"No other investment does as much for our economy, environment, businesses, communities and our quality of life as a quality education." (Parent United Network, 2005)Strong public schools are essential for our state’s economic health.As we move toward election day for our proposed operating levy referendum, a number of questions have arisen. I would like to address a few of those questions and concerns.1.Concerns of bussing students within the city limits:We do not have a separate bus route for our in-town students Busses which carry our country students will pick up students at designated spots in the city.2.Will we pay the full $700 per pupil increase?No, the state will pay $323.67 of the $700 and our local effort (Tax Levies) will pay the difference of $376.39.3.What has the district done to help with this issue?oSince 2001, the Luverne Board of Education has made $646,000 in budget cuts.oWe have increased activity fees for students participating in activities.oWe have cut the vocational programs at the fairgrounds and developed programs on campus.oWe have lowered temperatures in all buildings to conserve energy and lower costs.oWe have reduced the number of teaching staff. A number of teachers have retired or left the district, and we have not replaced some of them, resulting in fewer sections and larger class sizes. We also have teachers who teach at a combination of levels, high school and middle school, or middle school and elementary.oWe have reduced the administrative team. When the elementary principal left, she was not replaced, and the administrators picked up additional duties to cover the position.oWe have not increased supply/book/equipment dollars for three years.oWe have continued to educate our students at a cost lower than the state average. Luverne schools spent $7,660 per student to educate our students, whereas the state average was $8,379.Throughout the state there are huge challenges in educating our children, including different languages, special education needs, economic disparities and high mobility. But progress is being made. Education is the key to providing equal opportunity to all of our students. "What the best parents want for their children, the public must want for all children." (John Dewey)Gary L. Fisher Superintendent Luverne Public SchoolsLuverne
