I sent the following message to Key Communicators and district employees yesterday:
I am writing you personally today to share with you some great news and ask for your help.
Last Thursday, the school board received a very positive report on our 2012-13 enrollment. I am very pleased to share with you that, as of Oct. 11, enrollment here at North Branch Area Public Schools is down only two students from last year! That is a testament to the hard work of staff to provide an NBAPS quality education, and district efforts to keep our kids where they belong - right here!
You may be wondering why a drop of two students would be considered good news. For years now enrollment at North Branch Area Public Schools has been dropping due to a variety of factors. Those enrollment drops account for a large part of the annual budget cuts we have been making since 2003-04.
With enrollment staying roughly flat from last year to this year, it means the school district will receive more funding from the state than originally projected, and mitigate to some degree the necessity for cuts for next year.
It also gives us reason to hope that the trend of dropping enrollment may be flattening out. Of course, only time will tell if that is the case.
We know our community is concerned with enrollments, and I hope you will join me in sharing this exciting news with your friends, family, and neighbors.
Speaking of sharing good news, have you considered participating in Spread the Red? We want to spread the word about all of the great things happening in North Branch Area Public Schools and we think you are the best person to talk about what is great at NBAPS! And, it's easy! Make a short video of yourself talking about you like about NBAPS and follow the submission instructions at the link above. There will even be prizes for finalists.
We are so very pleased to share this good news with you today, and it is my distinct hope you will consider joining our Spread the Red campaign and help us build on this momentum!
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
School News 9-26-12
A loss for us all
Last week I was informed that MaryHelen Swanson will no longer be your editor at the Post Review.
I’ve known MaryHelen for just a few short years but more than long enough to have an idea who she is and what a loss her departure will be for this community. The life of a superintendent and the life of a newspaper editor are very similar I should think. The hours are incredibly long for a newspaper editor...I know this because I see MaryHelen at most of the same events and meetings that I attend.
Being a newspaper editor is a high-pressure position that is subject to a great deal of scrutiny. When there are errors or complaints, they go to the editor. And, much like a superintendent, whatever decisions are made, a newspaper editor is sure to leave some people unhappy, even while others are made to feel satisfied.
What separates MaryHelen in my mind is the degree to which she cares about the communities she covers, and the individuals whose reputations and futures are placed in her hands. Not, as some may assume, just those she agrees with, or gets along with; but all of the people who put themselves in the public realm by holding office or job title. She is careful to always remember that the people she covers are human beings, not just news subjects.
In an age where editors and columnists are almost constantly rushing to give us their spin, its almost a curiosity that I have no idea where MaryHelen falls in her own beliefs. While some wear opinions on their sleeve, MaryHelen holds her own close to the vest so that all receive fair treatment. That is a rare quality these days and, with her departure, even more so.
The next editor of the Post Review will have large, and well-worn, shoes to fill indeed. Caring about the people who make news, as MaryHelen does, would be a great start.
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Last week I was informed that MaryHelen Swanson will no longer be your editor at the Post Review.
I’ve known MaryHelen for just a few short years but more than long enough to have an idea who she is and what a loss her departure will be for this community. The life of a superintendent and the life of a newspaper editor are very similar I should think. The hours are incredibly long for a newspaper editor...I know this because I see MaryHelen at most of the same events and meetings that I attend.
Being a newspaper editor is a high-pressure position that is subject to a great deal of scrutiny. When there are errors or complaints, they go to the editor. And, much like a superintendent, whatever decisions are made, a newspaper editor is sure to leave some people unhappy, even while others are made to feel satisfied.
What separates MaryHelen in my mind is the degree to which she cares about the communities she covers, and the individuals whose reputations and futures are placed in her hands. Not, as some may assume, just those she agrees with, or gets along with; but all of the people who put themselves in the public realm by holding office or job title. She is careful to always remember that the people she covers are human beings, not just news subjects.
In an age where editors and columnists are almost constantly rushing to give us their spin, its almost a curiosity that I have no idea where MaryHelen falls in her own beliefs. While some wear opinions on their sleeve, MaryHelen holds her own close to the vest so that all receive fair treatment. That is a rare quality these days and, with her departure, even more so.
The next editor of the Post Review will have large, and well-worn, shoes to fill indeed. Caring about the people who make news, as MaryHelen does, would be a great start.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
School News 9-19-12
Talk to us!
