2006_0408_Packet_ISD623 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

VIII-B Cornerstone #4: Relocate district programs in the Fairview Community Center to space available in other district facilities. Rationale: It is my recommendation to relocate district programs currently housed in the Fairvi�w Community Center to other locations within the school district. This will serve two purposes. First, this will allow the school district to use all the space available in district facilities with the exception of Fairview. Second, the space made available in Fair�iew will allow for additional lease space, potentially increased lease revenue, and reduce the operating cost of Fairview Community Center. Retaining Fairvi�w Community Center will also allow the district to continue to employ the Alternative Facilities Levy Authority until the return of the Lake Owasso School in August of 2008. Cornerstone #5: Expand full day/every day kindergarten to all students with special emphasis and programming for the students from families where English is a second language. Rationale: My mother would always remind me to "start the day right." A good start to a day makes a difference, and a good start in school makes a big difference in student achievement. Data shows that full day/everyday kindergarten improves student achievement in homes where English is the second language. Getting all our students off to a strong academic start in school will pay big dividends in student achievement, assist in closing the learning gap and provide a solid return on our investment. Cornerstone #6: Present a request for additional General Fund Levy authority to district residents. Rationale: In the fall of 2007, Roseville Area Schools' current operating referendum expires. It is my recommendation that the school district approach the district residents in the fall of 2006 to request not only a renewal of the current amount, but also an inflationary increase in the district's levy authority. Coupled with this request would be a commitment to the district taxpayers to lower the district Alternative Facilities Levy. No other proposal will produce greater positive long-term results than the successful implementation of this recommendation. Cornerstone #7: Eliminate the district long-term liability for employee retirement programs. Rationale: The sleeping giant on many public sector balance sheets is the under funding of the long- term liability for employee retirement programs. I believe it is in the best interest of the school district to negotiate the removal of these long-term liabilities from district employee contracts. This will require a pay as you go program with shared responsibility between the employee and the employer. Cornerstone #8: Develop a strategic plan for recruiting new employees, retaining current employees and providing opportunities for advancement in all employee categories and positions. Recruiting, retaining and providing advancement opportunities are some of the district's most important and challenging responsibilities. If Roseville Area Schools is going to thrive as an organization it is a necessity that the district recruit the best employees possible, retain our high quality employees and provide the opportunity for advancement. VIII-B