Upset About School Cuts?

Are your upset about school cuts? Read this article.

Legislative Update

The legislative session is into its final days. School funding has not been determined. Our budget plan is based on the assumption that funding for the next two years will be flat, not cut. Based on that scenario the district will still need to cut expenses due to inflationary pressures, and a small operating levy that is less than half the state average.

At the last school board meeting the board made $921,000 in budget adjustments based on that assumption. If the legislature cuts school funding further adjustments will be needed for not only the 09-10 school year but the next year as well.

For further information on the status of legislative actions click here.

I encourage the patrons of the school district to contact legislators, especially those on the conference committee. Contact information is available from the Wednesday, April 29 post.

H1N1 Influenza Update

The primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools is to focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette. Please do your part with good hygiene and make sure to wash your hands for 15-20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day.

Listed below are the current recommendations we have been asked to follow:
· Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner (see symptoms below).
· Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
· Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from others and sent home.

The influenza- like illness to watch for is a fever of 100° or greater and recent onset of at least one of the following: runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat or cough.

Our school is committed to protecting the health and safety of our students and staff. If you have concerns, please contact Jane Larter, the district nurse.