260 likes | 462 Views
Efficient Education Jeff Hellrung Keith Knauss Citizens for Efficient Education. Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities Myth. Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities Myth. Stellar Academic Performance Top 1% in PA last 4 years in PSSA results 7 national merit finalists 2007
E N D
Efficient Education Jeff HellrungKeith KnaussCitizens for Efficient Education
Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities Myth • Stellar Academic Performance • Top 1% in PA last 4 years in PSSA results • 7 national merit finalists 2007 • 92% of graduates pursue higher education
Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities Myth • Stellar Academic Performance • Top 1% in PA last 4 years in PSSA results • 7 national merit finalists 2007 • 92% of graduates pursue higher education • Top Athletic Performance • Football 2005, 2006 SCCL champs • Cross country 4 year SCCL champs • Soccer 2006 state finals
Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities Myth • Stellar Academic Performance • Top 1% in PA last 4 years in PSSA results • 7 national merit finalists 2007 • 92% of graduates pursue higher education • Top Athletic Performance • Football 2005, 2006 SCCL champs • Cross country 4 year SCCL champs • Soccer 2006 state finals • Ongoing Excellence in the Arts • Students selected yearly for district band, orchestra & choir • Sold out musicals
Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities Myth • Stellar Academic Performance • Top 1% in PA last 4 years in PSSA results • 7 national merit finalists 2007 • 92% of graduates pursue higher education • Top Athletic Performance • Football 2005, 2006 SCCL champs • Cross country 4 year SCCL champs • Soccer 2006 state finals • Ongoing Excellence in the Arts • Students selected yearly for district band, orchestra & choir • Sold out musicals • 1350 students, 79 classrooms = 17 students/classroom
More Money=Better Education Myth “We need more money to provide a better education.”
More Money=Better Education Myth • Top performers -
More Money=Better Education Myth • Top performers -
It’s 0nly a Small Tax Increase Myth Average household bill for this project: $12,000 financed over 25 years Tax increase for this project: 10% $108M/8,970 households = $12,000 $12,000/25 yrs/$5,000 = 10%
Higher Property Value Myth “This project will increase property values.”
Higher Property Value Myth The fastest, most direct way to lower property values is put an $12,000 tax burden on every property in the district
Our Assessment of the Project We agree that the high school should be renovated and expanded BUT We disagree on the scope, the frills and the high cost
3 Common Sense Tests • Are there easily identifiable frills? • Has it be done for less? • Are there less expensive alternatives?
The “are there easily identifiable frills?” test • Stadium $2.4M Astroturf field - $1.2M , Bleachers - $953K PA System – $190K, Press Box - $163K • 1200 Seat, Two Story Auditorium – $4.5M • 2 More Astroturf Fields - $2.4M • 2,000 Seat Gym – $??M • Human Performance Lab – $??M • Recording Studio - $??M • 5 Student Activity Rooms - ?$M • Fitness/Dance/Yoga Center - ?$M Steven’s property plus several fields ??$M
The “have others done it for less?” test • Completely new Pocopson Elementary completed in 2003 for $17M • Sun Valley HS renovated & expanded 2006 for $16M • Kennett HS renovated & expanded in 2006 for $38M • Completely new Bayard Rustin HS completed in 2006 for $86M
The “are there less expensive alternatives?” test • Two alternatives offered to the UCF school board in April 2006 by KCBA Architects for below $25M
Conclusion • Are there easily identifiable frills? YES • Has it be done for less? YES • Are there less expensive alternatives? YES • A $62M picture of excess supported by myths
Country Club Schools Vote NO on November 6th