Tiger Pause

Thank you!

2011-11-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

On behalf of our School Board, I would like to thank all community residents who took the time to vote on November 8th. A special thank you to the many residents who supported our schools and our children. We sincerely appreciate your efforts. It takes community support to build strong schools and it takes strong schools to build strong communities. By working together, we can continue to improve on what we have started.

As a result of the continuation of our operating levy, the Princeton Public Schools will continue to offer the high quality educational programs and services you have come to expect from us. Our science, reading and math scores have continued to grow at a faster pace than the state average and our class sizes remain among the lowest in the area. In addition, our music and fine arts programs rank among the elite in the State of Minnesota.

Being good stewards of your precious tax dollars is important to us. We will continue to maximize our resources and work to keep costs and fees at reasonable levels.

We want all residents to know that we are proud of our schools, our staff and our students. We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do as we seek to continually improve our school system. We welcome your suggestions and input on how we can improve. If you have a suggestion or question, please feel free to contact me (763)389-6190.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Rick Lahn

Superintendent of Schools

2011-12 New School Year

2011-09-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

It is time to begin another school year. Exciting and new opportunities make this a positive and fun time for all of us.

Throughout the summer, district personnel have been working hard to ensure our buildings and grounds are in top shape for the beginning of school. Students and staff at North Elementary will be welcomed to a beautifully renovated building that is much safer and a very pleasant learning and teaching environment for everyone. Gone are the ten expensive portable classrooms. In their place is a solid brick and mortar classroom addition that promises to serve the district for many years to come. In addition, other smaller projects throughout the summer have our buildings and grounds ready to go for 2011/ 2012.

This past month, administrators and teacher leaders have been assessing test data to celebrate recent improvements as well as earmark areas in need of improvement. Our district uses a continual improvement model to examine curriculum, assure teacher quality and to enhance professional practice so our students receive the best educational experience possible. We are very proud of the fact that our students achieved high marks on the State MCA-II Science Exams. We are excited to see the results of additional State exams as they are released to the public later this month.

Fall activities are already underway. We have a record number of athletes competing in several sports. Come out and support our Princeton Tigers as they compete in the new Granite Ridge Conference!

On November 8, our School district will be asking voters to consider extending our current operating levy for an additional six years. Over 90% of Minnesota School Districts have voter approved operating levies. The amount, $325 per student, is far below the state average of $847. The current operating levy generates approximately $1.5 million dollars in revenue that is critical for our school district operations. In most cases, approval of this operating levy will not increase the school district portion of your property taxes. Please look for additional information in the coming weeks.

We encourage all community residents to attend our open house at North elementary on Thursday, September 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Come see the newest addition to our school facilities. Cookies and coffee will be provided.

We sincerely hope your child has an exceptional year. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We stand ready to work with you to provide your child the best educational experience possible.

Richard Lahn

Superintendent of Schools

A Tribute to Our Teachers

2011-07-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Most of us can think back to our formative years and remember one or more teachers that had a profound influence on our lives. Somehow they not only taught us how to read, write and understand mathematics, they showed us how to become better human beings. I am deeply indebted to my teachers and the education I received.

When I graduated from college, I went to work as a middle school classroom teacher. It was the experienced mentor teachers that helped me and provided a guiding hand to a novice with much to learn.

My entire adult life I have worked with teachers. I cannot imagine a more honorable profession. The majority of teachers I have known are hard working professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children.

For nearly thirty years, I have witnessed teachers work long evenings, weekends and occasional holidays preparing their lessons and evaluating student work. In the classroom, they are so natural that they make their craft look easy. I assure you, it is not. Excellence in teaching requires years of preparation, study, a passion for helping children and natural talent that can make lessons come alive for a generation of students who have grown up in an era of video games. Great teachers are truly gifted professionals who benefit society in more ways than we can comprehend.

Our teachers come to work each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to help others. They generously give of their time, talents and occasionally, their own money to help our children learn and grow. They are committed, dedicated and highly trained. We are extremely fortunate to have such quality people working in our schools.

This year, during “Teacher Appreciation Week” (May 2-8) it is our turn to give back. Please join me in thanking our teachers in Princeton ISD #477 for all they do for us. It is a small gesture that will mean so much for those who dedicate their lives to our children.

Richard T. Lahn

Superintendent of Schools

Summer Projects

2011-07-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

While the school year is over for our students, the planning for 2011/ 2012 is just beginning. During the summer we will be completing several projects to update and repair our current facilities.

