March 15, 2013 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

Description:  Mr. Marwitz emailed me the message below.  Also, I thought you'd like to see some pictures of what the rock climbing wall will look like when installed.

I just received an official quote on the wall I showed you last week.  It came in about $800 less than what he initially guessed.  It's nice for them to be off that direction once in a while too:).  He came in at $17,200 provided we can supply a scissor lift, which I think I can get, and that saves us $500, otherwise it will be $17,700.  I have a few things in the hopper right now to bring in some more funds.  Hopefully in a month we'll be ready to go!

Description:  I've been wondering for the past several weeks why the Governor's proposed plan for education doesn't include anything for "equitable funding."  Brad the executive director for SEE said it comes down to the political party support of school districts in most need of equitable funding.  The majority of member SEE schools are from republican voting areas of the state.  It's politics at the expense of students and schools. 

Description:  A legislative bill gaining some traction allows school boards to levy up to $300 without voter approval. The good and bad of this is accessing the needed money, but upsetting taxpayers who lose their voting right. 

Description:  At the special board meeting on Monday it was asked where our resident students open-enroll to other districts.  Below are available numbers from last school year.

14 - Sauk Rapids-Rice
  6 - Foley
  2 - Houston (online learning)
46 - Little Falls (7 in 9th grade, 7 in 10th grade, 6 in 11th grade, and 10 in 12th grade)
16 - Pierz
25 - Holdingford
  2 - St. Cloud
  6 - Mid-State
  2 - Sartell
  1 - Pillager
  1 - ROCORI

Description:  A board member inquired about the district receiving a refund on fuel.  The answer is we do not pay federal excise tax on the fuel we purchase so there is no refund to be claimed.

Description:  Brent and I received a letter from a concerned parent regarding traveling basketball tryouts.  We are not able to respond to the person as they didn't sign their name.  It is important for you to know youth traveling sports are not sponsored or organized by the district.  Therefore, equal playing time and all that is decided by the adults running it on their own.  

Description:  The weekly bills requiring your approval are found in the board packet for the meeting on March 18.