Hermantown school district residents beware: There's no actual physical school plan; currently there is just a proposal from Johnson Controls, the same Johnson Controls that left Duluth and other area districts with financial shortfalls, construction issues and other problems. No intelligent person should support any plan that isn't available for review, especially one with a cost of $48.9 million.
Proponents of passing Hermantown's levy question Tuesday aren't being above-board if they don't point out the levy includes a graduated interest rate on the bond, as was presented to the Minnesota Department of Education. As the grass-roots Hermantown CARE opposition group determined, the interest will increase every five years, the interest alone will be almost $30 million, and the total levy will be almost $80 million.
Hermantown residents will pay about $38,500 per student, Hermantown CARE determined. Duluth, with all its problems incurred by the Red Plan, pays less: $37,000 per student. Taxes in Hermantown will increase approximately 15 percent, the group has said.
The economy, businesses and families are struggling. To burden taxpayers more than absolutely necessary is irresponsible. And $48.9 million in spending is not necessary!
Hermantown district residents concerned about the exorbitant price tag and the involvement of Johnson Controls attended School Board and other meetings. It became apparent committees consisting mainly of Johnson Control advisors, school administration and staff -- and few parents and local business people -- would not settle for less than a new high school. Remodeling the middle school (a solid building) seemed out of the question.
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Proponents claim mold is a health hazard. Don't be fooled; mold can be dealt with in a cost-effective manner. If Hermantown schools were truly unsafe, the Minnesota Department of Education would have closed them long ago.
Hermantown district residents: Don't fall for fear-mongering. Vote no on Tuesday's levy question.
Jennifer Wilson
Hermantown
