School Officials Push Referendum During Public Tour Of New School
Paul Olson Elementary Is LEED-Certified Green School
Updated: 8:08 am CDT September 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- Madison's newest elementary school, Paul Olson Elementary, opened its doors two weeks ago to students for the start of the school year.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportOn Sunday, the school opened its doors to the public for the first time -- giving others the chance to see what Mala Mather's family is excited about."I have a third grader, a kindergartener and next year we'll have another kindergartener, so we'll have three here next year," said Mathur.The library is still stocking up on books, but this LEED certified green school has other rooms to grow as well."I hope this is a reminder of what kind of quality can be arrived at," said Madison School Superintendent Dan Nerad. "But we also have to look at ensuring quality in all of our schools and providing an education for all of our kids."Nerad said the upcoming school referendum is part of that quality. It asks taxpayers for $13 million over three years.District officials said with the election just weeks away, the board is beginning efforts to educate voters."I think what's most important is to educate around the need and what happens in terms of a reduction in programs and services if we're not successful," said Nerad. "To be very clear, but not be alarming about it, to provide good information about it."If passed, the referendum would cost Madison homeowners $27.50 more on the average $250,000 home.Over the three-year span, school officials said those same taxes would go up to $91.50.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportOn Sunday, the school opened its doors to the public for the first time -- giving others the chance to see what Mala Mather's family is excited about."I have a third grader, a kindergartener and next year we'll have another kindergartener, so we'll have three here next year," said Mathur.The library is still stocking up on books, but this LEED certified green school has other rooms to grow as well."I hope this is a reminder of what kind of quality can be arrived at," said Madison School Superintendent Dan Nerad. "But we also have to look at ensuring quality in all of our schools and providing an education for all of our kids."Nerad said the upcoming school referendum is part of that quality. It asks taxpayers for $13 million over three years.District officials said with the election just weeks away, the board is beginning efforts to educate voters."I think what's most important is to educate around the need and what happens in terms of a reduction in programs and services if we're not successful," said Nerad. "To be very clear, but not be alarming about it, to provide good information about it."If passed, the referendum would cost Madison homeowners $27.50 more on the average $250,000 home.Over the three-year span, school officials said those same taxes would go up to $91.50. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
