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A Safe and Connected Future. Funding the Needs of Marshall Public Schools. Prepared by : Dr. Klint Willert, Superintendent of Schools. Fall 2013. Two areas of identified need. . . . Challenges of the “New Normal”. A view to the future through a different lens!.
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A Safe and Connected Future Funding the Needs of Marshall Public Schools Prepared by: Dr. Klint Willert, Superintendent of Schools Fall 2013 Marshall Public Schools develops the potential of each learner for success in a changing world!
Challenges of the “New Normal” A view to the future through a different lens!
School Safety/Security . . . • “Educators who take active roles and initiate positive programs rather than just react when negative conditions arise help create successful schools.”~ National School Safety Center • “…the aftermath of the Connecticut tragedy has spotlighted inconsistencies at schools, funding concerns and a heightened interest in basic security measures, even if they would not prevent an attack like the one at Sandy Hook.” ~ Washington Post article 1/27/13
Educational Technology . . . • Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Oct. 2, 2012 called for the nation to move as fast as possible away from printed textbooks and toward digital ones. “Over the next few years, textbooks should be obsolete!” ~ Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education • “Students must have access to the technical, digital and career pathway skills necessary for success in the global economy.” ~ EdTech Action Network
Marshall Schools - 8 Strategic Challenge
Referendum Funding Across the State ~ We are not alone. . . • Approximately 91% of all school districts in Minnesota rely on levy funds – average funding is $921 per pupil unit! Referendum Funding Across the State ~ We are not keeping pace . . . • Marshall has a current referendum of $675 per pupil unit • The current state average for referendum funding is $921 per pupil unit. That is $246 per pupil unit more than Marshall Public Schools OR over 36% more than Marshall!
Community Investments Pledges Made ~ Commitments Fulfilled!
Marshall Schools - 15 Operating Referenda Approved and Utilized • 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2011 referenda . . . • Essential programs funded – • All day, every day kindergarten • Class size reduction (K-4 specifically) • Technology infrastructure support • Support for student intramural based activities • Expansion of high school curriculum choices with block scheduling • Vocational and advanced educational opportunities for students
Typical Results from MPS • Academics • 99% graduation rate • Post graduation • 4 year college – 73.12% • 2 year tech/community college – 18.28% • Workforce – 7.53% • Military – 1.08% • Average ACT composite score – 22.7 Source: District’s data on the 2013 Senior Class
Typical Activities Results from MPS • In the past 5 years, Marshall has had teams and/or individuals participate in the state tournament in: • Volleyball • Swimming and Diving • Cross Country • Girls Basketball • Boys Basketball • Wrestling • Gymnastics • Dance Team • Girls Hockey • Boys Golf • Girls Golf • Track and Field • Boys Hockey • Nationally competitive marching band • Nationally competitive speech group • Nationally competitive Business Professionals organization • Emerging and growing robotics team • Regionally competitive knowledge bowl team • Regionally competitive mathematics team
The challenge the community faces is to balance the needs and the goals of the district with limited resources by planning ahead and working together.
What about security needs? • Building analysis – need to reconfigure main entrance areas of each building to direct all visitors to the main office. This is not an option. • Invest in ongoing efforts to ensure campus and building security for all students.
What about technology needs? • MPS has made several strategic investments in technology infrastructure, however, we need to address hardware needs such as desktop computers and hand-held personal learning devices • MPS needs to continue innovating with strategic investments in technology on an annual basis to enhance student engagement and achievement – It is not an option.
What will the community vote on? • QUESTION ~ $150 per pupil unit for two needs: • Safety/Security Improvements • Technology Needs • Question begins July 1, 2014 for 4 years • It will be a net school tax decrease for property tax payers
Remember . . . • November 5th, 2013 • Polling hours – 7:00 am to 8:00 pm • Marshall National Guard Armory
Follow-up: Dr. Klint W. Willert Superintendent of Schools 401 S. Saratoga Street Marshall, MN 56258 (507)-537-6924 klint.willert@marshall.k12.mn.us levy2013@marshall.k12.mn.us