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September 2017
The Courier | www.the-courier.org
Schools in Action Superintendent’s Bulletin Troy Ferguson ISD 15 Superintendent
I would like to begin my message with a big welcome back to the students and staff of Independent School District 15 (ISD 15). I know for some of you, the summer went by too quickly, but I trust you are all eager and ready to begin the 2017-18 school year. We are anticipating another great year and I am pleased to once again report that our school board has decided we will make another attempt at a bond referendum on Tuesday, November 7. As you know, ISD 15 was unsuccessful in our effort to pass a bond last May. I stand by my position that the needs would not go
away if the bond were voted down, and they have not. As a result, the school board and administration in conjunction with our consultant from ICS immediately went to work communicating with our community to gain insight on concerns our public had regarding the May campaign. We listened to you. One concern voiced by many residents who do not have children or grandchildren attending school in our district was, “What’s in it for me?” That’s a fair question and a common one across the state and our nation. There is research that suggests better
schools contribute to better communities. What exactly could that mean to residents without children attending our district? For starters, let’s look at increased home values. Better schools tend to increase the value of the homes and property in their communities. Any realtor would likely concur and a 2016 survey highlighted on realtor.com indicated “half the homebuying population is willing to pay more than their intended budget to get into the right school district and more than half would give up other amenities to do the same.” In addition to increased property values, good schools increase community satisfaction for their residents. Research involving 20,000 people in 26 cities by the Knight Foundation, highlighted in a 2012 article in the Pacific Standard by Emily Badger, indicates “a
strong correlation between community satisfaction and quality schools, and this is true whether they have children attending them or not.” Researchers explained that public schools often can “function as not just educational institutions, but community institutions as well.” Schools are where parents and neighborhoods communicate and get involved creating learning, personal growth and enrichment opportunities for all community members, not just school-aged children. In ISD 15, we believe lifelong learning enriches individuals and creates opportunities. We consider lifelong learners to be everyone from birth to 100 years old and beyond. The economic impact of good schools on a community has been well researched. In The Economic Impact of Good Schools published by the
Northland Screw Products, Inc. Wishes all St. Francis High School fall sports best of luck!
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U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Eric Hanushek co-authored research with Jens Ruhose and Ludger Woessmann that “shows clearly the economic growth of a state is directly related to the skills of its workforce. And the skills of the workforce are heavily dependent on the state’s schools. Even with considerable mobility of the U.S. population, the majority of students continue to reside in the state where they were educated.” The benefits of a strong and vibrant school district are clear. We are asking our public to approve one question, an $80,060,000 bond, to address critical deferred maintenance and physical facility needs, improve districtwide safety, security and accessibility, and enhance educational spaces and learning environments. The tax impact if approved will increase the current level taxes on the value of a $200,000 home by $1.74 annually over 25 years. ISD 15 leaders and school board members will be in the community, disseminating information on the bond until the November 7 election. Please take time to become informed and seek accurate answers to any questions you have. Visit www.isd15. org/bond or email bond. questions@isd15.org. We are committed to Building Our Future Together.
SFHS 1997 Class Reunion
St. Francis High School class of 1997 will hold their 20 year reunion on Friday, October 6, 7:00-11:00 p.m. in Rockwoods, Otsego. Cost for the evening is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more info contact sfhsclassof1997@gmail.com.