ISD 200 Levy Update

Hello Raider Families and Community!

The past three years have gone extremely fast, and I am so grateful for all the support you have shown our students and staff! As you probably know, this past June, the school board voted to approve the existing levy set to expire. This option was created by the past legislative session and allows a school board to approve a renewal of an operating levy one time, with the same parameters, and brings in about $3M annually in revenue. However, it is only the base. With the increases in costs (i.e., supplies, services, salaries, and benefits), relatively stagnant declining enrollment, and additional unfunded mandates from the state, it will take more revenue to sustain what we have and look to what could be. You will want to pay attention as the board will continue movement looking at a Technology levy for this

Message from the Superintendent

Hastings Community,

I am absolutely honored and proud to serve as the new superintendent for Hastings Public Schools. Prior to joining Hastings, I have served as an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, community education director, elementary principal, middle school principal, and eleven years as superintendent. My first 10 days in Hastings have been filled with meeting people and seeking to understand. The welcome that I have received has been second to none. I have repeatedly heard an unprecedented level of pride throughout the community with the following statements:

November. You may remember the board and me talking about how this option will provide much-needed additional financial support. The community survey suggested a high degree of support for approving this type of referendum, and Hastings is one of only a few Districts that does not have such a levy in place to support students and staff.

As of July 1, Dr. Tammy Champa has taken over as superintendent of Raider Nation. She is a veteran educator and leader, and I have every confidence that she will strengthen the District and keep the focus on the main thing...students. Please take the opportunity to meet her.

Bob McDowell, Ed.D.

“...we really have amazing students” ..the staff in Hastings is outstanding” …it’s a great community”

As the new superintendent, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our district provides the best possible educational experiences for our students, led by a phenomenal staff and leadership team. Students will undoubtedly be at the heart of all that I do.

Please know that my door is always open, and I am looking forward to meeting all of you. In addition, I will be looking for as many engagement opportunities as possible.

Together, we’ll make the 2023-2024 school year a great one.