Letter from the Superintendent - September 2015
This is the time of year that the budgeting process for 2015-2016 gets finalized. With valuations beginning to stabilize (although we aren’t there yet), my hope is that this year the Unicameral will be able to come up with a more equitable form of generating revenue for entities such as schools that will relieve property owners of such a substantial burden of the taxes paid. I am happy to say that we have been able to propose a budget that substantially reduces the levy while still allowing for Southwest Public Schools to operate in the fashion it needs to. The board and I will continue to come up with a plan of maintaining facilities and meeting the requirements of the state and federal departments of education in every area that we are obligated to do so. All of the budgeting process is carefully monitored by the state and there are budget limitations that are adhered to, as well as limits on what we can hold in reserve. Our district’s budget and reserves are well under what is allowed by the state and the district is financially strong. We’re committed to remain that way.
The year is off to a great start and we are excited to dive into the activities that come along with the fall season. Please remember that parents are responsible for their children before, during and after games. Safety and consideration of all of our patrons attending events is of the utmost importance. Cheer and support all of the students participating, let the coaches coach and the officials officiate. It shows good sportsmanship and sets a good example for our young people. Activities are a great place to learn all sorts of lessons. Sometimes that includes success and other times it includes disappointment, but it all influences how we deal with things later on in life. Thank you for your continued support of our students.
Sincerely,
R. Todd Porter - Superintendent