Non-profit group will raise money to keep programs alive

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 18, 2001

School supporters disappointed by the defeat of the levy referendum may get a chance to vote with their checkbooks.

Tuesday, December 18, 2001

School supporters disappointed by the defeat of the levy referendum may get a chance to vote with their checkbooks.

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The same group of citizens who spearheaded the drive to raise private money for the high school’s bronze tiger and grand piano, among other things, announced a new initiative Monday: Residents who would rather see their property tax cut go to schools can donate to the non-profit organization, which will use it to keep cut or threatened programs running.

&uot;We have an opportunity to do some things to help support fundamental education,&uot; said Steve Schwartz, a former school board member. He brought the idea to the school board on behalf of the Albert Lea Education Foundation.

Many homeowners will see property-tax reductions of around 30 percent next year, Schwartz said – including a drop of more than 57 percent in the school portion of their taxes. The foundation is encouraging people to donate all or part of their tax savings to help the school district.

&uot;It may be a long shot, but wouldn’t it be neat if in the face of all this stuff, the community stood up and said, ‘we were wrong in voting no on the referendum,’&uot; Schwartz said.

The group plans to conduct an ongoing campaign to raise money from individuals and businesses to support the school, but will focus its initial efforts on the money people will save on their property taxes, he said.

The donations would be tax deductible, offering an incentive for residents to give, Schwartz said.

&uot;This has not been a time of great optimism for many of us serving on this board, and this is perhaps the most optimistic thing any of us have heard in a while,&uot; board chairwoman Carol Haun said of the idea.

The foundation was born when the school district cut the amount of its bond referendum, which paid for the new high school and other facilities improvements. The group’s mission was to make up the difference between what the district originally wanted and what it received. Members raised around $100,000 to pay for some amenities the district cut from its project, like the tiger and the piano.

The foundation will accept donations sent to Box 828, Albert Lea, 56007. For more information, call Al Arends at 373-1896.