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This story could this have been written by the Red Plan's publicist Greenfield Communications. Published June 24 2009 Let Duluth Vote group details its alternative school facilities planThe anti-red plan group Let Duluth Vote unveiled the details of its own building plan for the Duluth school district Tuesday night.Known as Plan B, the red plan alternative was developed with the help of ATS&R Planners/ Architects/Engineers. It now will be sent to the Minnesota Department of Education for review. Most notable is that it calls for keeping most schools open and costs about $100 million less than the red plan. But despite the decreased cost, the plan would have a tax impact similar to the red plan. A comparison of both plans is provided in the accompanying chart. Q: Why are the tax impacts for the two projects so similar when Plan B costs $100 million less than red plan? A: The main reason is the Duluth school district’s decision to use operational savings gained through consolidations in the red plan — about $5.3 million — to pay down tax impact. Plan B generates less operational savings — about $1.1 million — which Let Duluth Vote indicated it would rather use to pay for programs than to pay down costs of the building plan, said Roger Giroux, senior adviser of school operations for ATS&R. Art Johnston, one of the members of Let Duluth Vote, said his group doubts the district will be able to realize the amount of savings it projects. “On paper, that is what the district is trying to claim, but it’s pure hogwash,” Johnston said, citing as an example rising utility costs that could eat away at those savings. “What happens if those savings don’t come through for whatever reason?” he asked. “Suddenly the [red plan] is going to cost a lot more money.” Bill Hanson, business director for the Duluth school district, said the red plan’s savings are based on efficiencies gained by closing schools. Some are related to reduced utility costs but most come by eliminating staff members no longer necessary with fewer buildings. “The only way we won’t see those savings is if we don’t close the schools we’re planning to close,” Hanson said. Q: Why are there differences in the scope of work between the two plans? A: Johnston said members of Let Duluth Vote did not think all the work included in the red plan was necessary, such as $8 million to install Smart Boards. Let Duluth Vote omitted the boards in its plans because the group said the money could be better spent on programming. Johnston said Plan B focuses on work that is truly necessary, such as fixing health, safety and handicap accessibility issues, adhering to building code and fire code standards and remodeling schools to meet current educational adequacy standards. Kerry Leider, the school district’s property and risk manager, said all the work included in the red plan is necessary and that Plan B pushes off a lot deferred maintenance costs the district will eventually have to pay. Q: Where did Plan B come from and what does it mean for the Duluth school district? A: Plan B reflects petition language signed by more than 3,000 residents more than a year ago that asked for an alternative to the red plan. Because of the number of signatures, the district was required to help Let Duluth Vote develop the petition into a detailed building plan to be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for review. The document will be sent this week and the department has from 60 to 90 days issue a review. If it is favorable, Plan B will be put up to Duluth school district voters for a nonbinding referendum. |
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