(you can also find the following on-line at http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/district/referendum_outcome.shtml) As many of you know, Minneapolis voters approved the renewal of the Better Schools Referendum by a vote of 114,152 yes (73%) to 43,021 no (27%). There were 6,444 more voters in 2000 than when the 1996 referendum passed. This renewed levy will go into effect in 2002 and last for eight years. Please note that the bright yellow "Thank you, Minneapolis! Continue to Expect Great Things" banners hanging on all Minneapolis schools were paid for by the Citizens’ Vote Yes committee. The following is a message from Superintendent Carol Johnson and Board Chair Judy Farmer: In an overwhelming show of support for public schools, Minneapolis voters approved renewal of the Better School Referendum levy to keep classes small and provide early childhood education opportunities. The levy is a continuation of one approved in 1990 and again 1996. We are extremely grateful to Minneapolis residents for their strong support of our students and our schools. We want to thank all of the volunteers, parents, staff, students and community members who worked tirelessly on behalf of this referendum. Our first priority continues to be delivering a quality education to the children of this city. We have shown measurable success in academic achievement for all student groups over the past several years and we intend to build on our success and accelerate achievement for all students. We should all be encouraged by the show of support our community has demonstrated for our schools. Only 18 % of Minneapolis voters have children in our schools. Even though 82% of Minneapolis voters do not have children in our public schools, the vast majority of them still sent a clear message that they support and believe in our schools. Thankfully, we can continue to assure our families that their children will learn in small classroom environments. District research shows that small classes matter. Students who were taught in small classes for seven years passed the eighth grade state tests in reading and math at almost twice the rate of students who were new to the district. Overall, passing rates on MN Basic Standards Tests have improved each of the last four years. All student groups are achieving at higher levels with the help of referendum revenue. We know that being accountable for the extra revenue provided by this referendum is important to Minneapolis voters. They expect us to live up to our message: “Minneapolis Public Schools. Expect Great Things.” We intend to do so. -- Debbie Urbanski Communications Department 612-668-0233 Minneapolis Public Schools. Expect Great Things. http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us
