District 197 Chalk Talk: Levy Approved, Staff and Programs Recognized

The West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School Board approved the payable 2012 property tax levy Monday night following the annual Truth in Taxation hearing.

The district’s total levy will increase by about 16 percent or $2.9 million, said Director of Finance Brian Schultz, with most of that attributable to the passed by voters in November.  No residents spoke at the hearing.

Schultz detailed how the state’s transition from a market value homestead credit to a market value homestead exclusion has resulted in property tax increases across the state despite a decrease in home values. The change has caused an average 2.2 percent increase in District 197 resident taxes, according to Schultz. Though the impact varies greatly, the statewide average is 4.7 percent.

• A Garlough bus driver, Dennis Stricker, was recognized for the work he does to motivate kids before they even get to class in the morning.  Stricker is known for providing trivia questions, mental exercises and encouragement to his riders. “What he’s doing helps kids’ brains prepare for learning that day,” said GEMS Principal Susan Powell.

• Associate Principal Pat Johnson introduced College in the Schools instructors John Kelly (exercise physiology), Jason Laux (French 4 and 5) and Anthony Kienitz (German 3 and 4). The teachers were recognized for their work in the program that provides college credit to students. This year 150 students have enrolled. By earning college credits in high school, students and their families save on the cost of college tuition. “It provides opportunities for our students that they really wouldn’t have (otherwise),” said Interim Superintendent Tom Nelson. “It’s not just the money. It’s the challenging courses that we can provide them.”

• Henry Sibley teacher Doug Sisk now teaches two sections of Intro to Engineering as part of , which received a $25,000 3M grant this year to purchase a 3-D printer. Sisk described a “monumental increase” in interest in the class. Sibley Associate Principal Pat Johnson introduced Barbara Kaufmann, the manager of community affairs for the 3M Foundation and Jim Mecklenburg, the Project Lead the Way program director for the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence—both have helped shape the new engineering-oriented program in the district. 

• Robin Rainford, Cristina Gillette and Laurie Tostrud were recognized for their contributions to the school board. All three decided not to . Gillette was recognized for her work standardizing and updating district policies as well as the communication and listening protocol of the board. Tostrud was recognized for her involvement and volunteer hours on boards and organizations where a district presence was needed. Rainford was recognized for her ability to lead the board and ensure that they focused on top priorities.

• Students and teachers from Moreland Arts and Health Sciences Magnet School showed board members and the audience how they incorporate healthy activities as well as artistic endeavors into their learning. Students showed the board how they practice writing about their artwork on iPads, and led the board through a series of simple exercises.

• The is compiling a draft report of recommendations for the district, according to board member Mark Spurr. A final draft is expected to be presented to the board before their next meeting.

• Board is considering whether or not to allow former board members of member districts to serve on its board moving forward.  Cristina Gillette, the District 197 representative on EMID, is in favor of the proposition because she said EMID will require a great time commitment moving forward. She also said she would be interested in continuing on with EMID after she leaves District 197’s board.

• District 197’s LIVEGREEN program, which enhances energy savings and reduces waste, has saved the district $1.5 million since 2003, according to Director of Operations Mark Fortman and Sustainability Supervisor Lisa Johnson. The district sends about 42 percent of its waste to landfills, whereas before the program began about 70 percent of waste ended up in a landfill.