Superintendent Scoop
Enrollment increases, community support high
Now that we have come to the end of the first quarter and trimester of the 2017-2018 school year, it is time to reflect on what we have learned and what we still need to do. Starting with good news: our enrollment has remained steady and strong. As of Nov. 30, our enrollment has increased 139 students over the last three years. To me, this indicates we are doing our job well in the classrooms.
Increased enrollment is also reflected by increased state funding and who doesn’t like more money! The management of these funds is overseen by our Business Manager, Board of Trustees, the Financial Understanding Advisory Committee and the BCEA. Ultimately, the budget is my responsibility and I promise to be very careful with the state and community money. With that said, the construction of the H.S. greenhouse cost more than I anticipated — $10,000 more! We have taken this out of Forest Funds; this was money we were planning to use for other facility projects. If anyone out there feels they are in a position to donate to the construction of the green house, please let me know. I truly believe this program will benefit our agricultural science program and FFA.
Negotiations between the Boundary County School District and the Boundary County Education Association has finally come to a successful compromise. I am pleased to have this arduous process completed but disappointed it took so long. I believe great progress was made this year. I sincerely hope we can come to a more timely agreement next year. Clarity of the budget and a clean push through the audit has placed us in smooth waters. Special note of thanks goes to Cal Bateman through this ordeal! The audit and other items will be discussed at the Financial Understanding Committee today at 6 p.m. in the District Office on Oak Street. This committee meets on the first Monday of every month; the regular meeting of the BCSD Board of Trustees is on the second Monday. Both meetings are open to the public.
Our Community Thanksgiving Supper was a tremendous success on Nov. 19! This collaborative meal between the Boundary County School District, the Ministerial Association and the LDS Church served over 600 meals at no cost to the public. Special thanks to the kitchen organizers Tammy Schneider and Lisa Carle. Jacob Hinson, Henry Yoder and a large cast of volunteers donated food and time to make it work. What a wonderful community we live in!
The next challenge I have presented is to our High School and Middle School Leadership Classes. Who can bring in the most turkeys and hams for the Community Christmas Basket Drive? These will be taken down to the distribution center on Thursday, Dec. 21. The winning school gets a special treat! The goal is 100 of both turkeys and hams. Remember these need to be delivered frozen on the 21! Our elementary schools are not to be out done. During the month of January, each school will hold a canned food drive to help replenish the local food banks. This is held in January in part to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. These efforts have two points: to help our needy friends and neighbors in Boundary County and to teach our students the importance of giving back to the community who gives us so much. Thank you students and staff!
You will see some familiar faces standing by a red kettle and ringing a little silver bell over the next few Fridays from 5-7 p.m. at Yoder’s and Super One. All schools, including the Special Education Department and the District Office/School Board are taking a turn at supporting the Salvation Army. All proceeds will stay local! Thank you teachers and staff!
Some bad news came out of our State Review of the BCSD Food Service Department. Due to a bookkeeping error by a former food service director, we have lost free breakfast at all schools except VVES. We will still have breakfast items available but it will be run how it used to be: at a free, reduced or full price for the students. We are looking into our options and the opportunity to re-apply for this program next year. This new regulation will begin when we return from Christmas Break.
Final note: please expect two surveys to come home with all students at all schools next week. First, a Climate Survey which will let us know how we are doing and second, a Lice Survey. The Board is asking your opinion on how we are handling this nasty critter. Read it carefully and let us know. Please return both surveys to the schools before Christmas Break on Dec. 21 (with a frozen turkey or ham for either BCMS or BFHS!!!)
Sincerely,
Gary Pflueger,
Superintendent,
BCSD #101
Do you need something to do on Friday? Stop by the Boundary County Library. Every other Friday in December, January, February and March the library staff will offer science programs covering diverse subjects for learners of all ages. Learn about: predatory birds, endangered animals, mammals, Denali National Park, physical science and more! All programs are free! At least stop by and visit with Mr. Anderson!