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Post by doctorwho on Mar 2, 2007 15:01:12 GMT -6
My oldest was part of the overcrowding at Waubonsie last time -- I am not willing to go thru that again...it was awful, so I am not buying the we might have more time argument. The kids are in the system and we need to get this done -- preferrably at BB, but regardless - somewhere and construction needs to start this year. One of the top questions at the candidate forums has got to be, with this news - how do we get the 3rd HS open in Fall 2009 ! If you do not have a plan, you do not get my vote - period. Drwho, I appreciate the insight of your experience. From Ref campaign I just rememeber words such as "the delay due to the first failed Ref was something we could live with, but we REALLY need the 3rd HS (and 7th MS) by Fall 2009". This puts human experience to those words, and thats important. This leads to a question I have: What is the cost of a one year delay in opening MV at BB? I am talking more than the dollar value of building supplies. From what is said by drwho, its high. And this cost would be felt by all HS students and many MS students. Does anybody have enrollment numbers to show this? Would we have x number of portables on the campuses? Is this acceptable? (Maybe its lunch rooms and other things maxed out that portables cant solve unless first lunch served at 9 am). I know what Drwho says, Fall 2009, period. What do others think? I wonder what the SB candidates think? what if other land is pursued? It seems to me this is prudent. Maybe if there is a willing seller out there, a reasonable price can be quickly settled upon. I agree this would have one "cost", a political one, because, yes boundaries would have to be redone. Put if our leaders are shying away from this only because of that reason, and it was "painful" to go through last time, maybe they arent real leaders then. And if a person out there says "I 'won' the boundary fight and got what I wanted so you cant change them now" I would remind them that we all will be winners by getting three quality HSs and that the vast (silent) majority of the district can reasonably negotiate together where the lines are drawn if it needs to be done. And remembering I am firmly one who believes: 1/ brach Brody is the right property & 2/ I do not feel there were winners-losers in the boundaries but really don't want to go through them again....however that being said, you do not want to experience the crunch that WV went through once before more than changing either one of those parameters. The overcrowding leads to less opportunity, larger classroom size which benefits no one, crowded hallways and the tensions that brings among students, and in my opinion, the feeling that I thought some teachers/adminsitrators wanted to make it through the day because of all these issues as opposed to making the most of every day. I do not blame them and this is not an endictment on them, it is a fact because the overcrowding raised the emotions of everyone involved. Add to that even the possibility of split shifts and those issues and I do not feel we can wait. And yes we all make it personal, for me my last one thru is now in 7th grade. As it is she will have to change schools after freshman year to make this all work, however it is favorable to being overcrowded for virtually her entire high school years, as both WV and NV will have a 2 year period where they keep all the students they have in those grades at the time. I will not support someone without the same sense of urgency. |
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 2, 2007 15:02:43 GMT -6
It would be shame to take the expense of building portables and the expense of a third high school. I think that the enrollemt numbers are still on the district website. I think the worst crowding in 2009 will be in the middle schools. Why not start builing on the land that we own already? The location of the retention ponds is really not that important. I am sure they can be placed elsewhere. I believe ( and I will have to look back) that some of the worst crowding will be at the freshman centers. |
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Post by warriorpride on Mar 2, 2007 15:33:28 GMT -6
Please allow me to ask another potentially stupid question: true or false: We've cleared all other hurdles, and it's OK/legal for the SD to obtain this property, and all that's left is to decide what price is to be paid? It that correct?
If so, how hard can this possibly be, and how long can this possibly take? How many witnesses and piceces of evidence can possibly be submitted?
I'm not trying to trivialize this, but if all that needs to happen is that the judge and/or jury decides what a "fair" price is, wouldn't each side basically submit their "evidence" for what might constitute a fair price, and maybe some real estate "experts" are called as witnesses?
What else is there to do? It's not like a murder trial or something. Shouldn't this take a few focused days of effort in court? Anone who knows more about a trial like this: am I missing something here?
Edited to Add: in some sense, this seems alot more like salary arbitration than a "court case" - and, it sure seems like those arbitrations happen quickly.
