MCPS board to seek appraisal of Roosevelt School building
The link to the June 9, 2004 Missoulian article titled "MCPS board to seek appraisal of Roosevelt School building" is above, just click on the link and you can read the article.
Some interesting statements from people which opposed the lease follow. psm will underline statements which have particular meaning for Prescott School.
" In another decision affecting use of district buildings, the board agreed to rent Prescott School to the Missoula International School for $20,000 a year for three years and $30,000 annually for two years as part of a five-year lease that will begin in August."
psm - cheap rent and too long of a lease
and -
"Missoula Catholic Schools began renting Roosevelt School in 1999 to house St. Joseph Elementary School after MCPS decided to close Roosevelt because of declining enrollments and to save money."
psm - another public school being used by a private school, not fair to our public school children and shows disloyalty by school members
and -
"On the Prescott School issue, five of the elementary board members voted in favor of renting the building to Missoula International School. Bellin and Trustee Toni Rehbein both abstained from the vote. Bellin's son attended the nonprofit Spanish immersion school and Rehbein served as president on its board of directors several years ago."
psm - it was only in 1999 and 2000 that Toni Rehbein served as President for MIS - at one point Rehbein states that it was 6 years since she had served as an officer for MIS when it had only been approximately 3-4 years.
and -
"Rattlesnake parent Dave Patterson criticized the lease, saying the rent MCPS is charging is too low and amounts to the district subsidizing a private school. He urged the board to vote against approving the lease.
"Let's take some time to look at alternatives that don't compete with public schools," Patterson said."
psm - essentially the public is paying for a private school leasing one of our prized public schools - most assuredly, the public has faced a million dollar loss (psm's estimation) due to the lease as of 2012.
psm - school district rushed into the lease with MIS
and -
"Missoula resident Kathy Pierandozzi echoed Patterson's comments."I think we could do better than this," she said. "It's an insult to the taxpayers after you just closed three schools to then rent this school for such a low amount."
psm - the Rattlesnake parents and children went through a tragedy, so Pierandozzi is correct - the amount of the rent is an insult to these people and a sweetheart deal to Rehbein's friends at MIS
Parent Teresa Jacobs also expressed concern about competition with a new private school in the Rattlesnake neighborhood and noted she would rather see the district invest in offering its own language immersion program.
"I think we will lose students in that neighborhood," she said."
psm - There are a lot of students from the Rattlesnake area attending MIS - just witness all the cars pulling into the school on school days around when the school day starts and the MIS stickers on cars in the Rattlesnake!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
July 20, 2004 Missoulian article; "Private school leases Prescott"
Private school leases Prescott : Missoulian: News and Resources for Western Montana
The above link is to the Missoulian article in the July 20th, 2004 edition written by Daryl Gadbow regarding the lease of Prescott School to Missoula International School.
The July 20th, 2004 edition of the Missoulian reported on the lease of Prescott School, a public school, to the private school, Missoula International School. Notice the lease price of $20,000/year; what a ridiculously low price! This lease price is lower than the lease price for the private school (St. Josephs) of Roosevelt School and the lease of Mount Jumbo School by Walla Walla College.
"The primary grades program has been so well received," she [Julie Lennox] said, "that the school has expanded to fifth grade this year, two years ahead of the original goal". From the first day of the lease MIS is expanding into more grade levels due to leasing one of our public schools.
Prudent and loyal trustees would NOT have leased to the competition and would NOT have continued the lease with two lease extensions (the first for three years, the second for five years).
This lease is NOT a win-win situation as Marta Pierpoint states in the article. It is a win-lose situation, with MCPS, thus taxpayers and the neighborhood on the losing side. This lease has cost the district a staggering amount; a math professor estimated the loss just last year (2010-2011) at $500,000!
See June 8th, 2004 Missoulian editorial titled, "Low rent will hurt, not help district" for explanation of earlier loses.
The article states, "For several years, MIS has searched for a building large enough to house its entire educational program, Lennox said." The later statement emphasizes that it is not easy finding a good location for a school. In other words, MIS could not have found a building in the private sector comparable with what Prescott offers at such a low price!! The Prescott School/MIS lease is no doubt a sweetheart lease.
The above link is to the Missoulian article in the July 20th, 2004 edition written by Daryl Gadbow regarding the lease of Prescott School to Missoula International School.
The July 20th, 2004 edition of the Missoulian reported on the lease of Prescott School, a public school, to the private school, Missoula International School. Notice the lease price of $20,000/year; what a ridiculously low price! This lease price is lower than the lease price for the private school (St. Josephs) of Roosevelt School and the lease of Mount Jumbo School by Walla Walla College.
