The student count in Cook County appears to be stabilizing! Based on census data, projections indicate the county student population will be approximately 590 through 2017- 18.
Although this is a decrease of approximately 100 students countywide since 2004-05, the stabilizing trend is very encouraging. Cook County School District was severely impacted by the countywide decline of students and the establishment of three charter schools. In the same time frame, Cook County School District enrollment dropped from approximately 640 students to 430 students. Together, we have weathered the decline in enrollment and improved educational opportunities for our students.
The voter approved fall 2011 operating levy was a significant turning point for Cook County Schools. Instead of being reactive to a funding crisis, we have been able to right-size the district in a proactive manner. The impact of the levy is now being enhanced by the stabilization in enrollment and improved State of Minnesota funding. Therefore, it is time to review the priorities set forth in the levy campaign and determine how we can build on the promises the district has kept. Together we can impact legislation and the direction of education in Cook County.
All of the districts in Cook County work to engage community members in the planning process. Cook County School District began its review of priorities this past fall and encouraged participation from everyone through a community meeting held in February. We were able to construct teams with representatives from the community, student body, school board, school employees and administration. Several hours have been spent working together on information which will be publicized in July. The progress being made is exciting! Together, we can improve educational opportunities for all students in Cook County.
The priorities laid out during the operating levy campaign included maintaining small class sizes in early elementary, preserving electives, reinstating a full-time industrial arts position, investing in early childhood education and addressing maintenance issues which had previously been delayed.
The new priorities will be broader in scope and include strategies for achieving the goals. The school board and administration will use these priorities and strategies to determine how our resources should be allocated. Together we can create a roadmap which will give direction to our educational leaders.
Despite all of the financial challenges of the last decade caused by enrollment decline and insufficient state aid, school boards and administrators have been committed to providing excellent programming. School employees and community members have been essential in the decision making process and finding additional funds through gifts and grants, remaining within established budgets, volunteering and so much more. Together, we can work through challenges and move forward.
Together, we can not only weather challenges, we can impact legislation, improve educational opportunities, provide direction, and move forward, supporting all of our students, enabling them all the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Each month a representative of our local schools will offer thoughts in Issues in Education. This month’s s contributor is Beth Schwarz, superintendent of School District 166.
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