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 [email protected] 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. |
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