The renovation and remodel of North Elementary is progressing on schedule. By the time you read this article, the majority of the exterior work will be completed and the project will move to the interior renovation stage. This fall, students at North Elementary will be welcomed back to a completely renovated school that will look far different than the one they left this spring. Prior to the start of the school year, the District will hold several open house events at North Elementary for the public to tour the newly renovated building. We look forward to showcasing a safer and more energy efficient North Elementary School.

In addition, we will be completing several smaller renovation and repair projects around the District. These projects include: replacing lockers and resurfacing the running track at Princeton High School as well as resurfacing the parking lot at the District Office. All of these capital projects are designed to keep our existing facilities safe and usable for our students and the community. Each of these projects will be funded through the use of building capital funds. These funds may only be used for the repair and replacement of buildings and equipment. They may not be used for the day-to-day operations of the School District.

Legislative gridlock at the State Capitol has left us in a bind in determining our 2011/2012 budget. It is difficult to project revenues until the legislative session is complete and allocations for K-12 funding have been established. Until we know the actual numbers, we are forced to make projections in determining next year’s budget. Currently, we are planning on no additional funding from the State.

Many readers have heard about several added positions in the School District. At its June 14^th meeting, the School Board voted 6-1 to increase our Gifted and Talented Coordinator position from .5 to .75 of a full time position. This was accomplished by using state revenue specifically designated for gifted and talented students. In the coming weeks, the School District will continue to explore the addition of adding a second Police Liaison officer to be placed at the Middle School. If approved, the District will be using Crime Levy revenue to fund this position. Please note that neither position will impact our general fund balance.

This fall, the District will ask voters to renew the current operating levy that will expire in 2012. Current plans call for maintaining levy amounts at existing levels. As a result, your school portion of your local property taxes will not increase from current amounts. In fact, most households will see a slight decrease in property taxes due to changing tax rates and declining property values. In the coming weeks look for more detailed information concerning the renewal of the District operating levy.

Have a safe and fun filled summer!

Rick Lahn

Superintendent of Schools

State Shutdown

2011-07-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

We are all relieved at what looks like an end to the State government shutdown. This historic shutdown has caused difficulty in more ways than we could have imagined. It is good to know that things will be getting back to normal soon.

While I am relieved, I am also deeply concerned that once again public education is being used to balance the state budget. The solution proposed is a 60/40 taxation shift, which will hold back 40% of school district revenue with a promise to pay it back at some later point in time (the taxation shifts of the mid 1990’s were not fully restored for thirteen years). This comes on the heels of a 70/30 shift and over a decade of close to flat or sub-inflationary funding for schools. Minnesota now ranks 40 out of 50 states in increases to public education funding over the past decade. As a result, cash-strapped school districts across the State will be forced to cut deeper and borrow money with interest to pay for basic expenses such as textbooks, busing and teacher salaries.

Taxation shifts such as this are a temporary fix. They delay a permanent solution to the problem and hurt our schools in the long run. At some point, a permanent solution to adequate and stable school funding must be found if we are to prosper as a State and as a Nation.

Investing in our children is an investment in the future. An educated work force will be able to compete for jobs in a global economy and contribute to society in countless ways.

Educated, gainfully employed workers pay taxes, spend money and help our economy grow. A highly educated work force will attract employers to Minnesota to tap into its greatest resource, its people, thus creating additional jobs.

We have a responsibility to leave a better Minnesota for our children and grandchildren. Those who went ahead of us had the foresight to do so for us.

Providing a quality educational program for Minnesota’s students requires adequate resources from state and local government. Stripping money from our public school system is harmful to our kids and to our future. We should all be highly disappointed with the outcome of the 2011 legislative session. We deserve better.

Upcoming: Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)

2011-03-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

In just a few short weeks all Minnesota students in grades three through eight, ten and eleven will be taking a battery of tests that measure student performance in reading, mathematics and science. These exams, collectively known as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments will assist schools in identifying individual growth areas for specific students. In addition, results will assist our school district in measuring curriculum and teaching effectiveness. Finally, students will need to show proficiency on these tests to receive a High School Diploma in the State of Minnesota.

The Princeton Public Schools have made student achievement our top priority. As a result of the hard work by our teachers and administrators, we have been aligning our curriculum to State Standards, improving teaching methods and using early intervention strategies with our youngest students. These strategies identify struggling learners early on so extra help can be provided to assist students to perform at or above grade-level.

In addition, we have launched a district wide campaign to encourage students to prepare to give their best effort on test days. In some ways, this is no different than preparing for “the big game” in athletics. This is not only important for our school district but also very important for each student as they prepare to pass state exams that will ensure them a high school diploma.

