Engadine Consolidated Schools Seeks One Mill for Sinking Fund

Engadine Consolidated Schools will seek one mill for two years in the Tuesday, May 8, election. The mill, which will collect $134,921 in 2007 if approved, will create a sinking fund for the construction or repair of school buildings and site.

Replacing single-pane windows at the school with more energy efficient windows will be the top priority for the fund, said Angie MacArthur, business administrator and elementary coordinator.

"Our primary focus is to replace single-pane windows or really large ones with energy efficient ones to save the district money," she said. "The building was renovated in 1995 and we are looking for an avenue to make repairs so we can make it energy efficient and a nice building for the whole community."

Replacing or downsizing about 60 problem windows throughout the building would take the bulk of the sinking fund, she said, and other projects on the school's wish list that may be covered by the fund would be to upgrade lighting and ceilings in the original high school portion of the building, constructed in 1967, and to replace some damaged exterior brick.

If voters approve the mill, the fund cannot be used for operating expenses or salaries.

One mill is $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

Robyn Albrecht Unopposed

in Seeking School Board Seat

Robyn Albrecht is running unopposed for a four-year term on the Engadine Consolidated Schools Board of Education May 8. She will replace outgoing trustee Mary Formolo.

A resident of Garnet, she is a golf course pro-shop manager at Hiawatha Sportsmen's Club, and is a graduate of high school and trade school. She is married, with two children, and previously served on the school board. She was appointed to the board in 2000, elected in 2001, and resigned in 2002.

The small school atmosphere and high degree of parent involvement are the district's foremost strengths, she said, while state funding and special education issues are its most pressing challenges. She encourages community residents to regularly attend school board meetings to learn about school issues, from both "business and educational aspects."

"I will make every effort to serve and listen to the people of the district," Mrs. Albrecht said, "and also to present the challenges which the school district faces today. I've served on the board in the past and am familiar with board procedures."

The district is doing a good job of preparing its students for college, she said, and standardized test scores illustrate that. She would like to see the school board work with other area schools to emphasize vocational training classes.