School Board continues long-term budget planning

At its May 13 meeting, the School Board continued discussions related to long-term budget planning and financial stability, which included consideration of scheduling an operating levy for November 2024. 

As part of the discussion, we will continue to prepare a recommendation for the board to consider at its June 10 meeting, with potential board action taking place June 17. Additional levy dollars would bolster the district’s financial stability and potentially allow for investments in programs and services highly valued by families and students

Like many other school districts in Minnesota and across the country, PLSAS is facing serious budget challenges. Our costs are increasing faster than our revenue is growing. This is mainly because prices are going up (inflation) and student enrollment (revenue) has slowed, mostly due to low birth rates.

The district’s operating levy is an important source of revenue and helps to fund programs and services to meet the needs of students. PLSAS’ current operating levy is one of the lowest in the area, which means our district has less money than neighboring districts to operate our schools and provide programming for students. 

Strategic Plan update

On May 13, we presented the initial draft of our strategic plan to the School Board. During the presentation, I highlighted our progress and the dedication of our Core Team. I also mentioned that we were unable to complete the draft during our last meeting. Recognizing the importance of finalizing this critical document, the Board graciously agreed to a revised schedule.

The final Core Team meeting will be on May 28 and will focus on the continuance of drafting priorities, core beliefs and a vision statement, based on community feedback. Afterward, we will launch a community survey to gather feedback on our draft. Once the survey data is compiled, the administration, along with select Core Team members, will present the final draft and survey results to the School Board on June 10. The Board will then review and take action on the final Strategic Plan on June 17.

Engaging community voices

Even though our local newspapers have ceased publication, it remains crucial to keep all stakeholders informed about district developments. To maintain this connection, Superintendent updates will now be posted on our website and included in E-Newsletters.

You can read Dr. Thomas' latest column on the importance of engaging community voices, here. 

Future Educator Signing Day

PLHS hosted their annual Future Educator Signing Day for those MNCAPS students intending on pursuing a career in education. Congratulations to these future educators!

- Lauren Beck: Iowa State University- Elementary Education

- Violet Bennett: Lake Superior College- Integrated Elementary Education/Deaf Education

- Izzy Dwire: University of St. Thomas - Elementary Education

- Julia Johnson: Winona State University - Communication, Art, and Literature Education

- Jessica Nelson: College of St. Benedict - Elementary Education

- Meredith Marshall: Creighton University - Elementary Education

- Sadie Salo: University of Wisconsin, Superior - Elementary Education

- Olivia Schaper: University of Northern Iowa - Social Work/Educational Studies

- Addison Schmidtlein: Winona State University - Art Education

- Rylie Schulberg: University of St Thomas - Elementary Education/SPED minor

- Ella Sprecher: University of Nebraska Lincoln - Elementary Education

- Jenna Ulin: University of Northern Iowa - Elementary Education

Trades Signing Day

Recently, MNCAPS hosted the first annual Trades Signing Day for students intending on pursuing a career in the trades after high school.

Congratulations to the following graduating seniors: Joe Coleman, Logan Groothius, Caden Hackett, Wesley Kerr, Cole Krueger, Grace McTamaney, Carley Meyer, Justin Path, Cole Paul, Kellen Swenson, Will Renken, Leo Solorio and Colin Thomas