Levy passes and incumbents re-elected in 196 Posted 11/9/01 by Brett Andersen Staff Writer District 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan) voters retained the incumbent School Board members and allocated additional funds to the district. On Nov. 6, voters approved a six-year $500 per pupil unit levy referendum by a vote of 22,946 (63.47 percent) to 13,208 (36.53 percent). Voting turnout was considered high as 45.9 percent of registered voters registered their opinion. Several polling places reported people lined up for more than an hour waiting to vote. The levy will supply about $16.3 million per year to the district. This year marks the third consecutive year the district has placed a levy before the voters. In 2000, there were 62,808 votes on the levy with 51.9 percent against. In 1999, 16,912 people voted on the levy and 50.7 percent of them voted against. Voters also chose to retain the three incumbents, Mike Roseen (16,749), Bruce Endler (16,059) and Kevin Sampers (15,739). The challengers for district seats were Pam Holm (12,988), John Carlson (11,303), Steve Wilson (11,077), Doug Nordmeyer (5006), Larry Falcone (3,387) and Philip Gilman (2,557). ìItís good to be back,î said Roseen. Roseen said he wouldnít dispute claims the district hasnít communicated well in the past. But he interprets the wide margin the levy passed by as an indicator the board has addressed the issue and is on the right path. ìIt really demonstrates our community supports public education,î said Endler. Apple Valley Mayor ó and advocate for the levy and incumbents ó Mary Hamann-Roland called Nov. 6 a wonderful victory. Hamann-Roland said the victory spoils will go to the students. ìThis is all about the kids,î she said. Of the districtís 16 precincts, only Precinct 11 ó Rosemount city districts 3 and 5, Coates, Empire Township and Vermillion Township ó voted against the levy referendum. The vote total in Precinct 11 was 660 to 585. The board approved $2.585 million worth of restorations of past cuts if the levy was approved by voters. The restorations include returning busing in grades kindergarten through five to one-half mile and grade six to 12 busing to one mile. Thirty classroom teachers and three special education teachers will return to the district. Classroom supplies will increase 2 percent and cocurricular fees will drop 25 percent. Superintendent John Haro said transportation restoration will receive top priority. ìWeíd like to do that as soon as possible,î he said. District officials met Nov. 7 to discuss how quickly bus routes can be adjusted and additional drivers hired. Other restorations will be implemented for the 2002-03 school year. The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in Dakota Ridge School in Apple Valley. ©Thisweek Newspapers