Developing a Vision for Prairie Farm Schools- Follow Up Information

I apologize for the delay in preparing this information, but things on the school finance side of things have kept me pretty busy. This is not a dead issue and I hope to utilize the information collected here to inform many decisions that are made on the district level for many years to come.

I wanted to be certain that all district residents, staff, students, and board members are aware of the results of the District Advisory Committee meetings that have been recently held. The goal of these meetings was to determine a vision for Prairie Farm Schools. At the last meeting, conducted on January 31^st, 2011, we discussed the items developed at the December 6^th advisory committee meeting, as well as our student’s suggestions regarding what the district should look like 5 to 10 years from now, etc. Below are the items discussed including the District’s input or response to the items discussed in italics.

Topics Discussed on 1/31 (Italics indicate the District’s input/ response for each area):

Academics

- More opportunities for “college prep” and advanced placement (AP) courses

The district is evaluating this area. Currently, we offer AP English via iTV and AP Calculus through Molly Olson. It would be beneficial to offer AP opportunities in science and social studies as well. There are some limitations to this regarding the number of offerings each staff member can provide, however it remains an area we would like to improve upon.

- Increase the amount of iTV offerings (classes available via a network of multiple schools)

The district is limited on the variety of classes and the number of seats we are entitled to for iTV. Each year, the district evaluates the iTV offerings and competes for seats in classes our students want or need. We currently offer about as many iTV classes as possible.

- Increased development of technology skills and experiences

The district is evaluating this area as well. Surveys were recently sent to all district families regarding computer and internet access in homes. That information has been analyzed: of 180 surveys sent, 105 were returned. Of the 105 returned, 90 stated that they had a computer with internet access which represents 86% of district residents. This data as well as the student input we received (discussed below) indicates a strong need for the district to move forward with plans to become more technology integrated. Student surveys also indicated an opinion of better developing our technology based experiences. Students had great ideas regarding the use of “smart” phones and other internet capable devices for instruction purposes.

- More “co-op” opportunities for different classes (real world, on the job sort of experiences for credit)

This is an area that some staff is interested in developing as well. There are some difficulties however, with allotting appropriate time in staff’s schedules and/or allowing for extra-duty pay as there are responsibilities that occur outside of the school day.

- Provide service learning opportunities

These are opportunities that provide students with the type of skills they will utilize in the work force, tech school, or college. Some initial planning needs to take place to develop an outline of what these experiences will look like and what curricular area or areas are best suited to providing these opportunities.

- Allow volunteer hours for credit towards graduation

Similar to the previous item listed. Many schools REQUIRE volunteer hours for graduation; there has not been a lot of discussion on this topic however, it would be fairly easy to implement.

- Development of cross-curricular projects (having multiple classes covering similar topics concurrently that add to overall understanding and rigor)

This is a definite possibility for Prairie Farm given the small class size and the fact that all of the core teachers (language arts, math, science, and social studies) have nearly all of the students in the high school. This is particularly true for 9^th through 11^th grade. In the middle school, this would be fairly easily implemented with some planning and preparation on the staff’s part.

- Enhancement of our virtual school program (this program is in its infancy for the 10-11 school year and will be expanded and marketed beginning with the 11-12 school year)

The district has slowly rolled out our virtual school programming this year. We will continue to offer this type of educational experience to our residents and will begin some promotional activities to increase interest and enrollment for the future.

Communication

- Increase parent awareness of schedules and class offerings

This area can easily be addressed by providing the schedule on-line through our district web site. Look for information regarding the schedule and class options on our High School web page.

- Increase parent awareness of post-graduation options for students

Similar to the item above; information will be forthcoming on the School Counselor’s web page.

- Increase and enhance home-school communication

The district is looking into multiple possibilities to improve in this area. From surveys that were completed and returned, it was determined that a great majority of residents have internet access and would like updates and information to come via e-mail and the web page. The district will likely develop a “listserve” of individuals who wish to receive information via e-mail and send out updates periodically. We will continue working on this to provide parents and community members with all necessary information in a timely manner.

- Increase attendance at parent-teacher conferences (middle and high school)

This is an area we (and many other middle and high schools) struggle with. I am open to suggestions on how to improve this.

New Program Possibilities

- Develop a day care program operated by the school for children of district residents who are not involved in full day school programs to utilize

This type of program has some great potential and the district is seriously considering making a move in this direction. We want to proceed cautiously because we do not want to infringe on any community member’s livelihood by taking away children that they provide day care for.

- Marketing of our district via radio advertising and potentially other forms

As you probably already know, the district began marketing our schools online and on the radio. We will not know the impact of this until September of the next school year and even then, it may be difficult to determine the specific reason(s) for increased numbers.

