Tri-County News

March 28 Update


Legislative Updates

I?Äôd like to keep you informed of the most recent updates in the legislative session that started in late February. Last week marked the first deadlines for all bills that are expected to move forward with their respective committees in either the House or Senate. Bills that haven?Äôt been heard yet have a much harder time moving forward. This is also a critical time in the legislative process where we learn more about priorities as the focus is turned toward budgets and the cost of implementing new bills.

The House and Senate recently passed the Senate tax bill, which includes the Local Optional Revenue (LOR), formerly known as Location Equity Revenue (LER) and was signed by Governor Dayton earlier in the week. This new bill provides local school boards with the authority to levy up to $424 per pupil unit as early as 2016. The estimated cost to Minnesota would be 47 million, and the projected revenues to pay for the bill would be 22 million in state aid and another 25 million in levy. At this point, the EV-W school district has an $820 per-pupil levy in place through 2017. I?Äôll be digging into the details of LOR to determine any advantages or disadvantages for the school district and its residents.

The House target for E-12 education is $75 million and the Senate target is at $41 million. The House bill has potential for an additional 1-percent funding to the student formula. The Senate bill has 70 percent of its funds going toward early education opportunities. Now is the time to call or email to have your voice heard on behalf of public education. You can make a difference by calling your legislators.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 21-25, 2014

During this important week, the Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) is asking school administrators, safety officers and faculty to review their severe weather safety procedures to ensure every school is prepared to respond.

Statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 24, at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Sirens and NOAA Weather Radios are expected to sound, so this is an excellent opportunity for all of us to practice our safety drills. This practice will provide an opportunity for parents and school-staff to explain to our children why the warning sirens are sounding and recommend strategies for an effective family emergency plan.

Why Severe Weather Awareness Week? According to the National Weather Service, Minnesota experiences an average of 40 tornadoes per year. In 2012, 37 twisters touched down. A record was set in 2010 with 104 tornadoes across the state.

Understanding this threat and knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching can save lives. Please, take advantage of Severe Weather Awareness Week to make our children aware of tornadoes and other weather-related hazards.

Successful co-curricular offerings at EV-W

?Ä¢ Congratulations to the Knowledge Bowl coaches and team for their second-place finish in the Central Minnesota Conference meet.

?Ä¢ Congratulations to the Concert Choir director and participants for your high ratings at the Solo and Ensemble contest in Paynesville.

?Ä¢ Congratulations to the coaches and members of the Eden Valley-Watkins DECA chapter for advancing twelve students to the 2013-14 Career Development Conference competition.

Senior of the Week

The EV-W School District would like to recognize Jamie Scherer, daughter of Tom and Jenni. Jamie is actively involved in numerous academic and athletic programs in our school system. She recently completed a successful senior season on the basketball team. Jamie is considered a coaches player as she leads by positive actions and words. She takes pride in her role as the defensive specialist that typically draws the opponent?Äôs top scorer, and is seldom in the limelight like those that put up more offensive statistics. Jamie volunteers countless hours with our youth programs throughout the year, and you may even see her at court side officiating or running the clock. Congratulations to the team on their Sub-Section 6AA South Runner-Up honors. The EV-W administration, faculty and staff are extremely proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations!

 

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