October 2011

As I reflect on the past 14 months, I am struck with the pride, resilience and dedication that our students, staff and family members demonstrate daily.  We have so much to be thankful for and celebrate.  Our 2010–2011 graduating class earned over $1.3 million dollars in scholarships.  Our student achievement continues to improve as well as our graduation rate.  Our Elementary and High School have earned the designation of Excellent on our State Report Card.  We have accomplished all of this in the face of budget challenges and revenue restrictions that can only be called historic.  It is a tribute to our generous and supportive community and our ambitious students.

Since the Fall of 2009, East Knox Local Schools has reduced over $1,700,000 in operating costs.  On November 8, 2011, we will be on the ballot with a 5 mill emergency operating levy.  This levy will generate $1.2 million dollars per year for a period of 5 years.  This is our last attempt to increase revenue in 2012.  If this levy fails, no new money will come into the district until at least January of 2013.  Without this sorely needed revenue, we will have no choice but to cut programs that affect the welfare of all of our students.  The options are few and any or all of them would be painful.

We have few options left regarding major cost cutting measures.  We can continue to deficit spend and borrow funds which will need to be paid back, consider consolidation of current facilities, increase revenue via a levy or find some other means to stabilize the budget.  We have had conversation with the community about closing the elementary building and we attempted to eliminate high school busing.  These options are drastic.

Please keep in mind that we have received no new operating funds in the form of tax levies since 2000, and state funding has decreased every year since 2006.  Furthermore, 9% to 10% of additional state funding will be lost for the 2011–2012 school year.  In addition, our staff accepted wage sacrifices and reductions in benefits.  The situation, to put it bluntly, is somewhat dire.

What is at stake?  Our schools are the heart of our community and our students bring them to life.  The welfare of our students and our identity is at stake.  Our students are our most precious resource and we need to nurture and support them.  How do we put a monetary value on pride, school spirit, state and nationally recognized programs and Bulldog honor?  We cannot. It is these intrinsic qualities that make us special and unique.

I have witnessed and I am truly inspired by the spirit of cooperation and support that exists within our community.  When a family experiences a loss, meals are shared with them by total strangers.  When there is damage to a home, neighbors and friends lend support.  When there is a crisis in the community, we come together to provide emotional or financial support.  East Knox Local Schools needs your support so we can continue to develop our most precious resource, our students.  It will take all of us to get through these difficult economic times, yet I am confident that we can with your continued support.

Mr. Matthew Caputo

Superintendent