I am happy to report that our efforts are working. In nearly every area, Princeton students have improved at a faster rate than their peers across the state. Last year, for the first time in school history, Princeton students achieved higher levels of reading proficiency than their Minnesota peers. This is something to be proud of.

While we feel good about our recent progress, we are not satisfied because we know there is room for improvement. This past year we have focused on achieving progress in other areas including mathematics. It has been said that we either get better or we become worse. You never stay the same. It is with this in mind that the Princeton Public Schools have initiated a continuous improvement model to ensure future success.

As the MCA testing days draw near, principals will be sending home tips to parents on how they can help by preparing students to give their very best effort on testing day. Simple things like parental support, eating a good breakfast and being well rested make a huge difference in student success.

We look forward to partnering with parents to help create a culture of pride, high expectations and success.

“Go Tigers!”

Richard T. Lahn

Superintendent of Schools

How large a number is one billion?

2011-01-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

How large a number is one billion? It is so large; it is a difficult number to comprehend. To help understand how large one billion is, consider this. One billion seconds ago was 1979. One billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive. One billion hours ago, our early ancestors were in the Stone Age. One billion 6^th graders standing on each other’s shoulders would reach the moon. A book with a billion dollar signs, printed one thousand to a page would be 1,000,000 pages long. A billion is indeed, a very, very large number.

The current state deficit is $6.2 billion dollars, a monumental challenge for our lawmakers and elected officials to address.

There have been many suggestions brought forward by both political parties on how our state budget deficit can be reduced. Let’s remember that state constitutional law demands that the budget be balanced before the legislature adjourns in late spring. We all remember the state shut downs from previous years when the legislature and Governor were unable to balance the budget. This year the task will be more challenging than ever.

Hypothetically, let’s take a look at some of the previously suggested ideas for budget reductions and how they may impact the deficit. Please note, I am not advocating for or against any of these ideas, only attempting to gain a realistic perspective on our current situation.

Idea number one: Temporarily hold back funding from public education, also called a taxation shift. In this case we would increase the shift (amount withheld) from 27% to 50% of expected totals. Although this would create major financial difficulties for schools around the state, it would cut the deficit $ 1.6 billion dollars leaving a balance of $ 4.6 billion dollars.

Number two: Adding Racino money to state revenue. This would increase the coffers by $250 million over two years. Our deficit has now been reduced to $4.35 billion dollars.

Number three: Cut all local government aide. Although this would cause serious concerns for cities and county government, it would save $ 550 million dollars reducing our deficit to $3.8 billion dollars.

Number four: Adding a sales tax to clothing. This would generate $800 million over two years further reducing our deficit to $3 billion dollars.

Number five: Additional state taxes for those with incomes over $250,000. This would raise another $400 million over two years taking our deficit down to a manageable $2.6 billion dollars.

Number six: Delay paying back the 27% taxation shift to public education. Although this only prolongs the problem, it does reduce the deficit an additional $2.6 billion bringing us down to the paltry sum of $1.5 billion dollars.

We are now out of ideas with only two places left to turn. A $750 million dollar cut to health and human services and a $750 million dollar cut to public education. Now we have a balanced budget.

I understand the road is long and the mountain high for our elected officials. They will need our support as they make tough decisions in working towards a balanced budget.

As I previously stated, I am not suggesting that any of these ideas are positive. They may or may not be. What I do know is that further cuts to public education would have disastrous consequences for all schools across the state. It is my hope that our elected officials make public education a priority. An educated work force in Minnesota will attract new business and create new jobs. New jobs will result in additional tax revenue for our state. Collectively, we need to invest in Minnesota’s future by investing in our children, even when times are tough. In years gone by, our parents and grandparents had the foresight to do this for us, even when economic times were difficult. Now it is our turn to pay it forward. By doing so we will keep Minnesota a great place to live, work and receive an education.

A Look at Facilities

2010-11-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

Much like managing your personal residence, our district is currently inspecting all facilities with plans to repair and renovate areas in need. To serve the needs of the district for a maximum number of years, all buildings need periodic renovation and repair. With proper care, it is not uncommon for a school building to last sixty or more years.

A look around the district would find one newer, functional school and three aging structures in need of repair or replacement. In addition, the district has twenty-two portable classrooms that are very expensive to lease, heat and cool. This is the equivalent of an entire school building in portable classrooms. The average life span of a portable classroom is eight to ten years. The majority of our portables are at least six years old. Portable classrooms were intended as a stopgap and were never intended as a long-term solution to replace aging facilities. That being said, we cannot afford to address all of our facility needs at once.

This spring, we will begin work on a 5.2 million dollar renovation and addition to North Elementary School. North Elementary was built in 1969 as an open school. Although walls were added throughout the years, the building lacks classroom doors that can be locked in the event of an emergency lockdown. In addition, the undersized office is located away from the front entrance posing a significant security risk.

