The Carmel-Clay Schools Spotlight
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Board Admits Communication Failures; Passes Cherry Tree Complex 4-1 Anyway
Despite recognizing Cherry Tree Elementary School families and the neighbors were not given adequate input and involvement, the Carmel-Clay School Board passed the proposed Cherry Tree softball complex with a vote of 4-1. The lone dissenter, Greg Philips, cited the school administration's failure to respond to his request that they provide a detailed analysis of alternative sites suggested by the public as the basis of his opposition.
Assistant Superintendent Roger McMichael presented an adjusted proposal that included:
1. fencing in three fields, leaving the southeast field open for community and elementary school use
2. usage agreement between Cherry Tree community, school corporation, and Carmel Dad's Club
3. regrading 3 acres on the northwest corner to allow for open green space
An amendment to the proposal that called for construction to begin summer 2008 and a concerted effort to work with Cherry Tree community members failed to receive a second and died on the table.
With the school board vote complete, Carmel residents opposed to the school board's decision will consider their options on how to respond. Two possible courses of actions to continue opposition exist: 1. filing for petition and remonstrance* and 2. requesting a formal review by the City of Carmel's Board of Zoning Appeals.
*"The petition and remonstrance is the process that allows for Hoosier taxpayers to object to a “controlled” project proposed by a local unit of government. Controlled projects are projects financed by bonds or a lease that exceed $2 million, including the funds to cover the amount of bonds issued and interest rates that will be used to pay the total cost associated with the bonds. Examples include new school construction, new library construction, remodeling and renovations of public buildings (including schools, libraries and local government offices), and beautification projects." [Source: State of Indiana Citizen’s Petition and Remonstrance Toolkit]
Assistant Superintendent Roger McMichael presented an adjusted proposal that included:
1. fencing in three fields, leaving the southeast field open for community and elementary school use
2. usage agreement between Cherry Tree community, school corporation, and Carmel Dad's Club
3. regrading 3 acres on the northwest corner to allow for open green space
An amendment to the proposal that called for construction to begin summer 2008 and a concerted effort to work with Cherry Tree community members failed to receive a second and died on the table.
With the school board vote complete, Carmel residents opposed to the school board's decision will consider their options on how to respond. Two possible courses of actions to continue opposition exist: 1. filing for petition and remonstrance* and 2. requesting a formal review by the City of Carmel's Board of Zoning Appeals.
*"The petition and remonstrance is the process that allows for Hoosier taxpayers to object to a “controlled” project proposed by a local unit of government. Controlled projects are projects financed by bonds or a lease that exceed $2 million, including the funds to cover the amount of bonds issued and interest rates that will be used to pay the total cost associated with the bonds. Examples include new school construction, new library construction, remodeling and renovations of public buildings (including schools, libraries and local government offices), and beautification projects." [Source: State of Indiana Citizen’s Petition and Remonstrance Toolkit]
Comment
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Comment by Kim Wolfert on April 29, 2008 at 10:53pm - Not at all surprising......I would've bet the farm on this one.
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