We here at North Branch Area Public Schools take pride in being one of the most transparent school districts you are likely to find in the state of Minnesota. The level of access to information that you can find using our various tools is astounding!
One of the things we are most proud to offer, thanks to technology, is the opportunity for anyone with an internet connection to listen to our school board meetings via podcast. Go to our district homepage (www.northbranch.k12.mn.us) and click on the playbar to listen to the most recent meeting. You can keep up with school district business from the comfort of your own home.
Other ways we communicate include our website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, my blog, our student information system (SchoolView) and mass communication system (Parentlink). The school district also publishes The Voice, which can be found in Community Education’s seasonal catalogue, distributed to each household in the school district.
Need to reach someone in the school district? Our website includes a searchable staff directory with e-mail addresses, making it easy. Employees are encouraged to use e-mail. Of course you can always call us too! Phone numbers for sites are conveniently located at our webpage, and they will be happy to direct your call to the appropriate individual.
If you need to speak to me, my office phone number is (651) 674-1012, my cell phone number is (651) 249-8893, and my e-mail address is dhenton@northbranch.k12.mn.us. My door is always open to you. We pride ourselves on being responsive to our community; we are here to serve you.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can direct you to the appropriate individual or address your concerns personally, depending on the situation. I look forward to hearing from you!
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We here at North Branch Area Public Schools take pride in being one of the most transparent school districts you are likely to find in the state of Minnesota. The level of access to information that you can find using our various tools is astounding!
One of the things we are most proud to offer, thanks to technology, is the opportunity for anyone with an internet connection to listen to our school board meetings via podcast. Go to our district homepage (www.northbranch.k12.mn.us) and click on the playbar to listen to the most recent meeting. You can keep up with school district business from the comfort of your own home.
Other ways we communicate include our website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, my blog, our student information system (SchoolView) and mass communication system (Parentlink). The school district also publishes The Voice, which can be found in Community Education’s seasonal catalogue, distributed to each household in the school district.
Need to reach someone in the school district? Our website includes a searchable staff directory with e-mail addresses, making it easy. Employees are encouraged to use e-mail. Of course you can always call us too! Phone numbers for sites are conveniently located at our webpage, and they will be happy to direct your call to the appropriate individual.
If you need to speak to me, my office phone number is (651) 674-1012, my cell phone number is (651) 249-8893, and my e-mail address is dhenton@northbranch.k12.mn.us. My door is always open to you. We pride ourselves on being responsive to our community; we are here to serve you.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can direct you to the appropriate individual or address your concerns personally, depending on the situation. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Welcome back everyone!
After a hiatus for the summer, here is the first School News column of the 2012-13 school year:
Come on a Patron Tour
Another school year is upon us and, judging by open houses, we are more than ready! Staff were brimming with enthusiasm, buildings were gleaming, and students were excited about the future.
You may be wondering what there is to be so excited about. Well, why not come and find out?
Last year we implemented Patron Tours and they were a huge success. A success not just for those who took four hours out of their busy lives to see what it is we do here at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS), but for the staff and students who are so proud of the education here at NBAPS as well.
The tours start with a chance to talk with me about anything (and I mean anything) before we embark on a tour of our facilities. You will get a first-hand look at education at NBAPS from early childhood through high school. Included are classroom visits, a chance to talk with students and principals, and a wonderful lunch provided by Taher.
You might think that these tours are a chance for school district supporters and employees to get together and agree on everything, but I think the tours have been most successful with those a bit skeptical of our mission and performance.
I believe a large part of the criticism we sometimes face is from those who don’t have a true understanding of what we do and how we do it. I have heard more than once the phrase, “I had no idea...” from tour attendees who realized for the first time the scale of what we are expected to do, and the impressive way we meet challenges.
This year’s Patron Tours are scheduled for Oct. 12, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, April 26, and May 31. All are Friday tours. I strongly encourage you to consider joining us for one. If you would like to attend, call Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018.
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Come on a Patron Tour
Another school year is upon us and, judging by open houses, we are more than ready! Staff were brimming with enthusiasm, buildings were gleaming, and students were excited about the future.
You may be wondering what there is to be so excited about. Well, why not come and find out?
Last year we implemented Patron Tours and they were a huge success. A success not just for those who took four hours out of their busy lives to see what it is we do here at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS), but for the staff and students who are so proud of the education here at NBAPS as well.
