Why is the district resurfacing the high school track?

This week I have had a few inquiries regarding the resurfacing of the high school track and how it fits with the district's budget issues. I addressed this subject a few months ago in my "School News" column (click here to go to the online version). for your convenience, I re-post the column here in its entirety:

How can we fix the track while cutting budgets?

By Deb Henton, Ed.D.
Superintendent

One difficult task school districts have, especially those experiencing budget cuts, is explaining the difference between “operating” and “capital” budgets. To put it in a local context: How can the district repair the high school track when it is cutting teachers?

Repairing the track, or replacing a roof, adding secure entrances to buildings, or conducting asbestos abatement, fall into the category of capital needs, or maintenance, and have dedicated funding sources. In simple terms, funds available for those projects cannot be used for operating expenses. So, even if the district wanted to use capital funds to keep teachers or programs, it is not allowed to do that.

These rules exist for a reason. A district has a responsibility to the community it serves to maintain its physical resources for future generations. Taxpayers provide the funds to construct buildings, parking lots, tennis courts, and tracks, and it is the district’s duty to make sure those investments are protected. When done correctly, as it has been for decades with the Main Street School, those resources can be available for students, and the community, for generations.

Were rules not in place, it would force districts to choose between the classroom and its facilities.

Replacing the track has become an urgent need. It is roughly 35 years old, and its life span is 18-20 years.

Failure to fix it could result in an inability to host track meets.

Allowing the track to fall into such a state of disrepair as to render it unusable would be devastating to the track program and disrespectful of taxpayers who expect us to maintain facilities their hard-earned money funded, and who utilize the track themselves.

The inability to host meets could also have a negative economic impact on the community. Perhaps more than any other event, track meets bring large numbers of students and parents from outside the area. They purchase gas for their vehicles, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores.

People ask regularly, “How do we attract people to North Branch?” Track meets are one way in which we already do. The district has a responsibility to protect such a valuable resource, not just for present students and taxpayers, but future ones as well.

If you still have questions about the track, please don't hesitate to call me at 651-674-1012.

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We are approved!

The district learned yesterday afternoon that the state has approved our application for a four-day week. You can read the press release here, and also view the letter sent to the district from MDE commissioner Alice Seagren.

I was pleased MDE noticed the great degree to which the district went to involve as many people as possible, and am looking forward to dedicating those "fifth day" dollars to the classroom, which so many have told us needs to be our top priority.

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NBAPS as a business

We have compiled a document entitled "NBAPS as a Business," which gives an overview of the size and scope of district operations. It also shows what the district receives and spends in specific areas relative to the state averages. I hope it will answer many questions people have about the district.

You can review this two-page, easy to read summary by clicking here.

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A voice for the have-nots

The ECM editorial board has published its opinion on my letter to Governor Tim Pawlenty and the state of funding in Minnesota. It is entitled "Parents with kids in have-not school districts need to stand up for kids’ equal education" and you can read it here. Here's an excerpt:

Henton pointed out there are have and have-not districts because some receive more dollars from the state, and property-rich districts are able to pass special levy referendums.

The school funding mechanism is inequitable and needs to be fixed, she said, citing her own district where operating funds per student in 2008 was $8,136.

Compare that to Minneapolis which had total operating fund aids and levies per student of $14,324, St. Paul, $12,199; Mounds View, $12,473, Wayzata, $12,047; Lakeville, $9589 and Elk River, $9,572.

In other words, funding for a student in North Branch was $6,198 less than for a student in Minneapolis.

Compared to a student in suburban Mounds View, a North Branch student received $4,337 less total operating fund revenues.

Please read it all and share the link with anyone you know who cares about education and North Branch Area Public Schools.

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More four-day news

Joe Nathan, education columnist for ECM Publishers, has penned a column based on what he has learned about the four-day week from Ogilvie superintendent Ed Harris. Nathan also spoke to Rush City superintendent Vern Koepp and myself. Also this week, another Minnesota district has approved a four-day week.

UPDATE: At the Post Review, an editorial expands on the Nathan column.

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Answers lie at the state level

Minnesota 2020's John Fitzgerald has an incredible article everyone in North Branch Area Public Schools needs to read. Here's an excerpt:

North Branch is considering conversion to a four-day week next year. Can other financially troubled districts like Robbinsdale, Brooklyn Center or Minneapolis be far behind?

The problem is simple. Minnesota has cut aid to schools by an inflation-adjusted 14 percent since 2003. None of the state's school districts can survive with that kind of a cut to their revenue unless they have very wealthy property owners who are willing to raise taxes to make up for the state's inadequate funding. Understandably, the number of those wealthy districts is few.

North Branch is not one of those wealthy districts.

Please, if you care about education at NBAPS, read it all.

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School finance 101 and the four-day week

North Branch Area Public Schools is hosting two important meetings on Thursday, Feb. 18. At 6 p.m., in the Sunrise River School cafeteria, all are welcome to attend "School Finance 101," hosted by Schools for Equity in Education's Deb Griffiths. Just in time for budget season, learn how schools are funded and the challenges faced by NBAPS.

Immediately following that one-hour presentation, the district will host the first of three informational meetings on the four-day school week (7 - 8:30 p.m. SRS cafeteria). Early estimates suggest the district could save a minimum of $125,000 annually by implementing such a schedule. Please go to the four-day school week information page to learn more.

Two other public meetings will follow:

Feb. 22: School board room (204), Main Street School, 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: High school auditorium, 5 - 6:30 p.m.

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Budget season begins

There is all kinds of new budget and four-day week information at the district website today, including this podcast of last night's work session:



Both budget and four-day week now have dedicated web pages where you can learn more and provide input. Click here for the 2010-11 budget homepage, and here for the four-day week homepage.

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NBAPS has important announcement

North Branch Area Public Schools made a very important announcement today. You can read it here.

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