Do smaller schools provide great opportunities for our students to participate? Yes. Does it matter? Absolutely! Whether it is art, theater, athletics, music, or academic competition, our sons and daughters have many opportunities to play an active role at North Cedar. Let me give two examples.
This year Mr. Glover came to me with an idea. Mrs. Crittenden suggested that we offer drama opportunities for our middle school students. We could use the newly remodeled Debbie Harms Theater. It would cost little and give more students an opportunity to participate in a healthy activity. It was a great suggestion, and they "ran with it."
On Thursday and Friday middle school students presented several short plays. The fifth grade presented "Mischief in Thebes" and "Lightning Strikes." The sixth grade presented "The Wizard's Spell" and "Cocoon." The seventh grade presented "Stage Fright." The eighth grade presented "The Red Door," "Guardian Angel," and "The Trial of Amanda Marie Locks." Over one-quarter of the middle school volunteered and participated. Fantastic!
Another example comes from the high school. This weekend I received an e-mail from Mrs. Barglof. In part it read ….
"I just wanted to let you know that the North Cedar quiz bowl team placed first at the NAQT tournament on Saturday. Members of the team are Evan Ruchotzke, Parker Koch, Justin Salat, Dylan Montz, and Alex Doser. Little North Cedar beat out the big schools of Bettendorf, Davenport Central and Muscatine to come out on top with a trophy. They also qualified for nationals in Chicago, which will be held on Memorial Day weekend. Evan Ruchotzke also received a medallion for the individual with the highest score. It was a great Saturday, to say the least!!"
Each of these examples illustrates a great way to represent our school. They are only two of the many ways our students become involved in student activities. The research tells us that participation in school activities has lasting, positive rewards. Encourage your children and others to participate in their school activities.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Our Financial Future
Good Morning All,
It occurs to me that we have not talked lately about the legislature and our budget. I wish there was concrete information available. I will attempt to describe what we know and then provide an educated guess about next year's funding. As you read this information, please the District understands its responsibility is to students, staff, and taxpayers. Be confident we are doing what we can to keep programs running, everyone employed, and taxes reasonable. If you have questions, please phone or drop by.
First, for 2009 - 2010: By the end of the year we will be down approximately $516,900.
A. While the legislature approved a 4% increase in allowable growth for this year, it did not deliver. That state aid was reduced by 1.5% resulting in an estimated state aid shortfall (at the beginning of the year) of $54.86 per weighted student. For our district, that amounted to about $61,000.
B. The 10% state aid reduction for FY10 amounts to $410 times our weighted enrollment, about $455,900. (The 10% reduction resulted from a meeting of the Revenue Estimating Conference. This group reviews net tax revenues, estimates the next quarter receipts, and reports the information to the Governor and Legislature. Because of the recession, net receipts were down significantly. The State of Iowa "must" balance its budget, therefore the cut in state aid.)
Second, for 2010 - 2011: There are two common scenarios and both will depend on state revenues and the politics of state government.
It is estimated that our state aid will be reduced an amount between $341,000 and $781,700. The reasoning follows. Our source is local data, Iowa Department of Management, Iowa School Information Service (ISIS), and Bill Garner Consulting.
A. According to ISIS: The first estimate or scenario of the state short funding is $310 per weighted enrolled student. It results from the projected shortfall in the governor's recommended budget. The number is determined by dividing the $170 million that is under funded by the state's total weighted enrollment to come up with a per pupil number. That would impact us by an additional $341,300.
B. That same source states: A $710 is our concept of a worst case scenario - it's the carry forward of the FY 2010 across the board cut....
Added to this is the anticipated $310 shortfall expected next year. That would impact us by an additional $781,700.
While projections for the future appear bleak. However, we are in a better financial shape than the vast majority of schools, and we do have a plan.
This plan has four parts. First, we will realize savings due to retirement and resignation of staff. Second, taxes will increase. Our goal is to keep all increases to a minimum. Third, we are economizing. We will only be ordering necessities. Fourth, we will spend down our cash reserves. The result of our plan will be known at the end of the year. Even after these efforts, the losses will take several years to get back to normal.
It occurs to me that we have not talked lately about the legislature and our budget. I wish there was concrete information available. I will attempt to describe what we know and then provide an educated guess about next year's funding. As you read this information, please the District understands its responsibility is to students, staff, and taxpayers. Be confident we are doing what we can to keep programs running, everyone employed, and taxes reasonable. If you have questions, please phone or drop by.
First, for 2009 - 2010: By the end of the year we will be down approximately $516,900.
A. While the legislature approved a 4% increase in allowable growth for this year, it did not deliver. That state aid was reduced by 1.5% resulting in an estimated state aid shortfall (at the beginning of the year) of $54.86 per weighted student. For our district, that amounted to about $61,000.
B. The 10% state aid reduction for FY10 amounts to $410 times our weighted enrollment, about $455,900. (The 10% reduction resulted from a meeting of the Revenue Estimating Conference. This group reviews net tax revenues, estimates the next quarter receipts, and reports the information to the Governor and Legislature. Because of the recession, net receipts were down significantly. The State of Iowa "must" balance its budget, therefore the cut in state aid.)
Second, for 2010 - 2011: There are two common scenarios and both will depend on state revenues and the politics of state government.
It is estimated that our state aid will be reduced an amount between $341,000 and $781,700. The reasoning follows. Our source is local data, Iowa Department of Management, Iowa School Information Service (ISIS), and Bill Garner Consulting.
A. According to ISIS: The first estimate or scenario of the state short funding is $310 per weighted enrolled student. It results from the projected shortfall in the governor's recommended budget. The number is determined by dividing the $170 million that is under funded by the state's total weighted enrollment to come up with a per pupil number. That would impact us by an additional $341,300.
B. That same source states: A $710 is our concept of a worst case scenario - it's the carry forward of the FY 2010 across the board cut....
Added to this is the anticipated $310 shortfall expected next year. That would impact us by an additional $781,700.
While projections for the future appear bleak. However, we are in a better financial shape than the vast majority of schools, and we do have a plan.
This plan has four parts. First, we will realize savings due to retirement and resignation of staff. Second, taxes will increase. Our goal is to keep all increases to a minimum. Third, we are economizing. We will only be ordering necessities. Fourth, we will spend down our cash reserves. The result of our plan will be known at the end of the year. Even after these efforts, the losses will take several years to get back to normal.
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