The tours start with a chance to talk with me about anything (and I mean anything) before we embark on a tour of our facilities. You will get a first-hand look at education at NBAPS from early childhood through high school. Included are classroom visits, a chance to talk with students and principals, and a wonderful lunch provided by Taher.
You might think that these tours are a chance for school district supporters and employees to get together and agree on everything, but I think the tours have been most successful with those a bit skeptical of our mission and performance.
I believe a large part of the criticism we sometimes face is from those who don’t have a true understanding of what we do and how we do it. I have heard more than once the phrase, “I had no idea...” from tour attendees who realized for the first time the scale of what we are expected to do, and the impressive way we meet challenges.
This year’s Patron Tours are scheduled for Oct. 12, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, April 26, and May 31. All are Friday tours. I strongly encourage you to consider joining us for one. If you would like to attend, call Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018.
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Community Service Day 2012
Community Service Day was last Friday, and we have a photo album posted at the school district Facebook page. Check it out!
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Friday, May 11, 2012
NBAHS is award winning school!
US News and World Report has listed the best high schools in America and NBAPS is proud to report that North Branch Area High School is among them.
NBAHS was one of only 96 high schools in the state to receive a bronze medal. In all, 423 secondary schools in the state were evaluated. Of those that received bronze medals, NBAHS had the highest teacher/student ratio (24:1), proving NBAPS can do more with less.
None of the school districts that surround us received this award. While the high school receives the honor, it would not be possible without the great education provided kids starting in Early Childhood and continuing through the elementary and middle school years. This recognition belongs to all. Congratulations to high school staff, and all the staff who have made this honor possible.
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NBAHS was one of only 96 high schools in the state to receive a bronze medal. In all, 423 secondary schools in the state were evaluated. Of those that received bronze medals, NBAHS had the highest teacher/student ratio (24:1), proving NBAPS can do more with less.
None of the school districts that surround us received this award. While the high school receives the honor, it would not be possible without the great education provided kids starting in Early Childhood and continuing through the elementary and middle school years. This recognition belongs to all. Congratulations to high school staff, and all the staff who have made this honor possible.
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012
School News 5-9-12
Jeanne Leland’s gift
Spring is generally a time of renewal for families and for our area; trees are in bloom, plants are emerging from the ground, and families are throwing open the windows, eager to renew a relationship with the great outdoors.
For North Branch Area Public Schools, spring can also be a time of sadness. It seems every year we lose a dedicated leader who has spent a lifetime in service to this great community, and this year is certainly no exception.
At the end of this school year the school district will bid adieu to Jeanne Leland, Community Education Director (CED).
Jeanne arrived at North Branch Area Public Schools in 1979. In her time here she has served as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator. Putting it so simply though does not do her contributions to the school district and the community as a whole justice.
Jeanne is a tireless advocate of education, both for children and adults. As CED she is deeply passionate about providing the community access to the tools they need to be successful as people, parents, and citizens.
Jeanne is also one of the finest I’ve seen at seeing problems and issues from a variety of perspectives. She understands life from many points of view and works hard to be empathetic to all. Her wisdom and approach to problem solving has been invaluable to this school district over her 32 years here.
I know that you wish her the very best in her future, as we do. I hope you will take a moment, the next time you see Jeanne around town, to tell her “thank you” for her invaluable service. She retires not just as a director, but as one of the most dedicated advocates for the community you are likely to find. I have no doubt she will continue to be so even in retirement.
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Spring is generally a time of renewal for families and for our area; trees are in bloom, plants are emerging from the ground, and families are throwing open the windows, eager to renew a relationship with the great outdoors.
For North Branch Area Public Schools, spring can also be a time of sadness. It seems every year we lose a dedicated leader who has spent a lifetime in service to this great community, and this year is certainly no exception.
At the end of this school year the school district will bid adieu to Jeanne Leland, Community Education Director (CED).
Jeanne arrived at North Branch Area Public Schools in 1979. In her time here she has served as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator. Putting it so simply though does not do her contributions to the school district and the community as a whole justice.
Jeanne is a tireless advocate of education, both for children and adults. As CED she is deeply passionate about providing the community access to the tools they need to be successful as people, parents, and citizens.
Jeanne is also one of the finest I’ve seen at seeing problems and issues from a variety of perspectives. She understands life from many points of view and works hard to be empathetic to all. Her wisdom and approach to problem solving has been invaluable to this school district over her 32 years here.
