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Superintendent's Scoop |
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Funds, hams and breakfasts in BCSD 101 |
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December 4, 2017 |
By Superintendent Gary Pflueger
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 November 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 Boundary County Education Association.
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 high
school 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 November 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, December 21. The winning school gets a
special treat! The goal is 100 of both turkeys
and hams. Remember these need to be delivered
frozen December 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 to 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 Valley View Elementary.
We will still have breakfast items available at
other schools, 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 reapply 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 December
21 (with a frozen turkey or ham for either BCMS
or BFHS!!!)
PS: 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! |
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