EV-W School Levy Decrease
Property owners in the Eden Valley-Watkins School District should see some tax relief in the near future. The school board reviewed and discussed the district?Äôs annual audit, budget, and proposed levy decrease at the Wednesday, Dec. 7, school board?Äôs Truth-in-Taxation meeting. As a result, the school?Äôs portion of property taxes will show a slight decrease in 2017. The levy is expected to be $2,022,500, a $161,319 or -7.39 percent decrease from the 2016 levy of $2,183,819. The school board will officially certify the proposed levy reduction at its Wednesday, Dec. 21, meeting at 6:30 p.m.
If you recall, the Ag2School tax credit was vetoed in the tax bill last year. Recently, there have been talks between Governor Dayton and legislative leaders to call a special session and address the proposed 40 percent tax credit on agriculture land, and then supplement it with state aid. I?Äôm hopeful, and will continue to advocate with our area legislators, Farmers Bureau, Farmers Union, and MREA that the Ag2School tax credit will be approved in the near future.
Facilities Task Force
The Facilities Task Force reporting group, comprised of Stacey Moehrle, Steve Schmitt, Trude Schlangen, and Bob Hennen reported to the school board on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The reporting group provided the board with an overview of the facility study process, documents and data utilized, evidence of facility needs, and a list of facility priorities that should be considered to further advance student opportunities and learning at EV-W.
The working group was charged with the tasks of identifying district facility needs while adhering to the following themes:
?Ä¢ Safety, security, and accessibility at all school sites
?Ä¢ Building and site improvements to maintain longevity and the community?Äôs investment in our facility assets
?Ä¢ Enhancements that provide students and staff with better opportunities for teaching and learning
?Ä¢ Improved opportunities for student participation in school-based activities, as well as community access and use of facilities
The overall mission of the Facility Task Force was to provide the EV-W School Board with some defined recommendations to be considered by the District in the long-range planning of future facilities and needs. You can find the detailed Facilities Task Force report and other supporting documents on the District?Äôs website: www.evw.k12.mn.us under the News tab.
Special thanks to Stacey, Steve, Trude, and Bob for the assistance compiling the final draft, and the time, energy, and creative ideas shared within the power point.
Life Changer of the Year
Sharon Borgert was recently nominated as a Life Changer of the Year. This is an annual program funded and run by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation that recognizes exceptional K-12 educators and school employees from around the country. You can read Sharon?Äôs profile and support her nomination by posting your comments at: Life Changer of the Year, click on nominees, 2016-17, Minnesota, and then click on Sharon?Äôs profile to leave your supportive reply. www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.
Currently, Sharon serves as the district?Äôs Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, and the heart and soul of the Eden Valley-Watkins School District. Congratulations to Sharon!
December 22 Early Dismissal
This is a reminder that students will be dismissed early from school on Thursday, Dec. 22. Watkins Elementary will dismiss at 12:15, Eden Valley Elementary will dismiss at 12:35, and Eden Valley Secondary will dismiss at 12:45. Teaching staff will be provided the opportunity to work within departments, grade levels, or collaborate within their Professional Learning Communities.
Senior Spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Devin Winkelman, son of Jay and Courtney. Devin admires his dad for always being present and available when needed. Devin loves to help out and take on additional tasks in the agriculture shop and classroom. Currently, he is working on his FFA proficiency application for vegetable production. Devin enjoys spending his free time in the great outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Following graduation, Devin would like to attend college and pursue a career as an electrical lineman. The EV-W administration and staff are extremely proud of Devin. Congratulations!