Capital Levy Updates
3 days ago
Last February, our community approved two levies by nearly 70%, including the 4-year (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Levy for Security, Facilities, and Technology Improvements. Here are some specific updates:
-Study and Survey: we received a grant from the state to fund a full and independent audit of our facilities. The last study and survey we conducted took place in October 2012. We are currently in the bid process for the study, which we hope to accomplish this spring. The information we gain will help us in our long-term facilities planning.
-Roofing: we are committed to doing whatever possible to resolve our decades-long issues with our roofs within the 4-year timeline of our capital levy. We will work with the firm in charge of our Study and Survey to determine options that fit within our budget.
-Security: we are currently in the bid process to purchase additional automatic door locks and cameras throughout our schools. We are also acquiring estimates for enclosing the breezeway between RES and RMS.
-Technology: the plan is to be fully 1:1 with Chromebooks at Riverside MS next school year and to purchase new Chromebooks for all incoming 9th graders. The 1-year old Chromebooks from this year’s seniors will then move to the elementary schools for next year (in addition to 30 new Chromebooks at both CES and RES).
Weather-related Delays and Closures
3 days ago
When snow or inclement weather is in the forecast, we have a plan in place to assess and monitor weather and road conditions overnight and in the early morning hours.
The transportation director and staff drive the roads and bus routes beginning at 2:00 a.m. to assess conditions.
Maintenance staff check for possible utility failure that may impact a school or neighborhood and begin snow removal efforts when accumulations exceed 1”. Every effort will be made to clear roadways, lots and sidewalks before students and staff arrive and throughout the day. Please remember that despite best efforts there may still be icy spots, so please always proceed with caution.
Prior to making a decision, the superintendent consults with our transportation department regarding road and bus route conditions, as well as with school administrators and maintenance and custodial staff regarding school building, sidewalk, and parking lot conditions.
Our goal is to keep schools open during inclement weather. However, in the case of major safety concerns, we have two main options - to start school 2 hours late or to close school.
Please remember that state law requires our district to be in session 180 days. If we close schools, days must be made up at a later time during the school year. The built-in snow makeup days this school year are February 15, May 24, and June 10-13.