Thanks for asking

UPDATE: My apologies, this article originally reflected the figure $1,535 as the amount paid to date for the negotiator. It should have read $1,735. This post has been corrected to show the accurate amount.

Anonymous has left some questions:

I have been reading the discussions on the North Branch Watchdog site and I have some questions. What is the cost of the negotiator that was hired for the teacher negotiations this year? What is the morale like in our school system? I am a huge advocate for the passing of the levy this year, but I have issues with the wage freezes that are being suggested for our teachers. Look at other areas where you can save money. With the increase in their insurance benefits, how do plan on retaining the great teachers that we have in our schools?

Thank you for asking these questions. To date the district has paid roughly $1,735 for the services of a professional negotiator. As to the question regarding morale, we just had an incredible staff development day in which there was much laughter and joy and real passion amongst our staff. This is incredible considering we have had to cut $10 million over the last six years, increased class sizes, and been forced to increase workloads while reducing resources.

Regarding other questions, the School Board has a duty to balance the need for great teachers with the resources it has available. The needs of the staff, the students, and the taxpayers must all be considered. I have every confidence the School Board is proceeding with that in mind.

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Levies are now for the basics

The Mankato Free Press has an editorial on the subject of operating levies today. Here's a brief excerpt:

Like it or not, districts rely upon their communities to keep their schools running. Not only is that a burden on local taxpayers, but when the Edinas can pass levies and the New Ulms can’t, students aren’t being fairly treated across the state.

In North Branch, we have long been sounding the warning about the inequities in the funding formula. In fact, it was the subject of my very first post here at "Supe." If you prefer to listen, here is the podcast of my speech at the Schools for Equity in Education legislative kick-off:



The system we currently have in place gives wealthy districts a distinct advantage in educating children. I don't believe that is what state forefathers had in mind when they included this very specific language in the State Constitution:

UNIFORM SYSTEM OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it is the duty of the legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools. The legislature shall make such provisions by taxation or otherwise as will secure a thorough and efficient system of public schools throughout the state.

Finding a way through this challenge may be as simple as following the Constitution.

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What districts?

Anonymous asks (links added for reference):

It was interesting to see all the information on the upcoming levy vote. Could you be more specific regarding the table comparing administrative salaries of NB to districts of comparable size? What were the districts NB was compared to?

Thank you for your question. The districts used for comparison sake are the same ones used in this chart:


The districts listed are Red Wing, Orono, Westonka, Northfield, Mahtomedi, Prior Lake, Fridley, South St. Paul, Spring Lake Park, Inver Grove Heights, Pine City, Monticello, Forest Lake, Farmington, Shakopee, Buffalo, Chisago Lakes, Faribault, Princeton, Cambridge, St. Francis, Rush City, and Sauk Rapids.

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First levy info meeting next Tuesday

I would like to cordially invite you to attend one of two levy informational meetings scheduled this fall. The first will be held next Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium. If you are unable to attend this meeting, there will be another on Monday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Sunrise River School cafeteria.

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Flu absences

A reader asks:

Since the school says we should keep our kids home for 24 hours after the fever disappears, it could be a 5-7 day illness. Will the School be adjusting their absence policy this year due to this? Good students are afraid to be sick one day let alone 5-7 because their grades suffer - and will the teachers be lenient with those who are ill in getting them caught back up?

Thanks for your questions. The district did change its attendance policy last year to allow for more latitude with "excused" and "unexcused" absences. An absence due to the flu would be considered an "excused" absence and would not count against a student. District teaching staff will do everything in their power to help students get caught up in the event of a prolonged absence due to flu.

I hope that answers your questions. If not, I would be happy to provide additional information.

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Applications for absentee ballots available

If you need an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 election you can request an application by calling the NBAPS district office at (651) 674-1000. The district will promptly mail an application, instructions, and a return envelope.

Ballots are expected in the district office around Oct. 2 and will be mailed to recipients.

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