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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Thursday, March 29, 2012
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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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Looking back - looking ahead
This is my last column of 2011 and, looking back, there is much to be thankful for. Most importantly, students and staff have remained largely safe and in the bosom of their families. It is easy to forget that NBAPS is more than just the latest headline; we are a large family and we care very much for our fellow staff members and our students.
I am grateful for the many notes of support and encouragement we receive during rough periods. The kindness so many of you show buoys our spirits and reminds us that families rely on us to provide a high quality education, and have faith that we do so.
It has been an exciting year; advertising is now allowed in our schools, planning for D3 has been ongoing, and Patron Tours were a huge success. Which reminds me...if you want to come along on our Tuesday, Jan. 10 tour, call (651) 674-1018.
Overall it has been a year of rising above obstacles, strengthening partnerships, and working together to ensure the highest quality education for each and every student. We are proud of that effort and even more proud of the results.
The coming year promises to be one of great excitement and challenges. Budget season is almost upon us; not a happy time here. Students and families will worry about losing programs and many of our staff members will endure great stress wondering if they will have a job next year.
On the bright side, high school students will be bringing their devices to school in a couple of weeks, and we are confident the middle school is not far behind. Teachers will be piloting technology projects in classrooms as a result of the district’s Focus Forward mini-grants. There will be highs and lows, and opportunities for us to shine.
And shine we shall. That’s my resolution to you for 2012.
Happy holidays everyone!
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I am grateful for the many notes of support and encouragement we receive during rough periods. The kindness so many of you show buoys our spirits and reminds us that families rely on us to provide a high quality education, and have faith that we do so.
It has been an exciting year; advertising is now allowed in our schools, planning for D3 has been ongoing, and Patron Tours were a huge success. Which reminds me...if you want to come along on our Tuesday, Jan. 10 tour, call (651) 674-1018.
Overall it has been a year of rising above obstacles, strengthening partnerships, and working together to ensure the highest quality education for each and every student. We are proud of that effort and even more proud of the results.
The coming year promises to be one of great excitement and challenges. Budget season is almost upon us; not a happy time here. Students and families will worry about losing programs and many of our staff members will endure great stress wondering if they will have a job next year.
On the bright side, high school students will be bringing their devices to school in a couple of weeks, and we are confident the middle school is not far behind. Teachers will be piloting technology projects in classrooms as a result of the district’s Focus Forward mini-grants. There will be highs and lows, and opportunities for us to shine.
And shine we shall. That’s my resolution to you for 2012.
Happy holidays everyone!
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Read more!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Open enrollment night
Hi all! I'm going to try and get back in the swing of things over here at the blog. I'll start by posting the most recent School News column:
At North Branch Area Public Schools, we have many things to offer prospective students. We also know that it is imperative we do everything we can to attract new students.
We are pleased to announce Open Enrollment Night on Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., at Sunrise River School, North Branch Area Middle School, North Branch Area High School, and the Area Learning Center.
Open Enrollment Night is an opportunity for us to show off our wonderful facilities, staff, and programs. Staff will be on hand at each site to answer questions and show students why NBAPS is the right solution for them. There is much to be proud of!
We offer world language K-12, and have Spanish, music, and phy-ed in elementary school. There are Kindles in our media centers, and college in the schools. A robotics program, half-day, every-day Kindergarten, specialized learning for gifted and talented students, and individualized math and reading instruction are all available. And that is just a sample.
Our Focus Forward initiative is resulting in big changes in how we educate; changes that reflect the times we live in and the skills students need in a tough, technology-driven economy.
Roughly a dozen mini-grants across the district will put technology in the hands of kids, and teachers on the path to providing technology skills across the curriculum. Our D3 (Discover Digital Devices) program allows high school students to bring devices they already possess into the classroom.
Do you know students outside the district? Encourage them to attend and learn more. We have even expanded our busing borders, and though we can’t give everyone a ride from their home, students looking to open enroll here may be closer to a bus stop than they think.
We can make this a great night. If you have questions, or if you know people who might want to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (651) 674-1012.
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Read more!
At North Branch Area Public Schools, we have many things to offer prospective students. We also know that it is imperative we do everything we can to attract new students.
We are pleased to announce Open Enrollment Night on Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., at Sunrise River School, North Branch Area Middle School, North Branch Area High School, and the Area Learning Center.
Open Enrollment Night is an opportunity for us to show off our wonderful facilities, staff, and programs. Staff will be on hand at each site to answer questions and show students why NBAPS is the right solution for them. There is much to be proud of!
We offer world language K-12, and have Spanish, music, and phy-ed in elementary school. There are Kindles in our media centers, and college in the schools. A robotics program, half-day, every-day Kindergarten, specialized learning for gifted and talented students, and individualized math and reading instruction are all available. And that is just a sample.
Our Focus Forward initiative is resulting in big changes in how we educate; changes that reflect the times we live in and the skills students need in a tough, technology-driven economy.
Roughly a dozen mini-grants across the district will put technology in the hands of kids, and teachers on the path to providing technology skills across the curriculum. Our D3 (Discover Digital Devices) program allows high school students to bring devices they already possess into the classroom.
Do you know students outside the district? Encourage them to attend and learn more. We have even expanded our busing borders, and though we can’t give everyone a ride from their home, students looking to open enroll here may be closer to a bus stop than they think.
We can make this a great night. If you have questions, or if you know people who might want to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (651) 674-1012.
(End)
Read more!
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