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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Good and bad news regarding the state deficit

The Star Tribune is reporting good news and bad news. The good news:

The state's projected budget deficit for fiscal 2010-11 is $4.57 billion, a figure that would be higher if not tempered by a $1.3 billion infusion of federal cash.

The bad news:

little seems to slow the global economic crisis that has Minnesota in its grip and is projected to cost it another 70,000 jobs in the coming year. Before it's over, Minnesota's job losses could reach 120,000 -- equal to three years' worth of typical job growth -- according to the state's national forecaster, Global Insight Inc.

We continue to await decisions that will affect us and hope for the best.

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More on Stimulus

ED.gov has preliminary information now on how stimulus dollars will be allocated to states.

Meanwhile, MDE continues to review the over 1000-page package and offers this additional information:

Under the stimulus package, many of the education dollars will flow to the state from the federal government and be distributed to Minnesota schools using existing federal funding formulas for programs such as special education and Title I. Additional one-time stabilization funding will also be made available.

I'll keep you posted.

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The stimulus package and NBAPS

The Star Tribune is reporting today that President Obama's stimulus package has passed in the House of Representatives:

...the two-year stimulus plan would provide up to $1,000 per year in tax relief for most families, dramatically increase funding for alternative energy production, and direct more than $300 billion in aid to states to help rebuild schools, provide health care to the poor and reconstruct highways and bridges.

What could this mean for North Branch Area Public Schools?
According to a spreadsheet received by the district, we could potentially receive almost $1.3 million in additional funding over the next two years. The bulk of the funding would likely be designated for specific purposes, like special education, Title I, and general construction projects.

We asked Congressman James Oberstar to represent our interests in the process of creating the stimulus package, specifically in the area of construction funding, and we are grateful for his leadership in creating this opportunity.

It will likely be some time before the details of the stimulus package are ironed out and we know how the funds can be applied. I can tell you that even with the additional funds from both the state and federal government, NBAPS will need to make budget adjustments for next year, because our enrollment continues to decline.

Meanwhile, the drive to create equity in school funding at the state level remains as important as ever.
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