March 21, 2014 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

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You may have heard already REM turned down the school district's proposal.  There were 4 yes and 36 no votes.  

I'm as amazed as you knowing the school district's total package offer was actually higher than their settlement proposal (7.21% compared to 7.15%).  The difference is where to place the money.  Steve wants to place substantially more money on step 15.  We disagree because BA step 15 is already nearly $4,000 higher than the state average (see attached document).

One of the most important facts the teachers continue to forget is the school district operates with very minimal money (see attachments).  You would think they'd be happy and appreciative of average salary pay, and above, for a school district which has nearly $2,400 less per student than the average school in Minnesota.

Last year, the arbitrator awarded our teachers the highest salary increase amongst the Prairie Conference schools (see attachment).  It also placed us in the middle of the pack for section football schools (see attachment).  If we end up in arbitration again, hopefully the next arbitrator will recognize REM received a healthy increase last contract and a good offer this time.

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The ACT test is "THE" most important norm referenced test Pre-K-12 students take at any grade level.  Along with a student's high school grade point average (GPA), the ACT score means whether or not a high school student is accepted into college AND receives scholarships (Free Money).  At St. Scholastica in Duluth, students are awarded different scholarships based on the combination of his/her GPA and ACT score (see attached example).  The higher the composite ACT score is the lower the student's GPA can be to receive a scholarship.  

Speaking of averages, and above, where REM believes they deserve to be.  Royalton students' ACT scores continue to be appalling and disgraceful.  Schools can bleep for a year and sometimes two, but not year after year.  

Royalton Schools are WAY underfunded in comparison to other schools.  However, we do not have the challenges of ESL and minority students like other school districts.  Our challenges are families with lots of first generation college students and very low incomes.  In truth, this can be more challenging than schools with lots of mixed cultures and languages.

The point is few of us would bat an eye paying our teachers high salaries IF our childrens' ACT scores were consistently in the top 25% of Minnesota schools.  We pay them above average and we receive below average product.

I believe page 3 in the third attached document vanished.  What it shows is our state ranking in ACT scores for 2013.  Only 40+ schools were lower than Royalton.  We're in the bottom 40+ out of 330+ Minnesota school districts.  I've never been a part of ANYTHING that low in my life.  Take a breath and give it time for all these young new teachers.  Hopefully, they turn out to be a much better generation of teachers and Royalton employees.  

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I enclosed two letters I received this week regarding preschool and kindergarten.  The rumors are flying around about a pre-K and kindergarten center, but few know what that really means for our children and families.  Once a grade configuration becomes more clear with the one-site school or two, we'll provide the public and families with sample visuals to calm the nerves.    

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We recently tested for mold growth in the MS/HS classrooms that flooded on New Year's Eve (or was it Christmas Eve?).  The good news is we do not have mold growing in the walls or classroom (see attachment).  We will test again this spring when the temperatures warm. 

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Please find attached literature provided to us during the school tours.  The information about Annandale Elementary and Kennedy Community School was very helpful to us. 

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The school visits went well yesterday.  I took several pictures of the Annandale school grades Pre-K-5.  None of us were impressed at all with the Kennedy school in St. Joseph.  There are a small handful of things I'd consider changing at Annandale.  In contract, there are a small handful of things I'd consider keeping/doing ourselves from Kennedy.  Annandale is new this school year and Kennedy opened in 2008.

I am working mobile at my daughter's dance competition in Brainard.  I forget to scan some helpful handouts about both school buildings.  I will scan and upload them into BoardBook on Sunday when I'm at the school for JO volleyball practice. 
 

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Please find attached the weekly bills for your approval.