"When the campaign started in 2012, the original goal was to raise $6 million." WRONG
The original goal was $30 million.
The feasibility study was in 2012.
Pursuant Ketchum was hired as counsel for the capital campaign in March 2013.
Alyssa DeLuca was hired in August 2013 as Capital Campaign Director.
"Riemer said the goal of the district-wide fundraising effort was to 'provide funding for other innovative programs without imposing additional tax burden onto our community.'” SORT OF.
The original goal was to avoid a second bond issue.
"While the campaign wasn’t a success, Riemer said more than 250 donors have contributed to projects like Matt’s Maker Spaces, STEAM initiatives and the athletics and fine arts programs." UH, YEAH...SORT OF.
Yes, there were more than 250 donors, but not one dime was raised due to the high administrative costs. Almost $1,000,000 from the General Fund was used as "seed money" or "loan" or "investment," all words used at various times by soon-to-retire Director of Business Janice Klein.
“I too believe strongly that it is in the best interest of the district to recognize the achievements and the people in the past but move it forward,” board member Larry Lebowitz said. “I look forward to the presentation where we’re going to learn about the ideas for the reset with the idea being that we will then decide how to answer a lot of these questions (we have).”
What board member Larry Lebowitz really means is that he is really excited for the opportunity to come up with answers for this failed initiative.
A year ago, Nick Meduho and I were working hard to expose this, but the newspapers never said a word. Nick, I wish you were here. I bet you are smiling down at us. Miss you, Buddy.