A Message from the Superintendent
Welcome to our first issue of the Bronco Academic e-Magazine . I hope you find this monthly on-line publication infomrative as we continue to find avenues to communicate with parents and students. I want to thank Michelle Lyons for spearheading this project and all of our contributors for providing timely information. Our goal is to inform our school district. Each month I will communicate in this space part of the message that was shared with every single North Branch employee during the first day together back on August 24. We are absolutley committed to providing the very best education possible to every single student in our district. Student Achievment will always be our main focus, but in this issue I want to address the financial stability of our district. Here is what I shared with our employees back in August:
1. We will manage a budget that moves us towards a short-term goal of a 9% fund equity and a long-term goal of 15%. The audit for our 2015-2016 budget was just completed and I am ecstatic to announce our fund equity is now at 9% and we are porjected to be slightly over 10% at the end of the 2016-17 school year. I have been asked by many people how we have been able to achieve the short-term goal of a 9% fund equity one year earlier than projected and that is the topic of my second point;
2. The teachers and support staff have demonstrated a faith and trust with our school board and administrative team by agreeing to three year contracts that are fair and value our employees while providing an opportunity to achieve financial stability in the district. We are setting aside funds to ensure we aer able to make necessary facility and curricular improvements in our district. For example, we will have to replace our Ruth Fox roof in the very near future. Our board of education has been able to put aside $200,000 so when that time comes we will be able to pay for that repair without having to cut programs or borrow money. I am so proud to be working with administrators, teachers, and support staff to continually perform at an extrememely high level while making the necessary financial sacrifices needed to provide a great education for our students. I want to publicly thank them demonstrating they truly do put kids first!
3. We are extremely fortunate our board of education was able to convince our long-time business manager to return as the financial leader of our district. Cheryl Bruff has dedicated 23 years of high quality service to our district and she cares deeply about North Branch Schools. She has earned the trust of our employees and with her team (Ronda Beadle and Marcy Turner) will ensure we continue to use our resources wisely as we continue to focus on student achievement.
4. Finally, I shared with our employees the information regarding the Non-Homestead Tax Renewal. I want to thank our community for continuing to support our school district. Since 1994, you have always voted to pass this renewal that allows us to continue to provide great programs for our children. I promise we will work hard to earn your continued support.
Please contact me at 810-688-3570 if you have any questions regarding North Branch Area Schools. I hope you enjoy your monthly NB Broncos Academic e-Magazine.
Jim Fish
North Branch Superintendent
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