Special Session
As I prepare my Friday, May 26, Update, we?Äôre still waiting for confirmation and clarity on some of the major bills recently passed. Our latest updates coming from the Capitol have most of the omnibus bills for agriculture, education, taxes, transportation, health and human services, and bonding agreed upon by the Governor and legislative leadership.
The 2017 session adjourned at midnight on May 22, but the legislative leaders and the Governor did not reach agreement on significant portions of the state budget. Prior to the sessions constitutional requirement to adjourn, the Governor and legislative leaders reached an overall agreement regarding six major budget bills. The Governor then called a special session to begin Tuesday, May 23, to complete the unfinished business.
Over the last few days of Special Session, several finance bills have been proposed and lawmakers continue to negotiate details on Education, Taxes, Transportation, State Government, Health and Human Services, and Bonding prior to adjourning their Special Session. Recently, the House and Senate committees have been finalizing their budget bills to be passed on to Governor Dayton. Some notables to date include:
?Ä¢ Provides a 2-percent increase to the pupil funding formula
?Ä¢ Bipartisan support on the Ag2School 40 percent tax credit
?Ä¢ Establishes a new school readiness program with $50 million over two years (FY 18 and FY 19 only)
?Ä¢ Creates a new tiered teacher licensure system and a new Professional Educator Licensure Board
Facility Planning and Updates
We completed our final Public Informational Meeting on Tuesday, May 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Eden Valley Elementary School in front of a small, but supportive group. Similar to most of our meetings, we provide information and the opportunity for community feedback. The following questions and recommendations were made:
?Ä¢ Will passage of the Ag2School Tax Credit raise my local taxes? No, Ag2School is a tax credit for ag land and is paid from the State?Äôs General Budget.
?Ä¢ Why are there no visuals or designs of the proposed facility plans? The district has some basic architectural concepts of each project posted on the website www.evw.k12.mn.us, under the News tab. In addition, images of similar projects completed by the General Contractor are contained in the informational brochure. The district has chosen to reserve the expenditure and solicit community feedback on detailed designs and plans if we have success at the ballot box.
FFA Chapter Banquet
The Eden Valley-Watkins FFA Chapter held their annual recognition and awards banquet on Wednesday, May 24 in the High School Cafeteria. Congratulations to our co-advisors Tracy Huhn and Tyler Warren, and the entire FFA leadership team for coordinating the community building chapter activities that took place throughout the school year. On behalf of the EV-W school board and administration, I?Äôd like to congratulate all of our FFA members for their achievements and ongoing service to our school, community, and agriculture industry.
USDA Summer Meal Program
Schools have been designated as the best sites for summer meal efforts. In most cases, children and parents are familiar with local schools and schools are known for providing nutritious food in a safe and welcoming environment. The Eden Valley ?Äì Watkins School District will assist the USDA as well as other Federal and State agencies by providing serving sites within our schools. Designated serving sites, dates and times within the school district include:
?Ä¢ Watkins Elementary ?Äì We will be serving breakfast from 8-9:30 and Lunch 11-1 when swimming lessons are in session: June 5-30 (Monday through Friday), July 10 ?Äì Aug. 17 (Monday through Friday).
?Ä¢ Eden Valley Elementary ?Äì We will be serving breakfast from 7:30-8:30 and Lunch 11-12:30. The dates are: June 19-30, July 10-20.
?Ä¢ EV-W High School ?Äì Breakfast will be served 7:30-9 and Lunch will be served 11-1 p.m. The high school will be serving meals starting June 5-30, and July 10-Aug. 17 (Monday-Friday).
You can learn more about the USDA Summer Meal Programs by contacting Food Service Director Brittany Hirschauer at (320)
453-2900 ext. 1106, or visiting: www.summerfood.usda.gov.
Community Satisfaction Survey
The school district recently released its third-annual Community Satisfaction Survey. The community survey is located under the News tab of the District home page (www.evw.k12.mn.us) and will be available until June 1. We?Äôre seeking feedback and input from all of our community and school district stakeholders. The survey responses will be compiled, analyzed, and then used to assist our decision-making toward continuous improvement. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your constructive feedback.
End of Year Reminders
?Ä¢ The last student day of the 2016-17 school year is Thursday, June 1. As in the past, we?Äôll dismiss students early to accommodate graduation plans and preparation. Student dismissal times will be:
a. Watkins at 1
b. EV Elem. at 1:10
c. EVW HS at 1:40
?Ä¢ The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 will take place in the JP Gym on Thursday, June 1, at 8 p.m.
Senior Spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Blaine Fodstad, son of Carol and William. Blaine is described as a kind, caring, and hardworking young man. Throughout his school career, Blaine has been involved in football, baseball, basketball, DECA, Student Council, and Youth Group. Following high school graduation, Blaine plans to attend Ridgewater?Äôs Willmar Campus and enroll in the Electrician program. The EV-W administration and staff are extremely proud of Blaine and his many accomplishments. Congratulations!