Jim Krakowski Comments on Apr. 2 Lake County School Board Meeting

Guest Columnist: Jim Krakowski

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My comments / observation regarding April 2, 2012 Lake County (FL) School Board Meeting.

(Jim Krakowski 4/4/12)   -  Krakowski is active in the South Lake County 912/Tea Party

April 2nd “special” school board meeting focused on three issues … one dealing with finances, one with operations and one with education.

Finance:  There are approximately $16 million of bonds funded by sales taxes that can be “re-financed” at a much lower rate.  According to the districts CFO (Carol MacLeod) these bonds have a current interest rate of 3% - 5% and can be refinanced at 1.22%. 

The district currently has over $39 million of funds that are earmarked for capital projects.  Impact fees generated these funds.  I asked “… is it possible to

pay off the $16 million in bonds and use the sales tax revenue stream to fund the replacement of school buses or HVAC systems that are in need of repairs or replacement …” I was informed that none of the $39 million can be used to retire the $16 million because the purposes of each are different.  Apparently one fund cannot be used to retire bonds that had another purpose.  What does not make sense is that funds generated by the impact fees can only be used for construction and the funds generated by this sales tax can only be used for repairs of existing facilities … at least that is how I understand the explanation by the CFO.  What is not clear is why portions of the $39 million are slated to be used to repair / renovate school in Eustis and Mount Dora, and these sales tax generated funds can also be used for repairs.

The board voted 4 to 0 (Ms Fischer was absent) to lock into the 1.22% rate and thus the district is now committed to move forward with the refinancing of the $16 million of bonds.

The district has roughly $500 million in outstanding debt.  The trend for property taxes is projected at best to remain flat, and the economy will continue to be depressed.  Over the next several months other district bonds will be in a position to be refinanced.  I suggest that before moving forward with refinancing, the district should first review using this $39 million to retire those bonds, and use that income stream to fund bus replacements, repairs, replacement of equipment, etc.

Operations:  During the summer break, the maintenance of the school facilities must continue.  The question is how can this be accomplished in a cost effective way.  The staff presented their proposed plan without having to have full-time employees at each facility throughout the summer.  The plan presented was thoughtful and appeared to address all of the significant issues.  Maintenance teams were established … assignments for each team were created … times at each facility were set.  Before the team moves on to their next assignment, the principal of the school is required to do a “walk-through” of their school.

The plan was well thought out, and should be an effective and cost efficient way to provide the needed maintenance during the summer break. 

Education:  Alee Charter works with students that have a multitude of issues … emotional, disciplinary, self-esteem. etc.  Since Alee is a charter school, they are under contract with the district and that contract is close to term.  They are asking for a ten-year renewal. 

Starting this year all students at Alee must be included in the calculations used by the state and federal governments when grading the district’s performance.  Although the students were tested, they were excluded from these calculations in previous years.  This made sense especially when they are dealing with some very troubled and challenged kids.

However, for some reason the state and federal elected officials determined that ALL students must be treated the same irrespective of their emotional, physical or mental difficulties.  Alee student performance for last years is as follows:

            FCAT Reading           5%

            FCAT Math                13%

            FCAT Science            9%

            FCAT Writing            95%

Graduation               20% (based on graduating in 4 years from when the student starts the 9^th grade)

Although reading, math and science proficiencies are not acceptable even with the type of students they are trying to educate, should the state and federal government require all students to be classified the same?  This makes a strong argument for “local control” vs. Tallahassee and Washington DC control.

I would expect the contract to be renewed because this type of program is needed.  What is being required by the superintendent and board members is a specific plan by Alee administration on how they will improve proficiencies.  I am a believer in “… What Gets Measured Gets Done …” 

My comment is … how are other districts handling these students?  We have an A rated county bordering Lake to the north and an A rated county bordering Lake to the south.  Maybe LCS should review what they are doing, what metrics they are using and incorporate “best practices” into our district.