From the Super
By Dave Rokusek
March 05, 2008
From the Super
March 6th, 2008
Dave Rokusek
This week on Tuesday, was Nebraska Teacher Recognition Day. I am sure we all have a past teacher or coach we consider having a positive influence in our lives. Teaching is an important and enjoyable career. Much like parenting, a teacher may not know the impact they have on a child until many years later. I witness in our school many dedicated teachers and administrators. With supportive parents, we together at Wilber Clatonia provide great opportunities for our youth. Thanks to all the teachers and parents, for providing positive models.
At this time of the year I also think it is a good idea to publicly thank our bus drivers. Bus drivers are responsible for the safe handling of a number of our students to and from school every day. They also transport students to numerous night activities and field trips. They must pass periodic drug and driving tests to keep their license. Their jobs, especially in the winter, require them to be on call for an early dismissal. Winter driving can add to the challenges of their job. So far this winter with the exception of a few days, driving conditions have been generally favorable. All winters have not been so nice. It is very easy to take this group for granted as normally they seem to come and go on a day to day basis without much fanfare. I thank them for their service and publicly applaud their work. Our regular drivers include; George Hynek, Sandy Pospisil, Jill Randolph, and Dale Fritz. Keith Muller, Dave Wattjes, Deb Brethouwer, Pat Varano, and Don Bakker all serve as substitute drivers. If anyone is interested in bus driving on a part or full time basis, First Student, our bus company, is always looking for people. I can put you in touch with the company as they hire the drivers. We would welcome some extra drivers.
Budget preparation for 2008-09 school year will begin this month with teachers completing requisitions and orders for their classrooms/curriculum needs. Anticipated, utility, building, program, and personnel costs begin to come together also this spring. This budget process continues throughout the spring and summer and concludes in August when the board approves the budget. Anticipated receipts are a big part of the picture and serve to balance the budget. Last month the state aide figures were released by the Nebraska State Department on Education and our district showed an increase of $124,750 in state aide. However the total will be recalculated and lowered by the Legislature due to state wide economic forecast and some proposed changes in the formula. Our school is expected to still be on the positive side of the state aide this year due to increased enrollment but the total will be less than the original amount. We should know the exact total in April.
A thought about teachers- “A master can tell you what he expects of you. A teacher, though, awakens your own expectations”-Patricia Neal. Take care and stay in touch.
