Legislative updates
The pace of the current legislative session is slower than usual, mostly because policymakers are awaiting the release of the Feb. 28,
financial forecast. However, as we get closer to the first committee deadline of March 10, things will begin to pick up at the State Capitol. We?Äôll continue to make contact and communicate with our Senators and Representatives, keeping them informed of the issues and challenges taking place in rural Minnesota. As a reminder, be sure to demonstrate your support and advocacy for passage of the Ag2School Tax Credit and a minimum of 2-percent increase to the current student funding formula.
Your EV-W School District Representatives and Senators are:
?Ä¢ Sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn, or (651) 296-2084
?Ä¢ Sen.scott.newman@senate.mn, or (651) 296-4131
?Ä¢ Rep.dean.urdahl@house.mn, or (651) 296-4344
?Ä¢ Rep.jeff.howe@house.mn, or (651) 296-4373
School Board Recognition Week was Feb. 20-25
It?Äôs time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. Eden Valley-Watkins joined all public school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to honor local board members for their commitment to Eden Valley-Watkins and its children.
It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a high level. They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide the kind of accountability our EV-W citizens have grown to expect. A key directive of the school board is to raise student achievement by:
?Ä¢ Creating a vision for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement the top priority;
?Ä¢ Establishing standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do;
?Ä¢ Ensuring progress is measured to be sure the district?Äôs goals are achieved and students are learning at expected levels;
?Ä¢ Being accountable for their decisions and actions by continually tracking and reporting results;
?Ä¢ Creating a safe, orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach;
?Ä¢ Forming partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems; and
?Ä¢ Focusing attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues related to student achievement.
Our school board members give the Eden Valley-Watkins citizens a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in February, their contribution is a year-round commitment. Be sure to thank Jay Brovold, Lori Dockendorf, Rob Flaschenriem, Sarah Kuechle, Ann Lemke, Lisa Ludwig and Bob Stenger for their service to the EVW School Board.
School facilities
The EV-W School Board passed a unanimous vote of 7- 0 directing administration to prepare and submit a facility project proposal to the Minnesota Department of Education for review, comment and approval. The proposed facility improvements will include the top 4 priorities provided by the Community Task Force. In summary, the project will include site upgrades, building additions and renovations to all three school campuses including secured entrances at both elementary buildings, HVAC and mechanical efficiencies, parking designs and repairs, 1927 & HS cafeteria/stage renovations, additional learning spaces, disabled access and compliance, bathrooms, roofing repairs, flooring upgrades, replacement of outdated air handling units, total fire protection at Watkins Elementary, utility and data upgrades, improvements and relocation of fields, football and track.
Funding for the proposed project will be based on the successful passage of general obligation bonds which the district will seek voter approval in a referendum on June 6, 2017. The amount of the single-ballot question will be $12,000,000.
Special thanks to all of the Community Task Force members and EV-W School Board for the support, visioning, and creative thoughts shared throughout the facility planning process. I?Äôll keep you informed along the way, and will plan for numerous opportunities for the public to tour our facilities and get a ?Äúfirst-hand?Äù view of our needs.
We?Äôll continue to keep the district?Äôs website (www.evw.k12.mn.us) updated with facility announcements and documents as the materials become available. You will find the information located under the News tab. Feel free to call (453-2900 ext. 1143) or stop in to provide me with your input and feedback.
Kindergarten Roundup
Eden Valley-Watkins Elementary Schools will be holding kindergarten roundup on Monday, March 6, at the following times:
?Ä¢ 10-11 a.m. – Watkins Elem-
entary
?Ä¢ 7-8 p.m. ?Äì Eden Valley Elem-
entary
The roundup will include an informational session with the parents and a get-acquainted session for the children. If you are on our census list, you should receive a letter from the elementary office explaining kindergarten roundup in greater detail. If you have not received a letter, or have any questions regarding kindergarten roundup, please call the elementary office at 453-6455 ext. 2134.
Senior Spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Maggie Ludwig, daughter of Trisha and Paul. Maggie is described as a polite, kind and respectful young lady. She?Äôs active in school and participates in Student Council, National Honor Society, Speech, Investment Club, Softball, and also serves as a Senior Class Officer. Maggie works in the Eagle Kids program after school and provides our elementary youth with positive role-modeling and academic support. The EVW administration and staff are extremely proud of Maggie and her many accomplishments. Congratulations!