- Utilize Business Education class(es) to develop marketing strategies and programs for the school

This too, has some strong possibilities. A limiting factor can be the amount of time available to our business education position. Developing new real-world, authentic curriculum for a program such as this, can be difficult and time consuming. This is something that would mutually benefit the students and the district.

- Early foreign language development for students in elementary grades (sometimes referred to as immersion classes)

This idea has found traction in many school districts in Wisconsin and in the nation. We would be quite limited due to funding issues; things have gotten worse instead of better in this area.

Student Responses

- Incorporate more technology options in classes currently offered

This is an area of focus today and will continue to be in the future. Students want the tools necessary to learn, collaborate, and create content in today’s world.

- Update/ Upgrade technology for students

Again an area we are currently working on and will continue in the future. Particularly, the network for internet access needs to be updated to wireless access with little or no interruption based on location.

- Improve athletic programs/ facilities

Students had strong feelings about improving our athletic programs. Mr. Olson is currently working through developing a mission, vision, and goals for our athletic programs with coaches and student athletes; there are many aspects of program improvement becoming incorporated for next year and beyond.

Developing a vision statement:

In addition to discussing various ideas for program and district improvements, a goal of these meetings was to develop a vision statement that encapsulated a common view of what should be occurring “tomorrow”. I had outlined in previous correspondence that a vision is different from a mission in that a mission defines the activities we are constantly engaged in, while a vision defines what we as an organization would like to be or become. A vision statement should bring to mind this drive or focus on the future and be a guiding statement as decisions are made in the classroom, on the athletic field or court, or in the board room. I have developed a vision statement as one possibility, but I welcome any input and am open to making changes.

Prairie Farm School District Vision Statement: “Focus on the future”- What are we doing for students today that will prepare them for tomorrow?

As always feel free to contact me any time.

Sincerely,

Craig G. Broeren

District Administrator

715-455-1683 ext. 119

broeren@prairiefarm.k12.wi.us

Developing a Vision for Prairie Farm Schools

Background

On December 6^th the school district convened an “advisory committee” meeting to begin to develop a vision for the future of Prairie Farm schools. With a mix of parents, community members, staff, board, and administration in attendance we discussed the following questions:

1. What do we want our schools to look like 5-10 years from now?

2. What are we currently doing that we should do more of?

3. What should we do as a district to ensure that we will remain a school of choice in the area and potentially increase our ability to draw students and families in?

4. What are the roles of all of the stake-holders in this process? (Students, Parents/ Community Members, Staff, Administration, Board)

Results

After time for small group discussion, the groups were brought back together to share the information discussed with the large group. Many different ideas were presented with some common themes arising from these conversations. I have looked over the notes from the small group and large group discussions and have found that the items discussed fall into one of three basic groups: 1) Academics, 2) Communication, and 3) New Program Development. Following are the general ideas and/or topics that were discussed by category:

1) Academics
- More opportunities for “college prep” and advanced placement (AP) courses
- Increase the amount of iTV offerings (classes available via a network of multiple schools)
- Increased development of technology skills and experiences
- More “co-op” opportunities for different classes (real world, on the job sort of experiences for credit)
- Provide service learning opportunities
- Allow volunteer hours for credit towards graduation
- Development of cross-curricular projects (having multiple classes covering similar topics concurrently that add to overall understanding and rigor)
- Enhancement of our virtual school program (this program is in its infancy for the 10-11 school year and will be expanded and marketed beginning with the 11-12 school year)

2) Communication
- Increase parent awareness of schedules and class offerings
- Increase parent awareness of post-graduation options for students
- Increase and enhance home-school communication
- Increase attendance at parent-teacher conferences (middle and high school)

3) New Program Possibilities
- Develop a day care program operated by the school for preK and younger district families to utilize
- Marketing of our district via radio advertising and potentially other forms
- Utilize Business Education class(es) to develop marketing strategies and programs for the school
- Early foreign language development for students in elementary grades (sometimes referred to as immersion classes)

Conclusions

As indicated by the above lists, there were plenty of great ideas that resulted from this meeting. Other topics were discussed ranging from additions to the school buildings to increased collaboration time for staff that are not listed above due to the fact that our district is limited by economic/financial constraints and class offering flexibility. With that being said, the next phase of this process is to determine the feasibility of doing any or all of the things listed above. Many of the ideas listed are occurring at some level but could be increased or added to, with little overall cost to the district; other topics listed would potentially take a substantial amount of time and money to institute. In addition, the development of a district vision statement or image should occur. Personally, I feel that the information presented above illustrates a vision of our schools as continually searching for opportunities to enhance our existing programs while remaining future oriented in the development of new programs and possibilities for students. Additionally, I feel there was a general consensus that a proactive marketing strategy is something we should think seriously about as a school and community. This may come in the form of simple radio advertising, various student developed marketing approaches, or even utilizing “facebook” or other web marketing/ informational tools.

