 It’s hard to believe the end of the school year is rapidly approaching. I've always prided myself on ending the school year strong. Thank you for your continued work on helping our students and our school be successful. Have a great end to the year and let’s finish strong!
 Team Fort Osage met for the fourth time this year on April 9. It was a productive meeting with good feedback provided by the committee. There was discussion about the budget, health insurance, and the April 6 bond and levy results (information provided below on each). The next Team Fort Osage meeting is scheduled for May 21.
Current Fiscal Year Budget (Ending June 30, 2021) Without any surprises, Fort Osage will end the current fiscal year with a balanced budget. Next Fiscal Year Budget (Beginning July 1, 2021) There are three major factors that will impact Fort Osage’s operating revenue for next year. These factors include state funding, the Jackson County assessment and the levy transfer which was approved on the April 6 ballot. We are monitoring the state budget and the allocation to public schools as the state legislators are statutorily required to pass the budget by May 8. Separately, we received the preliminary Jackson County assessment figures which shows a 7% increase in Fort’s assessed value (this is good news). Last, with the passage of the no tax increase levy transfer (Question 2) on the April 6 ballot, Fort will receive additional revenue to its operating fund. Taking all things into account, without any major surprises from the state, I will be recommending that staff receive steps and movement (those who qualify), as well as an increase to the certificated and classified salary schedules at the June board meeting. The exact amount is still being determined. As always, we will continue to monitor things closely. The 2022 budget will be presented to the Board for their approval at the June meeting. Health Insurance On January 1, 2021, Fort Osage joined the SipGKC consortium with Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Smithville School Districts.
Bond and Levy We were extremely pleased with the results of the April 6 election. With a nearly 78% success rate on the bond issue and over a 69% approval on the levy transfer, it is evident that our parents and patrons are strong supporters of our school district. This is a testament to your continued work and dedication in supporting the students. Great job!  Below is a tentative timeline for the start of the projects that were approved on the bond and levy issues (subject to change based on weather and other factors). After continued conversations with the architect and construction manager, some of the project timelines have changed from the original schedule.
Spring 2021-Summer 2021
Fall 2021
Winter 2021
Summer 2022
Summer 2023
 Do you enjoy nutritious shakes? For those of you interested, a $20.00 gift card to Thrive Nutrition in Buckner will be given away to one lucky winner using the RNG. To enter, please send an email to jsnodgrass@fortosage.net with "Thrive" in the subject line. Entries will be accepted until 8:00 am on Monday, May 3.
Giveaway prizes are not purchased with District funds. Only Fort Osage employees are eligible to enter the drawing.  Spring sports have begun, parent-teacher conferences are behind us, and we are beginning spring break. Please enjoy time away from school recharging your battery and know you are appreciated. Thank you for making a positive impact at Fort Osage! I look forward to seeing everyone on April 5 for a successful end to our school year.
 Each spring the CEA runs our Teacher of the Year program to help recognize some of our outstanding teachers. The building winners prepare a portfolio and interview to become the District Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the building teachers of the year who do an outstanding job for our students.
Lewis & Clark Academy: Katie Don Carlos Blue Hills: Dianne Sisson Buckner: Deanna Spooner Cler-Mont: Kara Krysa Elm Grove: Lori Webb Indian Trails: Mandy Brown Fire Prairie: Lacy Greco Osage Trail: Brittani Fletcher High School: Heather Hopkins Career & Technology Center: Bryan Compton  The April 6 election is nearly upon us. Beyond the in-person and Zoom presentations, the District has shared information using kiosk boards, flyers, emails, postcards, videos, newsletters, phone calls and social media. Please continue to communicate the importance of both questions to the District residents you come in contact with until the election. It is important that we know we have done our part to communicate the information. Thank you to everyone for helping with this process. It will soon be time for voters to go to the polls.
 Current Fiscal Year Budget (Ending June 30, 2021)
With state revenues running far ahead of this time last year, the state released the money they had previously withheld to public school districts in July. Without any surprises, Fort Osage should end the year with a balanced budget. Next Fiscal Year Budget (Beginning July 1, 2021) The three major factors that will impact Fort Osage’s operating revenue next year include state funding, the Jackson County assessment and the levy transfer found on the upcoming ballot. We are continuing to monitor the state budget and the allocation to public schools as the state legislators have not yet passed the budget. Separately, Jackson County recently released their preliminary assessment numbers which indicated a 7% increase to Fort’s assessed valuation. Last, the no tax increase levy transfer (Question 2) on the April 6 ballot would provide additional operating money with its passage. All three of these factors play a role in Fort Osage’s budget next year, and at least two of them should be determined by the Board's budget approval in June. I will be meeting with Team Fort Osage on April 9 to discuss salary and benefits for the coming year. One factor that always impacts the budget is health insurance costs. Maintaining a balanced budget is a priority for the Board, and my goal is to achieve that while continuing to provide appropriate staffing, good health insurance coverage, and fund steps and movement for staff. I will also discuss the possibility of adding additional money to the salary schedule. As always, we will continue to monitor things closely. The budget will be presented to the Board for their approval at the June meeting.  A $25.00 gift card to Frye's Greenhouse, located at 2910 N Buckner Tarsney Road in Buckner, will be given away to one lucky winner utilizing the RNG. For those of you interested, please send an email to jsnodgrass@fortosage.net with ‘Flowers' in the subject line. Entries will be accepted until 8:00 am on Monday, April 5.
Giveaway prizes are not purchased with District funds. Only Fort Osage employees are eligible to enter the drawing.  I’m grateful for each staff member making profound contributions toward student success. Please accept my sincere gratitude for the countless things you do to make our District successful. Thank you for helping make Fort Osage a special place to educate students. You are truly making a difference each day!
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