Looking forward, back at the turn of the year
Dear Editor,
Thoughts and wishes for the end of 2023 and the start of 2024.
As I sit here looking at the trees that have lost their leaves, I think of those we have lost this year; Teed, Brent, Travis and others. Since I have lost my husband at Christmas time in 2005, I understand what the impact can be to all families and friends as they think of their loved ones. I pray that you can find peace and love and a memory that makes you smile.
Those who know me know that I have been reconnected to my first love and now my last, my high school boyfriend from 54 years ago. And I thank my daughter Jessica for accepting him and boy, do they get along!
There are many changes and challenges going on in the school system to benefit our students to give them the maximal potential and opportunities for the next chapter of their lives.
In order to be able to do this, we need to keep the great teaching staff that we have and that costs money that the state does not fully pay in the Education Fund that we receive. We have raised base salaries for all staff in classrooms, maintenance, corporation bus drivers employees and we have also been able to keep insurance benefits at zero premium raises for three years, and worked hard to make the best judgments on whether to replace staff due to financial and student course requirements who leave us for family, personal reasons and better pay at other school corporations and jobs. And to follow my mentor thoughts – John Mills, we have been keeping our theater, arts, music/band and choir programs for our students to meet their needs and opportunities of growth.
The board has received the results of the survey related to the community questions and responses on getting another referendum to support the education fund which pays our Teaching staff, and all those who support them to have a safe, heated, called, clean buildings for all of our students.
We will be voting on whether to have another vote by the community on the May ballot 2024 for the referendum.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call Emily Tracy (260) 460-7873 or any board members and we will do our best to address them.
Thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.
Carol Bowden
Vice President
Brown County School Board
