Race To The Top (RTTT)

RTTT is the federal government's $4.35B stimulus program directed to education. This is a very significant financial incentive for states to participate in school improvement activities. The $4.35B program doubles the U.S. Department of Education's annual budget for the four year implementation period.

It appears 10-15 states will be awarded the funds. Minnesota is up for approximately $200M. Delano could be eligible for approximately $548,000 over the four year implementation period. All of this is contingent on Minnesota's application to the U.S. Department of Education being approved.

Delano Schools is submitting an MOA indicating our interest in participating.

There are four components to RTTT. 1) Standards and Assessments - adopting internationally benchmarked standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace; 2) Data Systems to Support Instruction - building data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals how they can improve their practices; 3) Great Teachers and Leaders - recruiting, developing, retaining, and rewarding effective teachers and principals; and 4) Turning Around Struggling Schools - which doesn't apply to Delano.

To be eligible for RTTT funds Minnesota schools must participate in the state's Quality Compensation (QComp) Program. Delano has been involved in QComp for the past three years.

We see RTTT as another tool to assist us in meeting our vision statement: Educational Excellence is our Foremost Goal, and look forward to Minnesota's successful grant application.

Discussion of Budget and Proposed Property Taxes

A discussion of the proposed property taxes payable in 2010 and the district's budget for 2009-10 will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21 in the Delano Middle School Media Center. After the presentation and discussion the board will vote to approve the property tax levy for taxes payable in 2010.

The proposed property taxes will show an increase of $147,360 over last year, a 2.78% increase.

Click here to see the levy data the school board will be considering.

Click here to see an explanation of the data.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

As of this posting at 5:40 a.m. school is on for the day. We continue to monitor conditions.

I advise students and staff who are driving to start a little early, be careful and take your time. Busses may be a little slow so be patient as normal route times may be a little late.

Legislative Contacts

One outcome of the public forum on November 30 was to make available the legislative contacts for legislators who represent any portion of the school district. The key to gaining state support for school funding is that legislators make school funding a priority. Otherwise the burden will increase on property taxes. School patrons are urged to begin contacting legislators in this regard.