Parents as Teachers Program

Thought I would make a quick post on our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. As many of you know, I am a new parent. As new parents, Ashley and I have many questions about raising our son. "Is it normal when......" or "When should he be________(fill in the blank)", are typical questions parents pose when raising a child. Last week, Peggy Swaney (Parent Educator) visited our family on an official PAT visit. It is validating to meet with someone who has so much experience in working with a wide range of abilities. Peggy and the rest of the PAT staff are able to assist in answering the many questions that inevitably arise. Additionally, they provide literature that identifies benchmarks, nutritional information and opportunities for cooperative play. What a great program!.....and it's FREE! I am proud to say it is ours. If you are interested in knowing more about Parents as Teachers, contact Dr. Hughes at the District Education Center.

Educationally Yours,

Projects Completed!

You may know by now that the projects associated with the 2008 bond issue are substantially complete. This bond issue included a four classroom addition at Paxton, a vocal music room at PCHS, a major renovation to Barry School, parking lot repairs, construction of a bus parking lot and playground renovations. All projects were completed on time and under budget (music to my ears). The facilities constructed and renovated will serve our students for years to come. I would like to thank our dedicated staff for working ON or AROUND the construction projects. Your flexibility assisted on-time completion.

Enjoy the pictures!

Setting YOUR Tax Rate

You may be aware that the Platte County R-3 Board of Education voted unanimously to keep our tax rate at $4.19. At first glance, this seems hardly newsworthy. However, much thought went into my recommendation to the school board. This year, because of a substantial decline in personal property values (cars, boats, motorcycles, etc.), the state tax calculation allowed our district to levy an additional $0.22 without a vote of the people to offset the decreased value. The Missouri calculation accounts for increasing property values and/or decreasing property values through the calculated tax rate ceiling that ensures revenue neutrality. Our Board of Education decided unanimously to approve my recommendation to voluntarily reduce our tax rate ceiling in order to keep our tax rate unchanged from a year ago. This difficult decision was done by taking the following into account:

*The current state of the economy is difficult for our taxpayers. Some parents/patrons have seen no pay increase, some have seen a pay decrease and some have lost their jobs. We understand this is a difficult time to raise taxes. While we could put additional revenue to good use, we feel it is fiscally prudent to tighten up our belt.

*We received additional revenue from the state foundation formula that will allow us to "hold the line" by slightly increasing our budget to accommodate for population increases and annual salary schedule movement (no increase to our base salary). Our budget has increased by 3 million per year in recent years, however, our budget only increased by $600,000 this fiscal year.

*This is a reassessment year. This is important because, due to Senate Bill 711, taxing entities that voluntarily reduce their levy during non-reassessment years will permanently lower their ceiling. Basically, this was an option this year because it is a one year decision. Next year is a non-reassessment year. Recommending a voluntary reduction next year will be a multi-year recommendation. Given the uncertainty of our economy and state funding, such a decision would negatively impact our budget long term.

Platte County R-3 values the confidence and trust of our taxpayers. We have and will continue to work hard at being good stewards of your tax dollars. I will be elaborating on this issue in the next edition of Treasures. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Educationally Yours,

Learn Like a Champion Today!

On the first day of school, I made my way through the district....stopping at each building. It was wonderful to see our buildings in operation again.

At Pathfinder Elementary, I noticed a sign above a doorway to Mr. Parker's kindergarten classroom. You may be familiar with the famous sign outside the Notre Dame locker room. Traditionally, the players touch the sign before going out to the field. The picture above shows one of Mr. Parker's students touching the sign before going into the classroom. Nice touch Mr. Parker!

And now....I must work like a champion today!

Educationally Yours,

Everything Makes More Sense......

.....when our children enter the doors of our classrooms. In about 12 hours, approximately 3,500 of the greatest kids in Missouri will fill our district facilities. WELCOME BACK! I will likely not sleep much more than our excited students tonight. I can't help it....I still get butterflies of anticipation the night before school begins. I am looking forward to seeing our kids. I will be in all schools tomorrow at one point or another. Stop and say hello if you see me.

Educationally Yours,

Welcome Back Faculty and Staff

ALL staff returned today. We gathered for our district convocation this morning. Aside from some technical difficulties....it was a great day. Always energizing to see staff return. Soon, 3500 students will have us all ENERGIZED. I am looking forward to seeing our student's faces on Tuesday the 25th.

Here is a video clip I shared with staff to provide additional motivation. Warning....this video may result in goosebumps and/or tears. I think you will enjoy this young man from Dallas Independent School District.

Cut the following url and paste in your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZm0BfXYvFg

Educationally Yours,

New Teacher Orientation

New teachers began their careers in Platte County School District on Monday, August 17. Monday is the first of two days of orientation. I had the pleasure of speaking to our new folks on Monday morning. This year we hired approximately sixteen new teachers out of an applicant pool of close to one thousand. Though my interaction was limited, I was impressed with our new staff.

I would like to welcome all new staff to Platte County. I think you will find your career here challenging and rewarding. I am certain that you will quickly adore our students and our supportive community. Best wishes!