What's in a name? Bambi W. Rathbone for prez

In this final month of the school year, I believe it is necessary that I reach out to as many patrons as possible in an effort to clarify concerns that may be on your minds regarding our district's levy election on May 3. First, let me emphasize that our board chose this course of action because, as of this date, we still have no idea what will be forthcoming from the state during the next biennium. This levy request will serve to maintain the same general fund budget amount for our high school in 2011-2012 as we have budgeted for this year. It is needed due to a decrease in student enrollment along with the discontinuance of consolidation incentive funding. Our board has taken steps each year since the consolidation by slightly decreasing our general fund budget each year.

The chart below documents what I believe has been responsible action in providing necessary educational offerings even while reducing the number of staff at our high school. As has been the case in the past, the district will not collect the entire amount voted should legislative action generate an increase in state funding.

High school general fund budget

2005-2006 $1,031,178.85

2006-2007 $1,056,879.27

2007-2008 $1,031,062.34

2009-2010 $958,275.36

2010-2011 $871,976.24

Proposed 2011-2012 $871,976.24

Decrease

since 2005-2006 $159,202.61

Also, please note that another levy for our elementary budget was not necessary because that enrollment has increased enough to maintain our previous year's level of funding.

(Ken Halverson is superintendent of North Star schools.)