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The
Towne Courier
TM
© 2011 Lansing Community Newspapers
Your very own newspaper serving East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, and Meridian Township
Vol. 48 - No. 39
www.TowneCourier.com
October 30, 2011
Sinking fund passage critical for Okemos Dawn Parker dlparker@lsj.com
FOR MORE INFO Go online to www.okemosschools.net
OKEMOS – Each year for
From back left: East Lansing School Foundation Development Director Dorsey Gude, School Superintendent Dave Chapin, and ELHS Class of ‘71 classmates Gary Mescher, Judy Foley and Nancy Fortino Bates join MacDonald Middle School cheerleaders in the $18,050 class endowment fund check presentation at the recent East Lansing football game against Okemos Oct. 21. COURTESY PHOTO
Class of ‘71 spirit ELHS grads create an endowment EAST LANSING — Some came from across town, some traveled from the other side of the world. Everyone who attended the 40th reunion of the East Lansing High School Class of 1971 in July renewed old friendships and learned about school system’s financial challenges. Reunion organizers Suzie Courey Scott and Nancy Fortino Bates made sure a tour of the high school was part of the reunion experience. Superintendent Dave Chapin welcomed alums as they arrived for a Saturday morning tour with East Lansing High School Principal John Brandenburg. The relatively recent renovations impressed Class of ’71 “tourists,” and left a few scratching their heads wondering where some landmarks had gone from their time in the building. The class reunion dinner included
an appeal to fund a first of its kind Class of ’71 Endowment for the East Lansing Educational Fund in the amount of $15,000. The commitments started coming in that evening, with Bruce Abbey offering a $5,000 challenge pledge to get things started. The $15,000 goal was reached within 60 days and, at the last home football game of the season, members of the Class presented their $18,050 endowment to the Education Foundation in front of a cheering home crowd. Scott added, “We hope that future ELHS class reunion gatherings will follow the lead of the Class of ’71 and do their part to support the East Lansing Educational Foundation. We have such great memories of our time here and want to make sure the level of educational excellence is maintained.”
the past 20, a Building and Site Sinking Fund tax has provided around $1.1 million to repair and improve Okemos school buildings. Members of the Okemos Citizens Millage Committee are hoping district voters will renew the millage for a second time when they visit the polls on Nov. 8. The .9919 millage – or $99 per $1,000 of state equalized value – provides funds for repairs and upgrades to school facilities, athletic facilities, playground and other structures. For example, a homeowner whose residence has
an taxable value of $100,000 pays $99.19 annually. A vote to renew the tax for another 10 years would not change a homeowner’s tax bill. Projects typicallypaid for using these funds include roof repairs, replacement of windows, new boilers and other upgrades to the heating and cooling system and repaving of parking lots. Over the past 15 years, energy upgrades have helped the schools save $750,000 per year in energy costs.
“I am very happy with what we’ve been able to accomplish upgrading all of our heating equipment,” said Steve Lathrop, Okemos Public Schools director of operations. Schools which have had heating system upgrades have seen their efficiency jump from 70 percent to more than 90 percent, Lathrop said. In addition, those at the system controls have the ability to fine-tune all smaller units on a per-classroom basis. See FUND, Page 3
Challenger in E.L. council race gets mayor’s backing Dawn Parker dlparker@lsj.com
EAST LANSING – Victor Loomis would like to serve beside Donald Power on the East Lansing City Council. The East Lansing mayor and 10-year city council member has strongly endorsed Power, who is challenging the incum-
bents. Power is one of five candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot who are contending for three Loomis seats. Also running are three incumbent council members – Diane Goddeeris, Roger
Peters and Nathan Triplett – and second-time candidate Hans Larsen. The endorsement came in a letter posted Oct. 24 by Power to his Facebook campaign page. “A few people have wondered to me why I am asking my supporters and See RACE, Page 3
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