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The Brand, Lowry High School
December 18, 2013
Dain Investigates…The HCSD Budget
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By Dain Maher
hen many of us think of the word “budget,” we usually think of data sheets, accounting, and wise money management. That, for the most part, is correct when describing a budget. The Humboldt County School District budget is no different when it comes to budget descriptions. I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. David Jensen, Superintendent of Humboldt County schools, to discuss the district’s budget and its overall financial standing. Dr. Jensen said the district’s budget is largely devoted to staff salaries, which is understandable. Without staff, schools would be unable to func-
tion, and students would be incapable ic downturn. Dr. Jensen said the disof receiving an education. Across the trict has worked hard to not cut those entire spectrum, the school programs because admindistrict expends about 86 istrators feel students need percent of its entire budget a well-rounded education. on staff to cover salaries According to Dr. Jensen, and mandatory benefits. the district only has about “We have very little wiggle $250,000 in uncommitted room,” said Dr. Jensen. funds. The district’s remaining One of the largest com14 percent goes to mainponents of funding for tenance and upkeep of education is tax dollars district buildings, said Dr. HCSD Superintendent and, as Dr. Jensen said, Jensen, while some funds Dr. David Jensen./Cour- “Parents want to get the tesy • HCSD are devoted to extracurmost bang for their buck” ricular programs that otherwise would in terms of quality of education. One have been cut because of the econom- thing parents often wonder is if their
Lowry students give back
Choir and Band hold winter concerts
By Alyssa Campbell
By Mayte Castellanos
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owry High’s Swing Choir and Band have had done many performances throughout the year. They are always there to support the school and athletes with pep band. Band will be having their Christmas concert on December 19, at 7 p.m. in the gym. The next Swing Choir performance is on December 19 at the senior center. “Swing Choir is very fun I love performing for people and its just fun being out there,” said Shayla Myers. There will never be an assembly when you don’t see the pep band playing the school song and other beats to get the assembly going. “I like the people in it, and I also like how the cheerleaders always give us food. They are very kind.” said
band member Tanner Ames. T h e S w i n g Choir always has a very fun Christmas performance for all schools Mr. Paul Criddle./ Courtesy • before the Winnada holiday break. Music Director Paul Criddle said, “I am very proud of how far my classes have gone with their performances. They have definitely grown as performers.” The band and Swing Choir have a big impact on the school’s spirit. They have amazing voices and play their instruments very well. The members are also very talented to perform in front of so many people. The performers do a lot of hard work to keep this school very fun and magical with their The band at a concert in November./Courtesy • great music. Winnada
tax dollars are going to something that has direct benefits for their students. “As a district, we have to evaluate and make clear to the community [what those benefits are],” said Dr. Jensen. “We should or shouldn’t be funding this if is does not have direct benefit to the constituents and the students.” Dr. Jensen used this year’s new late start schedule as an example of a program that provides great benefits to students. That first hour on Thursdays is devoted to professional learning for teachers to help them develop and improve their teaching skills. That, in turn, provides direct benefit to students, said Dr. Jensen.
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here are a lot of events going on in our community and school that help many people in need during this holiday season. However, many of these good deeds often go unnoticed. One of the annual food drives at the high school was put on by FFA to help 30 local families that could not afford Thanksgiving this year. FFA was asked by the Catholic Church to set this up. Current FFA member, Jacy Urain said, “I think that the food drive turned out great. We appreciated everyone who helped out by bringing food. I know helping the community is always a Christy Bell./Courtesy • Wingood feeling.” nada There is also another food drive going on that is being put on by Leadership for the Ministerial Association. The food collected will be used for the Christmas food baskets and Lowry has always been one of the main contributors. As of Monday, 977 cans had been collected. On December 18, there are also a lot of charity events being held by the senior class and participating clubs. These include the blood drive, warmth drive, toy drive, and food drive. Christy Bell, who is running these events this year, said, “We now have 77 slots to fill (for the blood drive). Right now it’s not looking so good and we would like a lot more people to sign up. But overall the blood drive is the biggest thing.” These events are going on all from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. So if you haven’t helped anyone yet Jacy Urain./ Courtesy • Winthis holiday season, you still have the chance to nada give back to your community.
News Images
Another part of a missing medical radiation device that once contained cobalt-60 bears a sign in English warning of possible radiation, Dec. 10. 2013. Mexican truck driver Mauro Moya said he doesn’t read English so didn’t know of any radiation threat./Tim Johnson • MCT
www.thelowrybrand.com
The 2014 Volkswagen XL1 will be the most fuel-efficient car to ever go into production, with mileage of 200 miles per gallon, when it makes its way down a German assembly line next year. (Volkswagen/MCT)
People walk in front of the Damascus Gate during a snowstorm in Jerusalem’s Old City on December 12, 2013. Nearly three feet of snow closed roads in and out of Jerusalem and thousands in were left without power./ Saeed Qaq • APA Images/Zuma Press/MCT
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