Supporters of the the District 241 excess levy referendum need look no further than the halls of Albert Lea High School for backers of the request.

Sunday, October 28, 2001

Supporters of the the District 241 excess levy referendum need look no further than the halls of Albert Lea High School for backers of the request.

In addition to teachers and staff throughout the district, about one quarter of ALHS seniors are 18 years old and eligible to vote Nov. 6, said Mark Stotts, director of finance.

&uot;We’re trying to educate all voters about the reasons we’re asking for this referendum. We’re not about to ignore our own students,&uot; he said.

Stotts took his well-polished referendum presentation to the high school Friday, speaking to seniors in economics and government classes. He fielded asked questions ranging from how the district’s funding is spent to why the enrollment has dropped almost 50 percent in 25 years.

At least four students came away from the presentation with a determination to vote for the referendum.

Mandi Blenka said she favors the levy request if it would help lift the school closer to the state average in per-pupil spending.

&uot;I was surprised our spending is so low, especially compared to the smaller schools around here,&uot; said Mandi Blenka, whose mother works for the district. &uot;There’s something not right about that. It doesn’t make sense.&uot;

Isaac Walton was not even aware that a levy referendum was going before the voters next month. He said he also planned on voting for the funding increase.

&uot;If everyone is getting tax breaks this year anyway, I don’t see why anyone would go against it. People probably won’t even notice a few bucks more,&uot; he said.

Stotts’ presentation opened the eyes of Patricia Salisbury, who plans on sharing some of the information with her parents.

&uot;I’m going to ask them about it – find out what they plan to do,&uot; she said. &uot;Maybe I’ll change their mind if they’re against it.&uot;

Jordan Frayne has already heard a lot of conversation about the issue from his mother, Jean Jordan, principal at Lakeview Elementary.

&uot;I guess I knew some things before, but a lot of what I heard today was pretty interesting,&uot; he said. &uot;Schools are getting less than inflation – I couldn’t believe that. No wonder so many schools are going for more money this year.&uot;

Students who are eligible voters can register at the polls by bringing valid identification such as a driver’s license.