The Next Step

The next step in our visioning process is two-fold. First, I feel that the community, students, staff, and board should all have input into developing a vision statement, image, or both, that is mutually agreed upon, simple and to the point, and easily recognizable. We have all seen many of these vision statements (or purpose statements) in popular media; one that sticks out in my mind is Toyota’s “keep moving forward” (we don’t have to be quite as clever as that with a dual meaning, etc., but you get the idea!). Second, we will hold a follow-up district advisory committee meeting in which a discussion of the items listed above attempts to determine which items listed we: a) definitely should do, b) possibly should do, c) should not do, or d) need more information. Additionally, I feel that the district should continually (perhaps every other year) generate these same types of lists and determine whether or not they are feasible.

I appreciate the time and energy put in by all of the individuals who attended the December 6^th advisory committee meeting and look forward to seeing you again at the next one which is scheduled for Monday, January 31^st at 7:00pm in the high school library.

Thank you for your input and support. Please feel free to contact me via phone, e-mail, or district blog, with your comments or suggestions at any time, particularly if you are unable to attend the next District Advisory Committee meeting on January 31^st.

Sincerely,

Craig G. Broeren

District Administrator

715-455-1683 ext. 119

broeren@prairiefarm.k12.wi.us

District Advisory Committee Meeting 12/6

The District is planning a “District Advisory Committee” meeting on December 6th at 7:30pm in the high school library. ANY district resident is invited to attend (students, parents, community members, staff, administration and board). The bulk of this meeting will be devoted to developing a vision and direction for the district in years to come. In short, we would like to solicit student, parent, staff, board, and community involvement in developing a vision for our district as we move forward. Below is a preliminary agenda for the meeting:

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PRAIRIE FARM
District Advisory Committee Meeting
Monday, December 6th, 2010
7:30 PM HS/MS IMC

Committee Members: Any District member interested


I Discussion of current district activities


II Discussion of our vision for the future:
a) What do we want our schools to look like 5-10 years from now?
b) What are we currently doing that we should do more of?
c) What should we do as a district to ensure that we will remain a school of choice in the area and potentially increase our ability to draw students and families in?
d) What are the roles of all of the stake-holders in this process?
(Students, Parents/ Community Members, Staff, Administration, Board)

III Other


IV Adjournment



The School District of Prairie Farm in partnership with family and community provides educational experiences which foster academic excellence, life-long learning, and citizenship.

Referendum Update 10/15

Districts across the State have received their certification of aid from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). With these numbers now known, districts have a much easier time predicting the potential effects of a new referendum. Based on the amount of State aid, the District's equalized property values, and the number of students in the building, we have determined that the mill rate for this school year (effective November 1st) is 13.7 (this is up from the predicted 12.4-12.8 because of the sharp drop in equalized property values and the loss of some State aid).
This increase in mill rate is due to a couple of factors. First, the District's equalized property value fell sharply by approximately $2 million (this figure was provided to Districts during the first week of October); this in conjunction with a decrease of $100,000.00 in State aid and higher building bond payments than in previous years, caused the overall increase in the levy and corresponding mill rate.

What effect does this have on the proposed referendum?
First of all, the levy predictions have changed from what was previously given. In the first year of the new referendum (2011-2012) the predicted mill rate is: 15.0 (the previous prediction was 14.0-14.5). The predicted mill rate for for the second (2012-13) and third (2013-14) year of the proposed referendum are: 13.4 and 13.8 respectively.
It is important to emphasize that the largest increase in property taxes for school purposes will be from last year to this year. This would have happened REGARDLESS of plans to go to voters with a new referendum. Please keep in mind that the new referendum will not take effect until next school year (2011-2012)and that the relative cost to taxpayers if the new referendum passes is going to be roughly the same as was originally predicted.

PLEASE ATTEND THE INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON OCTOBER 26TH.

Referendum Information

The District is holding 2 informational meetings regarding the planned referendum on Monday, October 11th and Tuesday, October 26th at 7:30pm in the high school library. Please feel free to attend either session.
I have also included some specifics regarding the planned use of the referendum dollars, as well as some projections regarding the levy and corresponding mill rate. Some of the information presented here can require explanation. Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Craig Broeren
715-455-1683 ext. 119
broeren@prairiefarm.k12.wi.us

What is the plan for 2011-2012 and beyond?
· The strategic planning committee conducted a meeting on Monday, August 30th and outlined the following (The full Board of Education unanimously approved the resolution to go to referendum at the September 20th regular board meeting):
1. The new referendum should run for three (3) years
2. The amount in 11-12 should be $200,000.00
3. The amount in 12-13 and 13-14 should be $250,000.00

