Brookings School District Telephone Study Results December 2006

Methodology  400 telephone interviews completed December 22nd through December 30th  Sampling taken from registered voters in the Brookings School District who voted in the November, 2006 general election  There was a refusal rate of 27.4%  Average survey length was 4.5 minutes

Next I would like to get your opinion on an important issue currently before the Brookings School Board. Mr. Dale Larson is interested in creating a children’s museum in Brookings. This facility would allow students in the region to learn from state-of-the-art interactive displays. He would like to purchase Central Elementary School and is willing to pay the school district $500,000 for this property. In addition, he would donate 30% of the cost of elementary school on the south side of the city where the greatest growth is occurring. Architects estimate the cost of a new school to be approximately 10 million dollars which means he is willing to pay 3 million dollars of the new school building project.

With Mr. Larson paying 30% of the cost for a new school, taxpayers would still need to pay 70% through their property taxes. As an example, that would mean a homeowner whose house or property was appraised at $100,000 would pay an additional $43 per year in taxes. Based on this information, would you say you support or oppose the school district agreeing to Mr. Larson’s proposal and moving ahead with this project?

Profile of Residents In Support of the Project Those in Support of the Project: Are more informed on the project (very or somewhat) Are younger (under 45 years of age) Have lived in the Brookings area for 20 years or less Demographic variables which showed no significant difference were gender, own vs. rent status, and if currently have children enrolled in Brookings schools

Major Reasons For Opposition Of The Project Tax increase -- It is just adding more to the taxes. -- I don’t want my taxes going up. No need/remodel current school -- I think the school could make better use of their funds than build another school. Continuing costs for science museum -- I think that the science museum is more than what they can afford. And I don't believe it is self sustaining.