated a long time before we unanimously (Dean too!) decided to ask our voters for additional funds. At the same time, we have been cutting costs and developing a long term budget plan. These comments will help us determine what level of detail is required for our voters to feel confident in their decisions. Do you have any other recommendations?
Thanks,
Jim

I have heard rumors about cutting the gifted education program due to the future budget cuts. I am hoping it's just a rumor!

Mr. Burgett,

Thank you for getting involved in this conversation. To be frank, I feel that both our school board and city council failed to educate and inform the community about these important levies. I’m not looking for you to share what was done. I’m strictly looking at the result. Whatever the aforementioned two entities did to share this information with voters, it was not enough to get the necessary support.

I’ve read through the comment thread in this discussion and it is clear that there is a teachable moment for your organization. I’m hoping that there are strategy discussions taking place to determine how to better work with our community to pass important legislation.

Full disclosure… I voted for both levies as I have children in the school system and had my fingers crossed that the money would be wisely invested in their education had the levies been passed. Most people don’t operate that way as shown in the voting results.

Ironically, as I write this, my son is writing a D.A.R.E. report on consequences. Food for thought.

I live 200 yards from Osseo elementary. I quietly watched while improvements were made on the school: new playground, new roof, new driveway, new windows. The levy failed then too. 279 indicated they didnt have enough operating expenses to keep the doors open at Osseo elementary. The school still lays dormant. This is a classic cart before the horse spending mentality. 279 Admin needs to be better stewards of our money, and be more candid about their budget plans. Money spent on upgrading facilites should come only after 279 can meet more important needs of paying for the basics: teacher salaries, transportation, lease, and keeping the fire burning in the boiler. What impact to teacher/student ratios and overall school population occured when all the students from Osseo elementary needed to be bused to other 279 elementary schools?

Everyone,
This is a very helpful discussion. I'm adding more items to the list:
20. Use partnerships of private/public funds like private schools (Dtrain)
21. The School Board and City Council failed to educate and inform the community about the levies. (Lee B. Salz)
22. The District Office is very top heavy, with hefty incomes. The money should go to the Teachers and into the classroom. (Laura, BE)
23. Osseo already spends several hundred more per pupil than Wayzata. . . need explanation for use of funds (B)
24. When times are tough, the community makes do with less, so should elected officials (Lee)
25. Golden thread of agreement with different groups . . . Not to use the money for admin pay raises, Post the operating budget, Show a comprehensive plan (Dr Paul Ferguson)
26. Be better stewards of our money, spend on facilities only after more important needs (Dr Paul Ferguson)

One more issue is trust. What can the Board do to earn the trust of the community?
Thanks,
Jim Burgett - School Board Member

I just recently moved from Minnetonka (school area) to District 279 (where I attended school for my k 12 education). All my children went to a private school for many years (for less than 10,000.00 per year) and then when we moved them to public schools they transitioned fine to the larger class sizes. Trust me that the amount of money needs NEVER stops, the abuse of the districts spending is WAY out of control. I poured over the Minnetonka budget more than once and found HUGE places where spending could be cut. When discussed the board came up with lame excuses why they needed several of these things.

When the district comes with a request for money, they need to be much more specific in what, when and where they are going to spend the money. Salaries for ALL need to be considered and included in this "need" (and not just the check, but include ALL benefits in what the total earned is) then if needed cut or freeze these expenses (if the real thing is FOR THE KIDS)

I understand that 85% of the district budget is union salaries... in such difficult times where we all are cutting back and making due with less, the district asking for more and more and more seems excessive to me. Wouldn't it be nice if we can vote all of our taxes like this! Government would be smaller and more responsive to our needs then! More money doesn't mean better schools, it just means that more money to the teachers unions. What the district needs is real reform - accountable teachers who share in the economic hard times we all are experiencing. It doesn't have to mean fewer teachers, but perhaps ones that are willing to make due with less like the rest of us are!

It would be so nice if teachers actually had an income that the public perceives, but the truth is, they don't. And the classroom support staff (ESPs) do not earn an livable income. Many of the ESPs have second and third jobs just to get by. As I said before, this district is very top-heavy, and the majority of any levy monies will continue to pad the pockets of those at the top, not go to the teachers, the classrooms, nor the students. Unless or until the district is willing to make cuts at the district-administrative level, and to cut salaries at the administrative level, I will continue to vote against any proposed levy, and will encourage all those around me to do the same. We all are expected to work within our budgets, and I expect nothing less from District 279. I make do without an income increase, and the district can make do without an income increase.

FYI - Since the Levy failure, we have been continuing to solicit feedback from the community regarding the resulting budget cuts. The online survey has been completed, and there are three Community Forum opportunities to provide feedback on the latest proposals. To see the proposals, go the the www.district279.org website, and click on the "Budget Reductions" link on the right side of the page. The forums are also listed there as follows:
>> Wed, Feb 6, 6-7:30 p.m.: Maple Grove Senior High Forum Room
>> Thu, Feb 7, 6-7:30 p.m.: Park Center Senior High Media Center
>> Mon, Feb 11, 6-7:30 p.m.: Osseo Senior High Forum Room

I'll be at all three forums. I hope to see you there! Thanks,
Jim Burgett, School Board Treasurer, District 279 Osseo Area Schools