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Albany voters approve two school referendums

ALBANY — Cheers erupted from Albany Lanes when the results of the two Albany school referendums showed up on the TVs.

“It’s a fantastic feeling, just to know you have that kind of support from your community,” said District Administrator Steve Guenther, who was celebrating with district supporters at the bowling alley.

Albany School District voters overwhelmingly approved spending $3.75 million in two referendums that will upgrade the school and exceed the revenue cap for the next four years.

The Albany area suffered job loss not only from General Motors but the closure of the Ogden manufacturing plant in Albany and other manufacturing layoffs in nearby Brodhead.

“With this economic climate, for people to support us the way they have is overwhelming,” said Fairy Elmer, school board president. “It just shows how dedicated these people are to our school, our community and our kids.”

The first question asked voters to spend no more than $2 million on updates. The district will work with engineers to get the projects out for bidding soon so work can start in summer. They include:

-- Replacing an outdated, leaking, non-insulated roof. The proposal would add a sloped roof over existing roof on the elementary wing, kitchen, offices, old gym and new gym.

-- Boiler work, including replacing the steam system with a hot water system.

-- Gym lobby work, including replacing doors and flooring.

The second question approved exceeding the state revenue cap during the next four school years. The caps will be exceeded by $250,000 for 2009-10; $450,000 for 2010-11; $500,000 for 2011-12; and $550,000 for 2012-13.

The board now will focus on the strategic plan it developed last fall, which includes having an individual education plan for each of the district’s 450 students, Elmer said.

The other focus will be working with legislators to reform the state’s open enrollment program so districts with a high number of students leaving aren’t hit as hard financially, she said. Among ideas the board is suggesting is putting a cap on the dollar amount lost from open enrollment, she said.