· What will comprise the $200,000.00 in 11-12?
1. Reinstatement of full-time PreK-12 Principal - $17,000.00- 39,000.00 (Health Insurance)
2. Continue Bus Purchase Rotation- $30,000.00- $60,000.00
3. Maintenance Projects
a. Replace water heater*- $25,000.00- $30,000.00
b. New gym bleacher update- $10,000.00- $24,000.00
c. Replace “Old Gym” Floor*- $90,000.00- $100,000.00
4. General Operations



· What will comprise the $250,000.00 in 12-13 and 13-14?
1. Reinstatement of full-time PreK-12 Principal - $17,000.00- 39,000.00 (Health Insurance)
2. Continue Bus Purchase Rotation- $30,000.00- $60,000.00
3. Maintenance Projects
a. Repair parking lots- $15,000.00- $30,000.00
b. Replace Sweeper- $9,000.00- $12,000.00
c. Update Lockers MS and HS $30,000.00- $35,000.00
d. Replace classroom carpets MS and HS- $25,000.00- $30,000.00 ($2500.00/ room)
e. Replace “Old Gym” Floor*- $90,000.00- $100,000.00
f. Replace Phone/ Bell Systems $25,000.00- $30,000.00
4. General Operations

Bolded items will take place over all 3 years of the referendum; Italic items are maintenance items that have a high enough cost that we will distribute payments over 2 or 3 years or more (MS/HS lockers could be done in 2 years and “old gym” floor may take 3 or more).

*-The District will make informed decisions regarding which maintenance projects to pursue at particular times. It is evident that the “old gym” floor is likely high on the list followed by the replacement of the water heater. The old gym floor replacement will likely have to be financed and paid over three to five years.

What will happen to the mill rate over time?
· Basically, we will experience a relatively high mill rate for the first year of the new referendum; this is due to the fact that we will still be paying on 2 building bonds. The PREDICTED mill rate is around 14.0.
· In the second year of the referendum, even though we will levy for $50,000.00 more, the mill rate will drop. The predicted mill rate is around 12.5.
· In the third year of the referendum, the mill rate is predicted to rise slightly to around 12.9.

All of these numbers are base on predictions. In calculating the levy, I have assumed:
- a $200.00 per student increase in State aid each year
- no change in property value
- slightly decreasing enrollment
If any of the factors above change positively or negatively, there will be a change in the levy and corresponding mill rate. I do know that the first year of the new referendum will likely carry the highest mill rate of the 3 years unless there are some drastic swings in student numbers and/ or changes in State funding.

Referendum Update

Greetings PF Blog followers!

It has been awhile since the last post. I wanted to take some time to update readers on the disposition of the upcoming referendum; many of you already know that the current $150,000.00 referendum will expire at the end of this school year and as a result, the District must ask voters to approve a new referendum. The strategic planning and finance committee has been in the planning stages during the past few months and plans to formally adopt the resolution to pose the referendum question to voters at the November 2nd election. I will post additional specifics regarding the amount, length, and uses of the referendum after the resolution is approved at the September regular board meeting. We know that there is a definite need for this money and that the plan that is developed will be designed to meet the needs of the District and the expectations of the voters. The District will also conduct community meetings regarding the referendum in October to ensure the public is well aware of the situation. Please monitor this blog, our school district's web site, and the local newspapers for additional information and updates.

Thank you for your support!

Inaugural District Advisory Committee Meeting Planned

In an effort to remain highly connected with the community of Prairie Farm, the District is planning an inaugural “District Advisory Committee” meeting for Tuesday, May 18th in the HS/MS IMC at 6:30pm. This committee will be composed of administration, students, staff, board, and community members who have a vested interest in the success of our District and want a vehicle to provide input and to participate in discussion. The meetings will be governed by a developed and publically posted agenda and ANYONE who has an interest in any or all agenda items is welcome to attend. I am unsure of what future agenda items may be, but for our first meeting I would like to discuss what our District has accomplished in the past and establish a plan for our future. From these discussions and other items that arise on a regular basis during the next school year, future agendas will be created and addressed at future meetings. The meetings will take place quarterly to start, with additional meetings added when and if needed. The agenda will always be posted in the newspaper and/or on our District web site prior to any meeting occurring. A goal of the District is to have open lines of communication to any of our residents.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PRAIRIE FARM
District Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
6:30 PM HS/MS IMC

Committee Members: Any District member interested


I) Where has the District been and what have we accomplished?


II) District focus for next year and beyond
a) Goals
b) Advisory committee
c) Staff development

III) Other


IV) Adjournment



The School District of Prairie Farm in partnership with family and community provides educational experiences which foster academic excellence, life-long learning, and citizenship.