I know that you wish her the very best in her future, as we do. I hope you will take a moment, the next time you see Jeanne around town, to tell her “thank you” for her invaluable service. She retires not just as a director, but as one of the most dedicated advocates for the community you are likely to find. I have no doubt she will continue to be so even in retirement.
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Energy efficiency program helping protect education
School News 4-11-12
At North Branch Area Public Schools we are challenged daily to do more with less; a challenge we meet head on. Three years ago we embraced a solution to funding inequities that has proven to be highly successful: our partnership with Schools for Energy Efficiency (SEE).
When we build budgets we have to look not just at what affect a decision will have for that budget year, but what affect it will have over many years. Our decision to partner with SEE to reduce energy use in the school district has paid big dividends for the school district and the community that supports it through tax dollars.
We have been told that we have been a model district for the results we have achieved in such a short time. We are now at the end of the third year of the partnership and the school district has avoided energy costs totaling $369,385 in that time. Of that, $128,304 were realized just in the last year. By the end of next year we will have avoided roughly a half-million dollars in energy savings in four years!
The savings figures for this year represent a 17 percent reduction in energy usage in our school district. That is a testament to every staff member and student, who have embraced this program and made it work. Many, many people - sometimes even at a sacrifice to themselves - keep a watchful eye on energy usage here.
For instance around this office people know to turn off their lights when they leave their office, even for a short time, or watchdog Deb will turn it off for them.
Of course, the money saved relieves the budgetary burdens we face each year and that is a good thing for education and for the community.
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At North Branch Area Public Schools we are challenged daily to do more with less; a challenge we meet head on. Three years ago we embraced a solution to funding inequities that has proven to be highly successful: our partnership with Schools for Energy Efficiency (SEE).
When we build budgets we have to look not just at what affect a decision will have for that budget year, but what affect it will have over many years. Our decision to partner with SEE to reduce energy use in the school district has paid big dividends for the school district and the community that supports it through tax dollars.
We have been told that we have been a model district for the results we have achieved in such a short time. We are now at the end of the third year of the partnership and the school district has avoided energy costs totaling $369,385 in that time. Of that, $128,304 were realized just in the last year. By the end of next year we will have avoided roughly a half-million dollars in energy savings in four years!
The savings figures for this year represent a 17 percent reduction in energy usage in our school district. That is a testament to every staff member and student, who have embraced this program and made it work. Many, many people - sometimes even at a sacrifice to themselves - keep a watchful eye on energy usage here.
For instance around this office people know to turn off their lights when they leave their office, even for a short time, or watchdog Deb will turn it off for them.
Of course, the money saved relieves the budgetary burdens we face each year and that is a good thing for education and for the community.
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Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thanks to letter writer
School News 3-21-12
First, I would like to thank the author of last week’s letter “Financial stress doesn’t hold back students.” We do have great kids, great parents/guardians, and great staff, and there are many wonderful things happening in our schools despite the implications that come with budget cuts.
It is my sincerest hope that the vast majority of you out there who believe your kids are in great schools, and benefit from being surrounded by great staff, will share that message far and wide.
We are often asked what we can do to attract more students. The simplest answer to that question is also the most effective: Spread the word. We live and work in a school district that is the unfortunate victim of political decisions made by others, decisions that create a high state of emotion for both families we serve and taxpayers at large.
Taxes and educational opportunities are issues that strike to the very heart of a community. It is easy to assume the issues we face start with the district. The more difficult thing to do is to work with us to be a part of solutions that make the best of the situation we find ourselves in.
We are your school district. Most of our employees live in the district, and those who don’t live and pay taxes in others. Everyone here, from school-keeper to superintendent, believes in our kids and is proud of the hard work they do supporting their education.
I can’t say it enough: Please be our ambassadors. Not for me or for the school district itself. Be an ambassador because it is the right thing for the community. Good schools attract growth more than many other factors. We have great schools, we just have to willing to spread that message.
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First, I would like to thank the author of last week’s letter “Financial stress doesn’t hold back students.” We do have great kids, great parents/guardians, and great staff, and there are many wonderful things happening in our schools despite the implications that come with budget cuts.
It is my sincerest hope that the vast majority of you out there who believe your kids are in great schools, and benefit from being surrounded by great staff, will share that message far and wide.
We are often asked what we can do to attract more students. The simplest answer to that question is also the most effective: Spread the word. We live and work in a school district that is the unfortunate victim of political decisions made by others, decisions that create a high state of emotion for both families we serve and taxpayers at large.