"The primary grades program has been so well received," she [Julie Lennox] said, "that the school has expanded to fifth grade this year, two years ahead of the original goal". From the first day of the lease MIS is expanding into more grade levels due to leasing one of our public schools.
Prudent and loyal trustees would NOT have leased to the competition and would NOT have continued the lease with two lease extensions (the first for three years, the second for five years).
This lease is NOT a win-win situation as Marta Pierpoint states in the article. It is a win-lose situation, with MCPS, thus taxpayers and the neighborhood on the losing side. This lease has cost the district a staggering amount; a math professor estimated the loss just last year (2010-2011) at $500,000!
See June 8th, 2004 Missoulian editorial titled, "Low rent will hurt, not help district" for explanation of earlier loses.
The article states, "For several years, MIS has searched for a building large enough to house its entire educational program, Lennox said." The later statement emphasizes that it is not easy finding a good location for a school. In other words, MIS could not have found a building in the private sector comparable with what Prescott offers at such a low price!! The Prescott School/MIS lease is no doubt a sweetheart lease.
June 8th, 2004: David Patterson Letter "Low Rent will hurt, not help district" in the Missoulian
Letters for Tuesday, June 8, 2004 : Missoulian: News and Resources for Western Montana
"Low rent will hurt, not help district" is the title of David Patterson's letter to the Missoulian published on June 8th, 2004.
The topic of leasing Prescott School to Missoula International School was to be discussed at the June Board meeting that evening.
The majority of school trustees did not heed David Patterson's warnings of massive loses to the district and voted to award the lease to Missoula International School.
Millions of dollars have been lost to the district due to this lease.
Some quotes from the letter follow:
"Such a low rent would amount to a subsidy to a private school which competes for students with our public schools. Because of Montana's enrollment-based school funding formula, if the International School attracts even five additional students because of this move, then the rental loses more than it gains for the school district. If the International School expands further, the loss to the public schools could run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars."
and -
"It is the responsibility of the school district to provide the best education possible to public school students, not to help private schools. Every decision the School Board makes should be based on the answer to one question: does this benefit our public schools? The answer in this case is clearly "no". Alternative uses of Prescott that do not compete with the public schools should be explored first. Any agreement to rent to a private school should be at a rate that providesclear benefit to the school district."
David Patterson, Missoula
"Low rent will hurt, not help district" is the title of David Patterson's letter to the Missoulian published on June 8th, 2004.
The topic of leasing Prescott School to Missoula International School was to be discussed at the June Board meeting that evening.
The majority of school trustees did not heed David Patterson's warnings of massive loses to the district and voted to award the lease to Missoula International School.
Millions of dollars have been lost to the district due to this lease.
Some quotes from the letter follow:
"At its June 8 meeting, the Missoula County Public Schools Board will consider a proposal from the Missoula International School to lease Prescott School for five years at $20,000 per year for the first three years and $30,000 per year for the last two years. Utilities and maintenance may be included. I have serious concerns about this proposal and so should anyone concerned about the health of our public schools."
and - "Such a low rent would amount to a subsidy to a private school which competes for students with our public schools. Because of Montana's enrollment-based school funding formula, if the International School attracts even five additional students because of this move, then the rental loses more than it gains for the school district. If the International School expands further, the loss to the public schools could run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars."
and -
"It is the responsibility of the school district to provide the best education possible to public school students, not to help private schools. Every decision the School Board makes should be based on the answer to one question: does this benefit our public schools? The answer in this case is clearly "no". Alternative uses of Prescott that do not compete with the public schools should be explored first. Any agreement to rent to a private school should be at a rate that providesclear benefit to the school district."
David Patterson, Missoula
June 8, 2004 Missoulian article:"MCPS trustees to consider renting Prescott building to international school" by Jane Rider
MCPS trustees to consider renting Prescott building to international school : Missoulian: News and Resources for Western Montana
The above link is to the Missoulian article written by Jane Rider which appeared in the June 8th, 2004 edition of the newspaper.
Key statement(s)in the article:
Marta R. Pierpoint, MIS board president, has said Missoula International is interested in leasing Prescott and its 2.3-acre site to consolidate its operations. Though there are many buildings available in Missoula, few offer classrooms and play space.
The above link is to the Missoulian article written by Jane Rider which appeared in the June 8th, 2004 edition of the newspaper.
Key statement(s)in the article:
Marta R. Pierpoint, MIS board president, has said Missoula International is interested in leasing Prescott and its 2.3-acre site to consolidate its operations. Though there are many buildings available in Missoula, few offer classrooms and play space.
2004 Missoulian articles reporting on the school closures and the Prescott School/MIS lease
The following is a list of the 2004 Missoulian articles reporting on the 2004 school closures and the subsequent lease of Prescott School to Missoula International School -
Note: The posts on the prescott school missoula blog were not able to be in the correct chronological order.
