Updates for the Week 10/19/2012

Congrats to our Girls Cross Country team on winning the 3A regional meet!  A special thanks this week to Cindy O’Rourke for all of her help with the Focus newsletter.  Cindy was kind enough to spend a day going to each of the grade schools to take pictures for the newsletter.  The pictures were outstanding and will make this newsletter something special.  

On Monday I had an opportunity to speak with the Davenport Rotary. One thing they like to do is the “Rotary Spotlight,” where members introduce themselves to the group through a formal speech. I enjoyed getting a chance to do this and look forward to being a member of Rotary. 

At the board meeting Monday night we discussed several items, most importantly the amended budget. I appreciate all the hard work Carey put into this, especially with our annual audit occurring at the same time. A couple highlights from the budget:

·        Original budget for student population was 439; it is currently 451.

·        Original budget had four families with 3 or more students; we currently have nine families.

·        Grants allowed is expected to be same as 11-12 at $370,000, not $420,000 as originally budgeted.

·        Daycare revenue was originally budgeted at $213,000 but revised to $245,000 to represent a 10% increase over actual.  Last year we had an 18% increase over actual.

·        Wages are down due to personnel and staffing changes.

·        Increased instructional expenses approx. $5,000 for on-line classroom curriculum

·        Increase computer hardware budget by $20,000 for additional switches, teacher machines, etc.

·        $15,000 for used pickup truck.

·        Increased Development budget for the addition of a new position.

·        Increased daycare expenses for wages, benefits and food due to increased day care revenue.

We also had the first reading of a credit card use policy, discussed committee assignments, and future curricular structuring for elementary students.  

On Tuesday I was in Iowa City presenting to Diocesan administrators on technology at Assumption.  I received a lot of great feedback on the presentation and several administrators asked for additional information. The preparation for this was a great exercise as we now have all technology information organized in one spot. If you would like to see the presentation, click here.

Many of you may remember that I have been taking classes the last two year to receive my superintendent’s certification through the University of Northern Iowa.  This has been a tremendously beneficial program and I have learned a lot that will help Assumption.  One thing I have been exploring and beginning to work with is utilizing the programs public schools use to determine fiscal health.  While not all of the data “fits” perfectly due the differences in financial structure, with a little adjusting we have been able to get some great information.

Have a great weekend!