Taxes and educational opportunities are issues that strike to the very heart of a community. It is easy to assume the issues we face start with the district. The more difficult thing to do is to work with us to be a part of solutions that make the best of the situation we find ourselves in.
We are your school district. Most of our employees live in the district, and those who don’t live and pay taxes in others. Everyone here, from school-keeper to superintendent, believes in our kids and is proud of the hard work they do supporting their education.
I can’t say it enough: Please be our ambassadors. Not for me or for the school district itself. Be an ambassador because it is the right thing for the community. Good schools attract growth more than many other factors. We have great schools, we just have to willing to spread that message.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012
D3 to expand in March
D3 to expand in March
In January of this year, North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) took the ground-breaking step of allowing students to bring digital devices to school. We took this approach because, unlike so many other school districts, NBAPS cannot afford to purchase devices for students.
Thus far, D3 (Discover Digital Devices) at the high school has been successful, though not without ups and downs. Those are part of any change though, and we are confident that any issues being experienced are short-term in nature. I can say that every student I have spoken to has given the program high marks.
And so we move onto phase two of D3, implemenation at the middle school. Middle school families were sent a letter late last week making sure they are aware of the coming change. The letter explains that students will be taught responsible usage not just in the lead-up to D3, but going forward as well.
The letter will be followed soon by a permission slip that articulates guidelines for using digital devices clearly. Not only must students sign the permission slip, but their parent/guardian must also do the same.
A concern that I have heard in the past has been that allowing devices allows students to bring things into school that don’t belong. In an expectations video that will be shown to middle school students, Principal Todd Tetzlaff makes it very clear that a device is no different than a backpack; if the school has reason to believe there may be something “in” that device that does not belong in school, school staff have the autrhority to inspect the device.
I am very pleased to report that concern has not been an issue at the high school.
D3 is another example how NBAPS is “returning to its roots” so to speak, creating a more “cutting edge” district willing to try new things for the sake of improving engagement and increasing efficiency.
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Thus far, D3 (Discover Digital Devices) at the high school has been successful, though not without ups and downs. Those are part of any change though, and we are confident that any issues being experienced are short-term in nature. I can say that every student I have spoken to has given the program high marks.
And so we move onto phase two of D3, implemenation at the middle school. Middle school families were sent a letter late last week making sure they are aware of the coming change. The letter explains that students will be taught responsible usage not just in the lead-up to D3, but going forward as well.
The letter will be followed soon by a permission slip that articulates guidelines for using digital devices clearly. Not only must students sign the permission slip, but their parent/guardian must also do the same.
A concern that I have heard in the past has been that allowing devices allows students to bring things into school that don’t belong. In an expectations video that will be shown to middle school students, Principal Todd Tetzlaff makes it very clear that a device is no different than a backpack; if the school has reason to believe there may be something “in” that device that does not belong in school, school staff have the autrhority to inspect the device.
I am very pleased to report that concern has not been an issue at the high school.
D3 is another example how NBAPS is “returning to its roots” so to speak, creating a more “cutting edge” district willing to try new things for the sake of improving engagement and increasing efficiency.
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Friday, January 27, 2012
Budget season is here again
The school board heard the budget forecast for 2012-13 last night. We are looking at a $2.1 million deficit for next year. To look at all the information available at this time, and to see the schedule of events, go to the district's 2012-13 budget webpage.
Also, here is the podcast of last night's meeting:
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Also, here is the podcast of last night's meeting:
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Holiday dinner a big success
Our wonderful district staff and Taher put on a free community dinner at the high school on Christmas Day. If you would like to see a slideshow of the decorations and event, check out the district Facebook page.
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Letter to MDE
In our continuing efforts to make change at the state level, this letter was sent to MDE Commissioner Brenda Cassellius last week. I think the gas station analogy puts the plight of NBAPS and its residents in perspective:
Dear Commissioner Cassellius,
I write to you this day on behalf of North Branch Area Public Schools and the communities it serves, to share with you the results of our recent operating levy proposal and express our dissatisfaction with the current funding formula. It is my deepest hope that, in doing so, we can cease to be the example of what is wrong with K-12 funding, and instead inspire a solution.