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Post by gatordog on Mar 8, 2007 7:42:22 GMT -6
No quick way for Dist. 204 to get land
By Sara Hooker and John Patterson
Daily Herald Staff Writers
Posted Thursday, March 08, 2007
Indian Prairie officials keep finding out there’s no quick way to get what they want: the land to create a campus for a third high school.
State lawmakers Wednesday again rejected Unit District 204’s request to seek permission from the General Assembly to gain immediate access to 55 acres in Aurora earmarked for the proposed Metea Valley High School.
Officials appealed to the state’s House Executive Committee to pass the request on as they wait out the conclusion of an ongoing condemnation suit for the Brach-Brodie property off Route 59 near 75th Street and Commons Drive in Aurora.
They plan to construct the $124.7 million, 3,000-student facility on an 80-acre campus and expect it to open in fall 2009. The district already owns 25 acres but has been unable to reach an agreement on price for the rest of the site.
The school is needed to ease overcrowding at Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley high schools, district officials say.
Construction cannot begin until a jury establishes the value of the land — following a court hearing scheduled for Sept. 17 — or the governor signs into law a measure giving them that access through a process called “quick take.”
The quick-take plan needs seven votes to pass through the committee and it only garnered six Wednesday. There were zero “no” votes and four “present” votes, which count as “no” votes.
“There were two missing members today and I’m hoping to pick up a vote from one of those two,” said the plan’s sponsor, state Rep. Joe Dunn, a Naperville Republican. “We did fail to get it out today, so we could have done better. No doubt. But on the other hand, we did get more votes this time. Hopefully we’ll do better next time. We’re right on the cusp.”
The plan has until March 22 to be passed out of committee. It then needs approval by both the House and Senate and a signature by the governor before the district could have access to the land.
Opponent John Morphew, an attorney representing the estate of Helen Brach, one of the landowners, testified before the committee that by the time that happens it’ll be close to the date of the hearing in the DuPage Circuit Court to determine the value.
He called an intervention “inappropriate.”
Indian Prairie board member Mark Metzger said the district still would benefit from earlier access to the land, even if the governor doesn’t sign off on it until late summer or early fall.
“There’s no guarantee that we will actually start on the Sept. 17 date,” Metzger said after the hearing. “Any number of things could happen between now and then to let the schedule slide. The courtroom isn’t the fastest place to get things going.”
If nothing else, quick-take powers would level the playing field for negotiations, he said.
Dunn plans to present the plan to the committee again next week.
“We’re getting there,” Dunn said. “Quite a bit of resistance, no doubt, but we’re still moving along.”
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Post by warriorpride on Mar 8, 2007 7:48:17 GMT -6
"... The courtroom isn’t the fastest place to get things going.” I think that's the understatement of the year. |
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 8, 2007 7:51:39 GMT -6
No quick way for Dist. 204 to get land
By Sara Hooker and John Patterson Daily Herald Staff Writers Posted Thursday, March 08, 2007 Indian Prairie officials keep finding out there’s no quick way to get what they want: the land to create a campus for a third high school. State lawmakers Wednesday again rejected Unit District 204’s request to seek permission from the General Assembly to gain immediate access to 55 acres in Aurora earmarked for the proposed Metea Valley High School. Officials appealed to the state’s House Executive Committee to pass the request on as they wait out the conclusion of an ongoing condemnation suit for the Brach-Brodie property off Route 59 near 75th Street and Commons Drive in Aurora. They plan to construct the $124.7 million, 3,000-student facility on an 80-acre campus and expect it to open in fall 2009. The district already owns 25 acres but has been unable to reach an agreement on price for the rest of the site. The school is needed to ease overcrowding at Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley high schools, district officials say. Construction cannot begin until a jury establishes the value of the land — following a court hearing scheduled for Sept. 17 — or the governor signs into law a measure giving them that access through a process called “quick take.” The quick-take plan needs seven votes to pass through the committee and it only garnered six Wednesday. There were zero “no” votes and four “present” votes, which count as “no” votes. “There were two missing members today and I’m hoping to pick up a vote from one of those two,” said the plan’s sponsor, state Rep. Joe Dunn, a Naperville Republican. “We did fail to get it out today, so we could have done better. No doubt. But on the other hand, we did get more votes this time. Hopefully we’ll do better next time. We’re right on the cusp.” The plan has until March 22 to be passed out of committee. It then needs approval by both the House and Senate and a signature by the governor before the district could have access to the land. Opponent John Morphew, an attorney representing the estate of Helen Brach, one of the landowners, testified before the committee that by the time that happens it’ll be close to the date of the hearing in the DuPage Circuit Court to determine the value. He called an intervention “inappropriate.” Indian Prairie board member Mark Metzger said the district still would benefit from earlier access to the land, even if the governor doesn’t sign off on it until late summer or early fall. “There’s no guarantee that we will actually start on the Sept. 17 date,” Metzger said after the hearing. “Any number of things could happen between now and then to let the schedule slide. The courtroom isn’t the fastest place to get things going.” If nothing else, quick-take powers would level the playing field for negotiations, he said. Dunn plans to present the plan to the committee again next week. “We’re getting there,” Dunn said. “Quite a bit of resistance, no doubt, but we’re still moving along.” It's 3rd down and goal....but the ball has been moved forward and the right play just needs to be called to get one more vote. If I remember right we had zero support at one time. Now we are 1 vote away and 2 members to get it from. Will also see if I can get a roll as to who the 4 'presents' are. You gotta love politics where you don't even have to vote, when you are there to vote - |
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Post by bob on Mar 8, 2007 8:05:07 GMT -6
This is all on Dunn and will be the issue at his next election. Outside of this what has Dunn done for this area. It looks like his there to get his pension.
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Post by EagleDad on Mar 8, 2007 9:01:55 GMT -6
Bob, I agree, I will be judging Joe Dunn solely on his performance on this and voting accordingly.
In my book, I don't want excuses, I want action.
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 8, 2007 10:47:42 GMT -6
Not sure why this is 'news' again today but :
204 not interested in alternate Metea Valley site
March 8, 2007
By BRITT CARSON Staff Writer
Three months have passed since local developer Paul Lehman went public on his alternative site for a third high school in Indian Prairie School District 204.
In those three months, little has changed, including the district's stance on the plan. Superintendent Howie Crouse said the district is still not interested in Lehman's proposal.
Lehman, president of Macom Corp., proposed putting the high school in the northern part of his 800-home Ashwood development. Lehman brought the plan to the district in October, but after hearing the details, administrators and several school board members were not interested.
» Click to enlarge image
RELATED STORIES
• Quick take bill stuck in committee
One of the biggest issues is that Lehman does not own all the land on which he is proposing to put the school. There also is a homeowner who lives on the Macom property and has lifetime occupancy rights. In addition, boundary changes were likely and power lines and roads need to be re-routed.
Lehman said he hasn't heard from the school district since December when administrators said they were not interested in setting up any meetings. The district is committed to pursuing 55 acres of the Brach-Brodie property along 75th Street and the future extension of Commons Drive in Aurora. The district already owns 25 acres adjacent to the 55 it is seeking. The district's condemnation lawsuit for that land is scheduled to go to trial in September.
Lehman said he is moving ahead with plans for the townhouses which were slated for the Ashwood development along 95th Street and 248th Avenue.
"Yes, (the offer) is still available," Lehman said. "However, we are not in a holding pattern and are moving ahead with the townhomes."
The district wants to open the 3,000-seat Metea Valley High School with freshmen and sophomores in the fall of 2009.
The issue over where the high school should be built came up during Tuesday's candidate forum for District 204 school board candidates. All seven candidates were asked whether they supported the present location for Metea Valley on the Brach-Brodie site.
Incumbents Mark Metzger, Alka Tyle, and Curt Bradshaw and newcomers Leanne Lyons, Steve Calcaterra and Michelle Davis answered yes.
