Efficient Education Jeff Hellrung Keith Knauss Citizens for Efficient Education.

Efficient Education Efficient Education

Jeff HellrungJeff HellrungKeith KnaussKeith Knauss

Citizens for Efficient EducationCitizens for Efficient Education

Substandard & Overcrowded Substandard & Overcrowded Facilities MythFacilities Myth


Stellar Academic Performance– Top 1% in PA last 4 years in PSSA results– 7 national merit finalists 2007– 92% of graduates pursue higher education



Top Athletic Performance– Football 2005, 2006 SCCL champs– Cross country 4 year SCCL champs– Soccer 2006 state finals




Ongoing Excellence in the Arts– Students selected yearly for district band, orchestra & choir– Sold out musicals




Ongoing Excellence in the Arts– Students selected yearly for district band, orchestra & choir– Sold out musicals

1350 students, 79 classrooms = 17 students/classroom

School Board ProjectionsLast Year

Exploding Enrollment MythExploding Enrollment Myth

1600

Exploding Enrollment MythExploding Enrollment Myth

PA Dept of Ed Projection

1984-85

More Money=Better Education MythMore Money=Better Education Myth

“We need more money to provide a better education.”

More Money=Better Education MythMore Money=Better Education Myth

Top performers -

1520$11,874 CENTRAL BUCKS SD

1488$14,217 GARNET VALLEY SD

1518$14,273 UPPER DUBLIN SD

1525$14,709 LOWER MORELAND TOWNSHIP

1544$14,988 UNIONVILLE-CHADDS FORD

1492$15,258 WALLINGFORD-SWARTHMORE

1553$15,317 TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN SD

1492$17,895 RADNOR TOWNSHIP SD

1504$21,419 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY SD

1512$23,976 LOWER MERION SD

PSSA$s per StudentSchool District

1520$11,874 CENTRAL BUCKS SD

1488$14,217 GARNET VALLEY SD

1518$14,273 UPPER DUBLIN SD

1525$14,709 LOWER MORELAND TOWNSHIP

1544$14,988 UNIONVILLE-CHADDS FORD

1492$15,258 WALLINGFORD-SWARTHMORE

1553$15,317 TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN SD

1492$17,895 RADNOR TOWNSHIP SD

1504$21,419 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY SD

1512$23,976 LOWER MERION SD

PSSA$s per StudentSchool District

More Money=Better Education MythMore Money=Better Education MythActual Data

PSSA Scores vs Spending

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600

$9,000 $11,000 $13,000 $15,000 $17,000 $19,000 $21,000 $23,000 $25,000

per Student Spending 06-07

PS

SA

Co

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osi

te 0

4-05

Lower MerionNew Hope

Radnor

TEUCF

C Bucks U Dublin

W-SL MorGV

It’s 0nly a Small Tax Increase MythIt’s 0nly a Small Tax Increase Myth

It’s 0nly a Small Tax Increase MythIt’s 0nly a Small Tax Increase Myth

Average household bill for this project:$12,000 financed over 25 years

Tax increase for this project:10%

$108M/8,970 households = $12,000$12,000/25 yrs/$5,000 = 10%

Higher Property Value MythHigher Property Value Myth

“This project will increase property values.”

Higher Property Value MythHigher Property Value Myth

The fastest, most direct way to lower property values is put an $12,000 tax burden on

every property in the district

Our Assessment of the ProjectOur Assessment of the Project

We agree that the high school should be renovated and expanded

BUT

We disagree on the scope, the frills and the high cost

3 Common Sense Tests3 Common Sense Tests

1. Are there easily identifiable frills?

2. Has it be done for less?

3. Are there less expensive alternatives?

The “are there easily The “are there easily identifiable frills?” testidentifiable frills?” test

Stadium $2.4M

Astroturf field - $1.2M , Bleachers - $953K

PA System – $190K, Press Box - $163K

1200 Seat, Two Story Auditorium – $4.5M 2 More Astroturf Fields - $2.4M 2,000 Seat Gym – $??M Human Performance Lab – $??M Recording Studio - $??M 5 Student Activity Rooms - ?$M Fitness/Dance/Yoga Center - ?$M

Steven’s propertyplus several fields ??$M

The “have others done it for The “have others done it for less?” testless?” test

Completely new Pocopson Elementary completed in 2003 for $17M

Sun Valley HS renovated & expanded 2006 for $16M

Kennett HS renovated & expanded in 2006 for $38M

Completely new Bayard Rustin HS completed in 2006 for $86M

The “are there less expensive The “are there less expensive alternatives?” testalternatives?” test

Two alternatives offered to the UCF school board in April 2006 by KCBA Architects for below $25M


$14.6M


$21.5M

ConclusionConclusion

1. Are there easily identifiable frills? YES

2. Has it be done for less? YES

3. Are there less expensive alternatives? YES

A $62M picture of excess supported by

myths

Edifice EnvyEdifice Envy

Vote NO on November 6th

Efficient Education Jeff Hellrung Keith Knauss Citizens for Efficient Education.

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