North Branch Area Public Schools enrolls 3,143 students K-12 in the Chisago/Isanti County area. Our most recent levy attempt failed this November, and marks the eighth consecutive such failure since 1998. We were recently referred to in the Star Tribune as the “unluckiest” school district in the state. Our budget woes have been featured in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and on CNN.
Our inability to pass an operating levy is a primary reason we are one of the lowest-funded school districts in the state. The state funding formula, and specifically an equalization factor that has remained unchanged in almost 20 years, is a primary reason we are unable to pass a levy.
In 1994, when the equalization factor was put in place, it was designed to give school districts across the state an equal playing field with the wealthiest districts. It allowed for property poor districts to receive equalization aid on a sliding scale if the school district had a market value per pupil unit below $476,000. According to MDE, records indicate that in 1997, two school districts out of 358 were above that figure and the average market value per pupil unit was $175,000.
Over the succeeding years, property values skyrocketed and the average market value per pupil unit is projected to be $469,000 in 2013. Increasing property values however, do not equate to an increase in wealth. It does equate to an increase in taxes though, and Chisago County - which makes up the bulk of our school district - has one of the highest median property tax rates not just in the state, but the entire nation.
While property values and tax burdens have steadily increased, the state’s equalization factor has remained unchanged since its inception and no longer reflects a figure designed to keep property poor districts on a level playing field with property wealthy districts. In 2013, 69 school districts will have a market value per pupil above $476,000. And though the majority of districts still remain under that figure, the average dictates that less fortunate school districts qualify for less state aid than ever before, making the challenge of offering students the same advantages as wealthy districts all but impossible.
Here are some examples of the drastic differences in operating levy tax impact, based on the maximum levy amount of $1,605 per pupil:
• North Branch Area Public Schools: $407 per $100,000 of property value
• Orono Public Schools: $125 per $100,000 of property value
• Westonka: $143 per $100,000 of property value
• Wayzata: $188 per $100,000 of property value
Even our closest competitors to the south realize an advantage when trying to provide for students:
• Chisago Area Public Schools: $358 per $100,000 of property value
• Forest Lake: $312 per $100,000 of property value
Imagine if you will that school funding is like buying gas. When North Branch pulls into the station, it is instructed to use pumps at which the price of gas is $4.07 a gallon. When Orono pulls into the same station for the same gas, it is allowed to pay $1.25 a gallon. Any fair-minded person would agree that the situation as it stands is inherently unfair for school districts and, far more importantly, students. The result for a school district like North Branch Area Public Schools has been nothing short of devastating.
The same holds true for other equalization factors, most notably debt equalization. Increases in property values have pushed more districts “off the formula” with a larger share of debt service shifting to local property taxes, further increasing the local burden. This magnifies the difficulties North Branch Area Public Schools faces in asking voters to approve operating levies.
Since 2003-04 we have cut $14 million in staff and programs with millions more expected each year into the foreseeable future. Fees to parents have been increased, supply lists have grown, class sizes have increased, leadership and oversight decimated, buildings closed, the school week reduced, extracurricular activities slashed, and programs eliminated. In the last four years we have cut 89 full-time equivalent positions, and despite declines in enrollment we have fewer staff serving more students than ever before. Those job losses have also contributed to an overall decline in the local economy.
The constant drumbeat of lost opportunities has accelerated enrollment declines - further exacerbating our funding issues, and a funding system so complex only very few understand has frustrated our public to the point of causing an almost complete breakdown in the relationship between school district and community.
The situation here can only be described as toxic, and at the root of that toxicity lies inequitable funding.
Despite our great and numerous challenges, NBAPS has done remarkably well at continuing to provide a competitive education. However, that cannot continue into the future without significant change to the way schools are funded in the near future.
Each year we have to look our residents in the eye and tell them that circumstances are such that their children’s educations remain under-funded. We tell them that the situation cannot continue much longer, the state must correct the problem. We have been saying that now since 2003-04. It has been almost a decade of waiting and watching an entire generation of students and families stuck between a rock and a hard place; hoping for change.
We appreciate so much what you do for the children of the state. It is our sincerest hope that we can work together in these challenging times to create an equitable funding structure that acknowledges all kids deserve the same opportunity for a high quality public education.
Sincerely,
Deb Henton, Ed. D.
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Dear Commissioner Cassellius,
I write to you this day on behalf of North Branch Area Public Schools and the communities it serves, to share with you the results of our recent operating levy proposal and express our dissatisfaction with the current funding formula. It is my deepest hope that, in doing so, we can cease to be the example of what is wrong with K-12 funding, and instead inspire a solution.