Prior to the March 26th, 2004 article reporting on the school closures there were other Missoulian articles regarding the budget and school closures. The first discussions of closing four schools (Lowell School was also considered for closure but was later dropped from the discussion) was on February 5, 2004 and the vote on the closures took place on March 24 and March 25 (at 1:00 a.m. in the morning). The process lasted only 48 days!
March 26, 2004 - article reporting on the school closures - by Jane Rider - Rattlesnake Middle School, Prescott School, and Mount Jumbo School - (reporting on one of the saddest days in MCPS history)
May 11, 2004 - "Spanish school eyes Prescott space" by Jane Rider
June 8, 2004 - School distict to consider leasing....
June 8, 2004 - David Patterson's letter to the editor regarding the negative aspects of leasing Prescott School to Missoula International School "Low rent will hurt, not help the district"
June 9, 2004 - article discussing the approval of the lease of Prescott School to the Missoula International School in addition to Roosevelt School news regarding it's sale. "Apparently, this meeting could have been called "Trustees looking out for private schools rather than the public schools to which thay have an obligation to be loyal"
July 20, 2004 - article reporting on the lease of Prescott School to Missoula International School by Daryl Gadbow
August 3, 2004 - article reporting on the resignation of Naomi Kimbell and also being hired as the executive director of Missoula International School
(this post is under contruction - psm apologizes for the delay)
Note: The posts on the prescott school missoula blog were not able to be in the correct chronological order.
Prior to the March 26th, 2004 article reporting on the school closures there were other Missoulian articles regarding the budget and school closures. The first discussions of closing four schools (Lowell School was also considered for closure but was later dropped from the discussion) was on February 5, 2004 and the vote on the closures took place on March 24 and March 25 (at 1:00 a.m. in the morning). The process lasted only 48 days!
March 26, 2004 - article reporting on the school closures - by Jane Rider - Rattlesnake Middle School, Prescott School, and Mount Jumbo School - (reporting on one of the saddest days in MCPS history)
May 11, 2004 - "Spanish school eyes Prescott space" by Jane Rider
June 8, 2004 - School distict to consider leasing....
June 8, 2004 - David Patterson's letter to the editor regarding the negative aspects of leasing Prescott School to Missoula International School "Low rent will hurt, not help the district"
June 9, 2004 - article discussing the approval of the lease of Prescott School to the Missoula International School in addition to Roosevelt School news regarding it's sale. "Apparently, this meeting could have been called "Trustees looking out for private schools rather than the public schools to which thay have an obligation to be loyal"
July 20, 2004 - article reporting on the lease of Prescott School to Missoula International School by Daryl Gadbow
August 3, 2004 - article reporting on the resignation of Naomi Kimbell and also being hired as the executive director of Missoula International School
(this post is under contruction - psm apologizes for the delay)
Monday, June 18, 2012
2006 Missoulian article regarding Missoula's demographics
2005 Missoulian article on demographics - statement regarding that the demand will rise for using our neighborhood schools
The above link is to a 2005 article reporting on Missoula demographics with work done by Dr. Larry Swanson.
A key sentence from the article that pertains to Prescott School is -
During the 1980s and early and mid-1990s, as birth rates declined, Missoula County Public Schools closed elementary buildings, Swanson noted. Demand for those facilities will begin to rebound, he said.
In other words, Dr. Swanson is stating that the district could very well need Prescott School and other schools in a few years. This information was correct as Rattlesnake School and Lowell have reached capacity and are now adding modulars. Most likely other schools are at capacity also.
However, our disloyal trustees extended the lease of Prescott School for another 5 years to the private school Missoula International School just 7 months prior to approving the modular at Rattlesnake School!
The above link is to a 2005 article reporting on Missoula demographics with work done by Dr. Larry Swanson.
A key sentence from the article that pertains to Prescott School is -
During the 1980s and early and mid-1990s, as birth rates declined, Missoula County Public Schools closed elementary buildings, Swanson noted. Demand for those facilities will begin to rebound, he said.
In other words, Dr. Swanson is stating that the district could very well need Prescott School and other schools in a few years. This information was correct as Rattlesnake School and Lowell have reached capacity and are now adding modulars. Most likely other schools are at capacity also.
However, our disloyal trustees extended the lease of Prescott School for another 5 years to the private school Missoula International School just 7 months prior to approving the modular at Rattlesnake School!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Business licenses and building permits for May 2012 : Missoulian: News and Resources for Western Montana
Business licenses and building permits for May 2012 : Missoulian: News and Resources for Western Montana
The above link has information on the permits by Serius Constructin for the modulars at Rattlesnake School and Lowell School.
