Points of Interest

JFYI From Our Superintendent

January 13, 2010
In this issue, I will be providing information on 3 topics that were on the Board Agenda on Monday.

Energy Conservation

Representatives from Energy Education, Inc. and Stuart Johnson presented data from our first 15 months of conservation efforts. With the work of everyone in the District, we have saved just a little over $150,000. With a 23% increase in the cost of electricity, our efforts allowed us to maintain our current budget and we did not need to find funds elsewhere. During the first three months of the program a year ago, the saving totaled $22,000. Our savings over the last three months was $44,000. The maintenance department has been of tremendous help. Probably most obvious is the installation of weather stripping. Our custodial department has also done a tremendous job in assisting with shutdowns. Great job to each and every one of you that are following the guidelines and not only saving funds for children, but also making a difference in our protecting our environment.

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Citizen's Committee Co-Chairs Present Recommendation

I have attached a copy of the recommendation here. The Board of Directors will hold a special meeting to review all of the documents that support the recommendation and then take official action at their meeting in February. We will begin the development of a website that will allow staff and community members to have access to all of the information as well. Part of the website will include a Q/A, so if you have questions or are hearing questions in the community that need to be answered, just send me an email and I will add it to the Q/A document. There is a great deal of work to be done over the next several months.

Governor's Speech

As you are aware, the Governor is recommending another hold back based on current revenue projections. It will require legislative action prior to the recommendation becoming official. However, I am certain that public schools will receive less funding for the 2009-2010 fiscal year than what was budgeted. As a District, we will need to look at a broad spectrum of ideas. I am inviting each of you to send me any ideas that you have considered that would assist in this year's shortfall. Let's keep up the good work, maybe even Go Beyond, on our conservation efforts. January payroll will be paperless, saving the district around $12,000.

Reminder - Early Retirement Applications due on January 15

Just a reminder that applications for early retirement at due by the end of the day on January 15.

Race to the Top

The Idaho Race to the Top campaign, a federal program offered to K-12 schools, was considered by the administration and the School Board. Each school is allowed the option of participating or not participating in the program. The final decision was to NOT apply for the Race to the Top funds.