Last week, I had to deliver the news to the community and our staff that we will need to make significant cuts as we find expenses are outpacing our revenue. As I stated in meetings, this is because of many reasons including the end of over $400,000 in Federal funding from COVID, a projected decrease in student enrollment, increases in health insurance for this year and next year, purchased service increases due to inflation, and expenditures outpacing budget assumptions.
Many people ask if we should have seen this coming sooner. In true transparency, we could have seen some of it sooner but, with the transition of between business directors in the middle of the year and not knowing about the significant insurance premiums until April, it made it difficult to be able to understand where we were tracking in regards to expenses and revenue. Many times, school districts will have a longer period of preparation for such decreases and will have time to make strategic plans for their district. With the end of the school coming quickly and having so many people and moving parts in our school district, it can be difficult and more harmful to make "knee-jerk" reactions that can have lasting negative impacts.
When we talk with students in our classroom, we talk about treating people the right way and to keep others in mind when you make decisions. The school board and our leadership team have been keeping that in mind as we go through these reduction decisions. It is never easy to make cuts, especially at this late stage in the school year.
As I stated in my meetings, our school board, leadership team and staff are committed to doing what is right and best for our students, families and communities as we work through these financial challenges. We are committed to be transparent and we will be an even stronger and better district on the other end. Please check out our website for more information and thank you for your continued support, especially during this time.
Go Bears!
Mike Neubeck, Ed.D.
Superintendent Byron Public Schools
507-775-2383 (W)
507-923-8034 (C)
@NeubeckSupt
POG C's in Action
The Profile of a Graduate is the model we use to live out the District's Strategic Plan on a daily basis. It has been 6 years since we first implemented the Profile of a Graduate and we continue to find ways to teach the six Cs: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, and Character.
Learn more about our Profile of a Graduate!
BHS students had fun helping with fence of community member. It was a great day for Mr. Gunter's advisory students to know the importance of Industrial Tech and pride in ownership.
Hello!
As we approach summer, it is time for my annual "Welcome to Summer" resource guide. I have included a few items on safety, summer camps, food resources, and mental health connections. Also, Zumbro Valley Medical Center is offering a free Eye Care Clinic.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Smiles,
Christine
Christine Jostock, LSW, MA
christine.jostock@byron.k12.mn.us
School Social Worker
Byron Public Schools
507/775-2189