North Branch Area Public Schools enrolls 3,143 students K-12 in the Chisago/Isanti County area. Our most recent levy attempt failed this November, and marks the eighth consecutive such failure since 1998. We were recently referred to in the Star Tribune as the “unluckiest” school district in the state. Our budget woes have been featured in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and on CNN.
Our inability to pass an operating levy is a primary reason we are one of the lowest-funded school districts in the state. The state funding formula, and specifically an equalization factor that has remained unchanged in almost 20 years, is a primary reason we are unable to pass a levy.
In 1994, when the equalization factor was put in place, it was designed to give school districts across the state an equal playing field with the wealthiest districts. It allowed for property poor districts to receive equalization aid on a sliding scale if the school district had a market value per pupil unit below $476,000. According to MDE, records indicate that in 1997, two school districts out of 358 were above that figure and the average market value per pupil unit was $175,000.
Over the succeeding years, property values skyrocketed and the average market value per pupil unit is projected to be $469,000 in 2013. Increasing property values however, do not equate to an increase in wealth. It does equate to an increase in taxes though, and Chisago County - which makes up the bulk of our school district - has one of the highest median property tax rates not just in the state, but the entire nation.
While property values and tax burdens have steadily increased, the state’s equalization factor has remained unchanged since its inception and no longer reflects a figure designed to keep property poor districts on a level playing field with property wealthy districts. In 2013, 69 school districts will have a market value per pupil above $476,000. And though the majority of districts still remain under that figure, the average dictates that less fortunate school districts qualify for less state aid than ever before, making the challenge of offering students the same advantages as wealthy districts all but impossible.
Here are some examples of the drastic differences in operating levy tax impact, based on the maximum levy amount of $1,605 per pupil:
• North Branch Area Public Schools: $407 per $100,000 of property value
• Orono Public Schools: $125 per $100,000 of property value
• Westonka: $143 per $100,000 of property value
• Wayzata: $188 per $100,000 of property value
Even our closest competitors to the south realize an advantage when trying to provide for students:
• Chisago Area Public Schools: $358 per $100,000 of property value
• Forest Lake: $312 per $100,000 of property value
Imagine if you will that school funding is like buying gas. When North Branch pulls into the station, it is instructed to use pumps at which the price of gas is $4.07 a gallon. When Orono pulls into the same station for the same gas, it is allowed to pay $1.25 a gallon. Any fair-minded person would agree that the situation as it stands is inherently unfair for school districts and, far more importantly, students. The result for a school district like North Branch Area Public Schools has been nothing short of devastating.
The same holds true for other equalization factors, most notably debt equalization. Increases in property values have pushed more districts “off the formula” with a larger share of debt service shifting to local property taxes, further increasing the local burden. This magnifies the difficulties North Branch Area Public Schools faces in asking voters to approve operating levies.
Since 2003-04 we have cut $14 million in staff and programs with millions more expected each year into the foreseeable future. Fees to parents have been increased, supply lists have grown, class sizes have increased, leadership and oversight decimated, buildings closed, the school week reduced, extracurricular activities slashed, and programs eliminated. In the last four years we have cut 89 full-time equivalent positions, and despite declines in enrollment we have fewer staff serving more students than ever before. Those job losses have also contributed to an overall decline in the local economy.
The constant drumbeat of lost opportunities has accelerated enrollment declines - further exacerbating our funding issues, and a funding system so complex only very few understand has frustrated our public to the point of causing an almost complete breakdown in the relationship between school district and community.
The situation here can only be described as toxic, and at the root of that toxicity lies inequitable funding.
Despite our great and numerous challenges, NBAPS has done remarkably well at continuing to provide a competitive education. However, that cannot continue into the future without significant change to the way schools are funded in the near future.
Each year we have to look our residents in the eye and tell them that circumstances are such that their children’s educations remain under-funded. We tell them that the situation cannot continue much longer, the state must correct the problem. We have been saying that now since 2003-04. It has been almost a decade of waiting and watching an entire generation of students and families stuck between a rock and a hard place; hoping for change.
We appreciate so much what you do for the children of the state. It is our sincerest hope that we can work together in these challenging times to create an equitable funding structure that acknowledges all kids deserve the same opportunity for a high quality public education.
Sincerely,
Deb Henton, Ed. D.
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