The renovation and addition to North Elementary is designed to address the following needs:

The addition of locking doors in each classroom to increase safety and security.
Moving the office and administrative area to the front of the building to increase safety and security.
The addition of ten standard classrooms, thus eliminating the need for portables.
The addition of new windows to save energy.

In the future, additional renovation will be needed to replace an aging kitchen and serving area as well as a new gymnasium floor.

We understand that these are tight economic times for the residents of our school district. Ironically, it is a perfect time to build with an excellent bidding climate and historically low interest rates. As a result, our school board has worked closely with district administrators in developing a project that will not increase local property taxes.

The majority of funding for the North Elementary project will come from existing capital reserve funds. These funds can only be used for facility improvement and not for the general operation of the district. The balance will come from the sale of alternative facility bonds, energy improvement grants and applying the basic lease levy currently used to fund the existing portables to the brick and mortar addition.

In the end, residents of the school district will receive a much safer, renovated building at a greatly reduced cost coupled with no additional increases in local property taxes. This definitely, is something to feel good about.

If you have any questions about the North Elementary project, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working with you in serving the needs of our students.

Warm Regards,

Richard Lahn

Reasons We are Proud

2010-10-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

At a recent forum, the School Board was criticized for not sharing the positive news about the good things happening in our schools. I want each resident to know that we take this responsibility very seriously. We feel it is extremely important to communicate positive happenings in our schools and to increase transparency and communication with the tax payers and parents of our School District. Over the past two years we have worked hard to enhance communication and transparency. The following are several examples:

1. "Reasons We are Proud" is a discussion of positive events happening in the schools and is done at the beginning of each School Board meeting.

2. School Board meetings are now available for the public to view online. As always we invite the public to attend all School Board meetings in person.

3. Breakfast with the Superintendent and Board Member allows community residents to discuss issues and concerns with district leadership face to face in an informal setting.

4. Visits to the Senior Dining Center allows Seniors to have a voice in School District matters.

5. A weekly Superintendent's radio show communicates positive and pertinent issues concerning the happenings within the district.

6. The Superintendent's Column in the Union Eagle is done approximately each month to communicate with district residents.

7. The Superintendent's Blog, "Tiger Pause," allows residents to stay current and have their comments posted as well.

We are also available to take your telephone call, email or schedule a meeting with you to hear your comments and concerns. We need to know how the residents think we are doing and to hear suggestions they may have on how we can improve our schools.

I am proud to serve the residents of District #477!

Rick Lahn
Superintendent of Schools

Process for Filling a Vacant School Board Seat

2010-10-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

I recently received a question on the process used when a school board needs to fill an interim vacancy during the middle of a term. Two years ago Princeton had a member resign with two years left remaining on her term creating such a situation.

When this situation occurs, the Minnesota School Boards Association has clear rules and procedures regarding the process for selecting a new school board member. The vacancy must be posted and interested candidates may apply. Interviews for the position are conducted by the Superintendent and existing school board members. Each school board member casts a vote and a new member is elected for the remainder of the term. The Superintendent may not appoint nor does he have a vote in who this member will be. Elections such as this and the interviews with potential candidates are always open for the public to attend and view.

Please respond with any questions you may have . We are always willing to assist you.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Rick Lahn
Superintendent of Schools

Breakfast with the Superintendent!

2010-09-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Come join me for breakfast at K-Bob Cafe at 7:30am on any of the following dates,

October 12th and 26th
November 9th and 23rd
December 21st

Hope to see you there!

New Conference for the Tigers?

2010-09-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

As you may be aware, Princeton has been invited to join a new activities conference that will begin competition in the fall of 2011. The conference is currently unnamed but would likely include: Zimmerman, Becker, St. Cloud Cathedral, Little Falls, Foley, Milaca and Mora.

The commitment from each school needs to be made this September so plans can move forward for 2011.

As with any decision of this magnitude, there are always pros and cons.

Pros might include more competitive play for our students. The larger schools in the M-8 are continuing to increase in enrollment and with the addition of Elk River, this enrollment disparity will continue to increase into the future.

Cons would include difficulty matching all our activities with the other schools. Not all of these schools have hockey, soccer, swimming and gymnastics. This would force Princeton to seek an independent schedule for these programs thus increasing travel costs and eliminating conference tournaments and all-conference recognition for our athletes.

We want to hear from you. What do you think? Is this an activities conference Princeton should elect to join for the fall of 2011? Why or why not?

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Sincerely,

Rick Lahn