The referendum proposal they have developed is an example of good long range strategic planning and data-based decision making that will meet the needs of a growing student population while sustaining and enhancing the quali-ty of education for current and future students.
It has been my experience that a strong, high quality public school system helps attract newcomers who seek out such communities to live in and raise their families, helping to drive up the value of our community.
We were attracted to Chaska five years ago partly based on the quality of District 112 schools, and we have not been disappointed.
Finally, I have been impressed with how our school board and administration have managed the district's financial re-sources to provide for the educational needs of students and have met the ac-countability demands of the community.
I know that my expenses will go up with passage of the referendum, but I also strongly believe that the long term benefits to my family and the community are worth it.  We owe it to ourselves and the future to support the proposed referen-dum on November 7^th.
Ken Hiller
Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:
I saw the article that you wrote in your September issue about two of the new tenants in my building.  Thanks for promoting them and helping the commu-nity start to know about new business that Victoria's booming town is getting.
Matt Crowe
CEI Ventures

To the Editor:
I am writing in support of the District 112 referendums for a new high school in Chanhassen. 
I am a 20-year resident of the area who has seen the explosive growth in re-cent years from the old high school, junior high, and three elementary facilities, to what we have now.  The demographic estimates have been dead on for several years.  The expected growth will continue if not accelerate with the opening of High-way 212. 
I believe that two high schools are the proper solution to this growth.  The key word for the planning that the district has done in recent years is flexibility.  This will keep the district flexible in its facili-ties. 
I grew up in the Robbinsdale School District.  It had three high schools in a geographically large district.  In larger school districts, such as ours is rapidly becoming, more than one high school is the norm, not the exception.
Michael Leonard, DDS
Chanhassen, Minnesota

To the Editor:
There's no doubt about it, that $92.9 million is a lot of money.  It's almost un-fathomable to most of us.  But most of us probably haven't been shopping for a new high school lately.
After extensive research, the District 112 School Board is recommending spending that amount, which equates to approximately $185 per square foot, to build a second high school, this one in Chanhassen.  In today's market, this figure falls within the average range of commercial construction costs.
Realizing this need, I believe our community wants, understands, and de-serves a facility of this nature for its stu-dents.  The $92.9 million is neither extra-vagant nor inferior.  It is appropriate for this community.
And most of all, it is necessary to build this new school now, or the "average range" will simply continue to escalate.  A new high school for 2,000 students, offering the same features as Chaska High School, will never be less expensive.
If this referendum doesn't pass, the scenario doesn't change.  The growth will continue and costs will rise.  The bottom line is that we need an additional high school because we need the space because the kids and teachers deserve to have manageable class sizes.  Quality teaching and learning depend on it.
Please vote yes on November 7^th.  It's the best investment any of us can make for a vibrant community and our most important resource, our children.
Mary Erickson
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
I have recently been looking into my family history.  My father's father was never very eager to speak of his heritage and, unfortunately, he is now deceased.
You mentioned Chessmar Farms in an article I found on the Victoria Gazette website, in the April 2001 edition.  My last name, Chessmar, is a very uncommon one.  I was wondering if you knew the location of Chessmar [Ches Mar] Farms.  You wrote that they were near a place called Excelsior.
I would greatly appreciate a response.  Thank you.
Mary Chessmar
via email

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