Principal's Message
Spring is here! With spring comes warm weather, longer day light and the anticipation of another school year rapidly coming to a close. It also brings another budget season and school election. This year’s school election will be held on Wednesday, April 27. Budget information is available on our website under the About Us/Board of Education link. I am encouraging the entire RV community to vote on April 27th.
Similar to last year, creating a budget was a challenge. On the positive side - the District received almost $600,000 in federal funds designed to save jobs and an additional $350,000 from the State. Unfortunately, this was not enough new revenue to completely offset the 4 million dollars we lost after the Governor decided to take our surplus funds last year. Therefore, the budget contains additional reductions in spending. Most importantly there are salary reductions equivalent to six teaching positions, the elimination of the Public Relations Coordinator position, one supervisor position and one secretary. Stipends to support several extra-curricular activities have been eliminated. The money allotted for new equipment has been eliminated and request for material and supplies have been reduced by as much as fifty percent.
The District is permitted to impose a 2% increase in tax revenue. This increase has been incorporated within the budget but has been covered by transferring funds from the construction budget to the general fund. Consequently, you will not receive a tax increase. There will be changes in the tax rates that result from changes in the assessed valuations and enrollments of each of the municipalities. These changes are revenue neutral to the District.
Like all schools, RV is learning to adjust to new constraints on revenues and spending. The Board of Education continues in its quest to maintain programs that benefit students and ensure that each student has a comprehensive education. In some cases, class sizes have increased but most regular and extra-curricular activities continue to exist. To help offset some of the shortfalls with regards to extra-curricular activities, we will be implementing a student activity fee next year. More information will be forthcoming about this as the details are finalized.
RV has historically had one of the lowest per pupil costs in the state while providing extensive educational opportunities for our students. Providing opportunities for students continues to be the goal of the Board during these challenging economic times.
On a final note, as promised the Board completed its search for a new Superintendent in February. On March 16th, the Board appointed Dr. Gerald Jellig as the Superintendent/Principal, effective July 1st. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Jellig to RVRHS!
