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COUNCIL MINUTES „ '' SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 A. CONSIDERATION OF EXPENDITURES: i) September 23, 2002 (Check No. 66108 66238, $277,093.93) ii) Centennial Fire District (Check No. 13398 — 13420, $11,756.28) OPEN MIKE Approved Approved John Christiansen, Superintendent of Centennial Schools — Presentation on School's Operating Levy — Mayor Bergeson welcomed John Christiansen; Superintendent of Centennial Schools to the meeting. John Christiansen, Superintendent of Centennial Schools, provis of background information and an update on the operating levy that will be on the Nove ' 12 ballot. He stated he is visiting each of the district's city councils to provide that a� a o d information and advise of public informational meeting dates. Mr. Christiansen explain �e different types of referendums: bond referendum for building and construction projec °r. operating levy referendum to add dollars to the operating revenue for overhead costs, utilitie . m • p ie , personnel, etc. The request before the voters on November 5, would generate $426/stud nt or out $3.4 million annually to assist in operating revenue. He explained that they parte' e equalization program in the State of Minnesota, noting that $1.3 million would b erated locally and $2.1 million from the State of Minnesota. Mr. Christiansen noted the operating commented on the impact due to school district expenses that will con projected revenue needs an current assumptions. arisons with surrounding school districts. He tate funding, slowed enrollment growth, and grow with revenue not keeping pace. He noted the on per year over the next seven to eight years based on Mr. Christiansen presented a chidentifying the estimated taxable market value and year 2004 monthly increase should the referendum pass. He explained that the proposed levy will allow them to continue operating at the current rate without the need to eliminate staff or cut programs. Mr. Christiansen noted the basic standards test results for their students which identify the students are doing very well. Should the levy not pass, they will continue to look at all operations and reduce budgets for training, workshops, mini -grants, and curriculum studies. They would also look at the possibility of delaying frequency for updating textbooks and other classroom materials. In addition, they will look at reducing support services personnel. Councilmember Dahl asked if this would provide an additional $426 per student and how much it is now. Mr. Christiansen stated it is currently $39 per student and includes the State portion. Currently