"I believe some of the hurdles were unanticipated, but I also believe that it is important the district have a Plan B should things not go as anticipated," Davis said. "A lot of dollars and hours have been invested in Brach-Brodie and I hope they are successful."
Kevin Knight declined to answer yes or no to the question and later explained his position.
"In regards to the Brach-Brodie property, I think the district made a mistake in considering just one piece of property and we are now backed into a negotiating corner and Brach-Brodie has all the power," Knight said.
Contact Britt Carson at bcarson@scn1.com or 630-416-5269.
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Post by bob on Mar 8, 2007 10:50:54 GMT -6
Guess he didn't see the packet explaining all of the other sites the SD looked at.
Uninformed.
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Post by doctorwho on Mar 8, 2007 13:14:12 GMT -6
Okay, my wife spoke to State of Illinois Executive Committee Chariperson Daniel J Burke just a few minutes ago and he was very accomodating and informative.
He is a Democrat and he voted YES for the quick-take. he encouraged her to contact those who did not and express our reasons why this is important. He also said it was important that Joe Dunn get the Bill 'called' again.
3 of the 4 are from the North Side of Chicago and I plan to ask them what reasons they have for voting against the bill, and do have they read thru the fact that this is a trust fund for no living heirs vs a school district ?
Here are the 4 people that we just need 1 of :
Joseph M. Lyons - Vice Chair D - north side of Chicago
Chicago office # on North Milwaukee (773) 286-1115
Springfield office number (217) 782-8400
Edward J. Acevedo - Asst Majority Leader
2021 W 35th Chicago (773) 843-1200
Springfield office (217) 782-2855
Maria Antonio Berrios -
2058 N Western - Chicago (773) 235-3939
Sprinfield Office (217) 558-1032
Richard T. Bradley -
3520 N Pulaski - Chicago (773) 794-9444
Springfield office - (217) 782-8117
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Post by Arch on Mar 8, 2007 13:32:03 GMT -6
Make sure to tell them that the Trust Fund has at it's foundational roots the intention to help kids. A new HS definitely helps kids  |
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Post by gatordog on Mar 9, 2007 12:16:25 GMT -6
It's 3rd down and goal....but the ball has been moved forward ... And we have Joe Dunn at quarterback to lead us to victory in the big game!  |
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Post by proschool on Mar 11, 2007 17:54:34 GMT -6
"Saying �No� does not mean that a third high school will not be built if it is needed. There is time to get answers to the questions being raised before we approve another tax increase. Saying �No� does say it is time for better use and planning for our tax dollars." - Alderman Lynda Elmore, Ward 10, City of Aurora
Where is Lynda Elmore today? It doesn't seem like voting no on the first referendum saved us mch money and it isn't clear that we have enough time.
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Post by gatordog on Mar 15, 2007 16:18:52 GMT -6
I was wondering: what is the impact if land availability delays opening of MVHS and New MS? I dusted off old enrollment projection graphs. Here is what I learned. 1) Background: take 100% building capacity as WV=NV= 4200 MS tot = 7000 2) How well have the projections held up? 2005-06 enrollmentWV=3489, IPSD proj = 3500 NV=4130, IPSD proj = 4100 MStot=6665, IPSD proj =6600 2006-07 enrollmentWV=3625. IPSD proj = 3700 NV=4273. " " = 4300 (MS actual enroll not easily found by me) Concl: IPSD projections holding up well. Use these to project future. 3) Now lets look at the future. SCHOOL
WV
NV
HStot
MStot | 07-08
3900
4500
8400
7100 | 08-09
4100
4700
8800
7200 | 09-10
4300
4900
9200
7300 | 10-11
4400
5000
9400
7400 |
4) Concl: If no MVHS and New MS in 2009-10 WV will be 2% overcapacity. NV will be 17% overcapacity, and in its third year of overcapacity. District wide, MS will be 4% over, but I bet the +300 over capacity is concentrated in a a handful of MSs (Scullen...). Scullen was +100 over its 1200 capacity last yr. If only a third of the +300 goes to Scullen, I will guess that scullen could plausibly be overloaded at 1400/1200= 17%. |
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