Rush Creek News
Dear Rush Creek Families,
As the leaves begin to turn and autumn sets in, I want to start by extending a sincere thank you to everyone who has joined us for Parent-Teacher Conferences. These conversations are a vital opportunity to build strong, positive relationships between families, classroom teachers, and our support staff. When our children see us working together, it reinforces that school is a true partnership dedicated to their success. If you haven’t had a chance to connect with us yet, it’s not too late. Our final opportunity for conferences is Tuesday, October 13, and we strongly encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment.
I am also thrilled to share some exciting news from our classrooms! Thanks to your incredible generosity during Rocky's Road Race, our 1st and 2nd graders have already begun their hands-on visits with the Three Rivers Naturalists. Your support directly enriches these memorable learning experiences for our students.
Finally, I’d like to encourage you to follow Rush Creek on our social media pages where we routinely post pictures and videos of the incredible things happening within our building. Our Facebook page can be found by searching Rush Creek Elementary School and on Instagram @ Rushcreekelem
Thank you for trusting Rush Creek with your children.
In partnership,
Principal Patterson
This fall, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment regarding school funding via the Minnesota Permanent School Fund (PSF). This fund was created upon Minnesota’s statehood and set aside federal land for public education. Money from this land comes in the form of mining, timber and leases on approximately 2.5 million acres of school trust land, and currently 2-2.5% of the fund’s interest and dividends are paid out to public schools twice per year based on student enrollment. By constitutional design, the principal cannot be spent.
The proposed constitutional amendment asks voters whether to update the distribution formula to 4.5% of the fund’s three-year rolling average market value. Passing this measure would not increase state income taxes or local property taxes. For Osseo Area Schools, this proposed formula change is projected to generate an additional $1 million annually from the PSF.
Distributions from the fund support the full range of educational services provided by Minnesota schools, including instructional materials, curriculum development, teacher salaries, extracurricular activities, and the construction and maintenance of school facilities.
The proposed amendment was recommended by a non-partisan task force, co-sponsored by members of both major parties, and passed on a bi-partisan basis.
Osseo Area Schools, along with many other school districts across the state, is working to inform constituents about the proposed amendment. Please note that under the Minnesota Constitution, a ballot measure requires a majority of all voters casting a ballot in the election to pass; therefore, leaving the question blank has the same mathematical effect as a 'No' vote.
Here are some resources to learn more about the PSF’s constitutional amendment:
Hennepin County is offering free walk-in immunization events for infants through 18-year-olds. No appointment is needed.
Tuesday, October 13
3:30–7:30 p.m.
Green Central Dual Language Elementary School
3416 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Wednesday, October 14
3:30–7:30 p.m.
Richfield Middle School
7461 Oliver Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
Families are welcome to attend any of these convenient walk-in events.
