G-R Happenings 6-28-12

 

G-R HAPPENINGS

Physical Plant and Equipment Levy:

In my last article I reported that the G-R Board of Education had approved an election to extend our current $0.67 Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, VPPEL.  The current VPPEL runs through FY 2014.  The vast majority of the revenue from the current VPPEL is used to pay off the note on the high school addition, that includes the high school commons area.

Plans for the VPPEL, if approved, include several projects geared toward improving efficiency and appearance of our facilities, as well as increasing the available technology to our students. 

Likely projects include:

• Middle School 1:1 Initiative
• K-12 technology purchases
• Fluorescent lights in Gladbrook lunchroom
• Water softener systems
• Replacing windows with high efficiency models
• HVAC upgrades, primarily controls
• Remodeling the old gym and locker rooms at the high school
• Updating ceiling tiles in all buildings
• Remodeling the soccer restrooms
• Update restrooms in buildings
• Repair and replacement of concrete in parking areas
• Resurfacing playground areas
• Roof maintenance
• Bus Barn at the Gladbrook Campus
• Asbestos abatement

As you can see, there is plenty to do with the approximately $130,000/year generated by the $0.67/1000 VPPEL. 

What impact would approving the VPPEL have on property taxes?  Approval of the VPPEL would maintain taxes for the school at their current level.  In FY 2013 that number is $11.13172/$1000.  The taxes in the G-R district are among the lower rates in the State. 

Tax Rates at G-R:

FY 09 - $11.63

FY 10 - $12.11

FY 11 - $13.59

FY 12 - $12.14

FY 13 - $11.13

With valuations on the rise and enrollment, hopefully, stabilizing, tax rates should be steady at the current rate, to slightly declining over the next several years. 

If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the VPPEL vote on September 11, 2012, please contact me, tim.kuehl@gr-rebels, 319-345-2712 so that we can discuss your thoughts. 

2012-2013 School Year Information:

With the summer break nearly half over it is time to start thinking about the 2012-2013 school year.  Registration packets will be mailed to families the week of July 16.  Forms and information will be available on the district website: http://www.g-r.k12.ia.us/, click under “Rebel News”.  PaySchools will be available for online payment the week of July 23^rd.  The first day for students to start class will be on August 15.  Orientation for third grade will be on August 13^th, with orientation for fifth and ninth grades on August 14^th.  The 1:1 rollout for all high school students and parents will be on August 14^th.  Open House for all parents, except third grade, will be on August 14^th.

I hope you are having an enjoyable summer and are able to spend some fun time with your Rebels.

Sincerely,

Tim Kuehl, Superintendent.

G-R Happenings, June 4, 2012

G-R Happenings

6-4-12           

As you are likely aware the G-R Schools recently released for summer break.  I would like to thank the Board of Education, Parents, Students, Patrons, and Staff for a fantastic year in 11-12. 

Perhaps the most notable success was the implementation of 1:1 computing at the high school.  Our technology directors, Mr. Bixby and Mr. Lundgren, put in a lot of time last summer getting the computers and our network up to speed in order to have the system work this year.  Based on reports from students and teachers, their hard work paid off.  Mr. Leeman and the teachers did an excellent job of preparing the students for this change in their educational experience.  I’m excited as the possibilities having this technology afford us the ability to continually improve G-R students’ educational experiences.

There were many other highlights throughout the year at all levels of the G-R Schools.  Please take some time over the summer to visit with your students about their personal highlights of the school year.

G-R will enjoy adding several new faces to the staff in the 12-13 school year.  Mrs. Val Ehlers will be taking over the role of K-12 Library/Media Specialist.  Mr. Brady Swenson and Miss Sara Jansen will be teaching 7^th and 8^th graders.  And Mr. Brian Williams will be Gladbrook Campus Principal/District Curriculum Director.  I am excited by the skills and energy each of these people bring to G-R.   Please help us welcome them to G-R as you meet them throughout this next year. 

School finances are always a hot-topic at the State Legislature and this year was no different.  In the end the legislators decided to break Iowa law and not set an allowable growth amount for schools in fiscal year 2014.  This lack of action makes it more difficult for Iowa schools to plan into the future.  The good news is that G-R is sitting in a strong financial position and should be able to handle whatever the future holds.  The unspent balance is projected to hold relatively steady at the end of fiscal year 12, right about $1.3 million.  As we look at projected enrollment and anticipated allowable growth we anticipate that balance stabilizing at around $500,000+ over the next several years.  This level of financial stability helps us to focus on improving the educational opportunities for the students of G-R.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck Schools currently have a tax levy, known as the Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy.  This levy has been used to pay for the addition of the new commons area at the high school.  The current levy expires at the end of FY 14.  The Board is planning to ask for an extension to this levy, $.67/1000, through a vote in September 2012.  Approval of the levy will not increase taxes, but will maintain the district’s current level of funding.

An extension to the levy will ensure that the district has funds to continue making needed improvements to buildings, provide technology to our students, and maintain our facilities.  Proposed projects will focus on improved energy efficiency and improved aesthetics in our facilities, as well as technology for student use.  Plan to see more detailed articles in the future on this topic.

Again, thanks to all for making 2011-2012 school year a successful one for the students of G-R.  I wish all a fun and relaxing summer break and look forward to another great school year starting August 15.  If you have any questions or comments regarding the school please contact me at 319-345-2712, or tim.kuehl@gr-rebels.net.

Sincerely,

Tim Kuehl

Awesome article.

Post of the Day: Going From One-Size-Fits-All Education, To One-Size-Fits-One http://t.co/OqBaIGJo #edtech #edchat #iaedfuture -- Scott McLeod (@mcleod)

Competency Based Education-interesting prospect for the future.

RT @jillsiefken: Informative article/wiki on competency based learning http://t.co/2YNqYx1H #mnwcougars #IACompEd #IAEdFuture -- Scott McLeod (@mcleod)

How to approach transforming learning with technology.

New bookmark: Redefining Instruction With Technology: Five Essential Steps Here-- Scott McLeod (@mcleod)