The above link has information on the permits by Serius Constructin for the modulars at Rattlesnake School and Lowell School.
Toni Rehbein's first words as a MCPS Trustee in 2004
Toni Rehbein's first words as a Missoula County Public Schools Trustee -
Toni Rehbein along with Scott Bixler, and Joe Toth, were elected to the Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees in May of 2004.
Some of the first words spoken byToni Rehbein may not seem to be of any consequence. When one is aware of Rehbein's background (president for two years and a parent from the early days of the school) in connection with Missoula International School they are indeed meaningful.
At the May 2004 Board Meeting these newly elected recited their oath of office; Toni Rehbein may have violated this oath.
The following is a transcription of the oath of office of Board members in 2010. It is assumed here that this is the same oath recited by Rehbein, Bixler, and Toth in 2004.
"I do solemnly affirm that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Montana and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity".
As you read the excerpts of the minutes remember to keep in mind that Toni Rehbein was a former president of Missoula Internatinal School.
From the minutes of the May 2004 Board Meeting:
The topic of "Request of Missoula International School to Lease Prescott Elementary School" is on page 9 of the minutes. The discussion first centered on whether or not the district needed to issue an RFP (Request for Proposal). Mr. Moyer, the business manager, stated, "...want to give ample time to view the property." The time line for issuing an RFP and bringing it before the Board got shorter and shorter as the discussion progressed. Trustee Toni Rehbein was attempting to rush the RFP process. The minutes state, "Rehbein asked if worthwhile for District to take that time and risk nothing coming forward or take advantage of "bird in the hand." The minutes show that one Trustee, Carol Bellin wished to slow the process down a bit, "Bellin moved to offer RFP's with return date of three weeks time and two weeks time for consideration by the Board and public input..." This was too long for newly elected Trustee Rehbein, as the minutes state, "Rehbein offered friendly amendment to suggest process be finished by our next Board meeting. Would be in our best interest to speed the process up." Trustee Bellin proved to be the only one concerned about the short timeline. Administrators and other Trustees finangled a way so that the decision would be made at the next Board Meeting on June 8th. This required moving a Finance and Operations Committee Meeting up one day, which has rarely if ever been done to accommodate a RFP process. Equally astounding statements regarding the price of the lease were made by other supposedly loyal MCPS Trustees.
Note: msw is in the process of learning how to post scans and other documents on a blogspot blog post so that the minutes of this meeting can be posted.
Toni Rehbein along with Scott Bixler, and Joe Toth, were elected to the Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees in May of 2004.
Some of the first words spoken byToni Rehbein may not seem to be of any consequence. When one is aware of Rehbein's background (president for two years and a parent from the early days of the school) in connection with Missoula International School they are indeed meaningful.
At the May 2004 Board Meeting these newly elected recited their oath of office; Toni Rehbein may have violated this oath.
The following is a transcription of the oath of office of Board members in 2010. It is assumed here that this is the same oath recited by Rehbein, Bixler, and Toth in 2004.
"I do solemnly affirm that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Montana and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity".
As you read the excerpts of the minutes remember to keep in mind that Toni Rehbein was a former president of Missoula Internatinal School.
From the minutes of the May 2004 Board Meeting:
The topic of "Request of Missoula International School to Lease Prescott Elementary School" is on page 9 of the minutes. The discussion first centered on whether or not the district needed to issue an RFP (Request for Proposal). Mr. Moyer, the business manager, stated, "...want to give ample time to view the property." The time line for issuing an RFP and bringing it before the Board got shorter and shorter as the discussion progressed. Trustee Toni Rehbein was attempting to rush the RFP process. The minutes state, "Rehbein asked if worthwhile for District to take that time and risk nothing coming forward or take advantage of "bird in the hand." The minutes show that one Trustee, Carol Bellin wished to slow the process down a bit, "Bellin moved to offer RFP's with return date of three weeks time and two weeks time for consideration by the Board and public input..." This was too long for newly elected Trustee Rehbein, as the minutes state, "Rehbein offered friendly amendment to suggest process be finished by our next Board meeting. Would be in our best interest to speed the process up." Trustee Bellin proved to be the only one concerned about the short timeline. Administrators and other Trustees finangled a way so that the decision would be made at the next Board Meeting on June 8th. This required moving a Finance and Operations Committee Meeting up one day, which has rarely if ever been done to accommodate a RFP process. Equally astounding statements regarding the price of the lease were made by other supposedly loyal MCPS Trustees.
Note: msw is in the process of learning how to post scans and other documents on a blogspot blog post so that the minutes of this meeting can be posted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)