Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The budget recommendation

Last Thursday (March 3) the district presented its 2011-12 budget recommendation to the school board. It includes $1.2 million in one-time resources used to mitigate the severity of cuts, and another $1.2 million in cuts to bring next year’s budget in line with expected resources.

As is always the case, the district used the Strategic Plan, written by staff and community members, as a guide. This year we also had direction from the school board in the form of the fall levy questions, which asked for funds to protect teachers, electives, athletics, and fine arts offerings.

There are significant changes to activities at both the middle and high school level, reductions in elective offerings, and, of course, cuts to teaching staff, unavoidable here after so many years of cuts. I am sure many of the details appear in this issue of the Post Review, and the public is welcome to visit our web site (www.northbranch.k12.mn.us) to learn more.

However, it has also become our custom to try and add enhancements to the educational experience at North Branch Area Public Schools. Budget cuts are a fact of life here and should not hinder us from providing as many opportunities as possible. This year we were able to add three new college credit courses, which will save families much in tuition costs following high school.

We have also expanded world language offerings K-12, improved gifted and talented programming, provided more support for students and teachers, and made transportation improvements we hope will attract new families to the district.

You can learn more at our web site and provide input as well. There will be a public hearing on the recommendation this Thursday, March 10, 6 -7 p.m., in room 126 of the North Branch Area Education Center.

Budget season is always a very difficult time for staff and the families we serve, and this year is no different. We appreciate the support of the community during these challenging times.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

NBAEF comes full circle

Although it went largely unnoticed in the general scheme of things, this week was historic for the district and community. Years of effort culminated in what is sure to become a tradition; the awarding of grants by the North Branch Area Education Foundation (NBAEF).

The idea started as a district Strategic Plan goal and was embraced by many who worked tirelessly these last few years in pursuit of creating a foundation as a source for local financial support of new educational initiatives and scholarships.

Last fall, the foundation held its first major - and very successful - fundraiser and raised thousands of dollars. The foundation used a portion of those funds to create an endowment and cover operating costs, and was able to make $10,000 available to teachers in the form of local grants.

This week, the majority of those grant requests were acted upon, and most were approved.

Because of the foundation, and the generosity of the community, microscopes will have a sorely need cleaning, students will have the opportunity to use “smart response” systems in class, early childhood students will have the educational benefit of smartboard technology, and there may be more to come.

The foundation is a very worthy cause. The dollars raised don’t go far away where the benefit is never felt. It is local leaders, making local funds available to local students and a fine example of the support the district has in the community. I hope you consider this worthy cause as you look for opportunities for charitable giving. Go to: www.nbaef.org to learn more and see how you can be involved.

The district and community owe the foundation and its supporters a debt of gratitude that will only grow from year to year. On behalf of all those who have benefitted - and the many who will in the future - I extend my personal thanks to everyone who made this historic occasion possible.

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