Jim kowalkowski presentation to wsu supt certification program group

Small School Districts:

Challenges & Opportunities

Presentation to WSU Field-Based

Superintendent's Program

Feb. 11, 2012

…strategies that will help you be successful as a

leader in small & rural districts

…strategies that will help you be successful as a

leader in small & rural districts in

any sized district!

Who is this guy?

• Superintendent- Davenport School District – 5 years• Director – Rural Education Center – 9 years• Superintendent- Pomeroy School District – 8 years• Principal- Pomeroy Jr-Sr High School – 5 years• Principal – Vista Middle School (Ferndale, WA) – 3 years• Assistant Principal – Vista Middle School – 4 years

A few words about the handouts…

• Seattle Times editorial…• JLARC report summary

on study of School District Cost & Size

• Dr. Bill Keim’s testimony to House Ed. Committee

• WASA Flyer• Rural Ed. Center

Research Brief

Topics

• Unique expectations, characteristics, and challenges facing small and rural districts

• Working with legislators• Connecting with the community• Passing bonds and levies• Strategies for keeping your sanity while

wearing many hats!• Helping staff deal with change

Today’s Presentation

• Show you some “on-the-ground & real” examples…

• Please ask questions…• I have sent this PowerPoint to Dr. Sharratt—he

will send it to you

A few words about the WSU Field-Based Superintendent’s Certification Program

This program will help you become a great leader…people will be counting on you to prepare your school system for a bright future for students, staff, and your community…

School District Cost & Size Proposed Final Report

9

Most School Districts are Small but Large Districts Enroll Most Students

Report Pages 6-7

Source: JLARC analysis of 2007-08 school district financial and enrollment data provided by LEAP.

51.2%

9.8%

39.0%

151 small districts: Less than 1,000 students each

Total: 295 districts

Enrollment

Expenditures

5.3%

6.5%

41.4%

40.1%

53.3%

53.4%

29 large districts:More than 10,000

students each

115 medium districts: 1,000 to 10,000 students each

Most School Districts are Small but Large Districts Enroll Most Students

Unique Characteristics of Small Districts

• You will always be under a microscope as the leader of the school

• There is no place to hide!

• Video story…


• Every patron has an opinion on these three things:– What strategies and plays the basketball coach

should be using…– What teacher or staff member needs to be put

on the first bus out of town…– What should be taught up there at that

school…


• Community members expect you to use their tax dollars wisely…

• Your parents and your community want a good, strong school system…

• You better take darn good care of the kids…

“Gotta Do’s”

• Be visible in the community• Join Chamber, Lions Club, Rotary, etc. • If you make a mistake—own it, do not

try and “spin it”…• Be the educational leader and expert

in your community

“Gotta Do’s”

• Be a cheerleader and advocate for your school district

• Insist that the “chain of command” is followed (assist if needed)

• Take good care of yourself, so you can take care of your staff and your school system

Working with Legislators

• “Some one else will do that…”

• “I don’t have time to keep up with all this legislative stuff…”

• Someone at WASA will take care of all of this…”

Working with Legislators

• “If you don’t advocate for your students and your community, who will?

A few word about what I learned from Dr. Don Cox

• Served as a state Representative for many years

• District 9 – Colfax / Whitman County• An incredible mentor and leader• Integrity, honesty, consistency,

passionate about education• “Get to know your legislators and get

them in your school district.”

• Ross Hunter trip to Garfield County

Develop relationships with your legislators…

Playboy Magazine, Lind Combine Derby & a State Senator…

http://www.celebratebig.com/pacific-northwest/lind-combine-demolition-derby/lind-combine-demolition-derby.jpg

Welcome to the Davenport

SchoolDistrict!

House Education Committee Visit

Oct. 5, 2011

Welcome to Mrs. Ballance’s5th Grade Classroom

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES Integrated Pole Vault SystemAmplified Sound & Speaker SystemDocument Camera “thin clients”

Davenport School DistrictQuick Facts:

Enrollment: 563 students, K-12Free/Reduced: 53% of our students34 certificated teachers17 instructional paraprofessionals10 bus drivers2 principals1 superintendent

Da

Comprehensive High School —27 credits required for graduation

Quick Overview ofOur Construction Project

Floor plan schematic

Tremendous Community Support!

Energy Efficiency

We qualify for a $34,000 energy rebate from Avista !

New HVAC system

Old boiler system

Google earth shot

Significant Loss in State Funding

I-728 funds

In 2008-09 - we received $259,293

In 2011-12 – we are receiving $0

Tremendous community support…Significant Increase in M & O Levy Amount..

Year Amount Notes

2007 675.000

2009 738,000

2011 945,000

2012 975,000

2013 998,000

We have raised our

M & O Levy 44% from 2007 to

2012

Davenport School Bond Passed in March, 2009

Amount From Local Voters: $7.3 million

State Match We Qualify For: $7.2 million

Total Available For Project: $14.5 million

M & O Levy

Bond Total

$4.30 $3.20 $7.50

Tremendous Community Support

Tax Rates:

Levy Equalization

• LEA is a significant component to our school district budget

• 2011-12…We are scheduled to receive $411,894 in LEA funds

• Our starting cash reserve for 2011-12 was $417,000

Dealing with Cuts

• In the last four years we have cut 4.5 teaching positions.

• We are working hard to maintain the programs desired by our community.

• We have increased our M & O Levy by 44% since 2007.

• How much more can we ask our community for?

We are proud of our partnership with NorthEast Washington ESD 101

Outstanding drama, choir & band programs!

Programs we are proud of!

FFA

Math Team

We participate in

Math CountsMath is Cool

Math Olympiad

Future Business Leaders of America

Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit 1978-20114th Place – National Conference – Partnership Team8th Place – National Conference – Partnership TeamTop 15 – National Conference – Community Service

NAVIGATION 101

Over 90% parent participation in student led conferences for grades 9-11.

Third year of program which encompasses grades 7-12.

KNOWLEDGE BOWL

State participants in Knowledge Bowl at Central Valley High School

Partnership with Lincoln CountyHeath Department

Collaborate for Healthy Weight Project—National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality

One of only 10 projects in the nation!

Collaboration with our ESD

“You want national experts on the cutting edge of what is happening to come to our region? We can do that!

http://www.brainrules.net/about-the-author

http://zhaolearning.com/2009/08/06/96/

Partnership with our ESD• Assisting with Fiscal Services• Workers Compensation Program• Asbestos Inspections & Mold Testing• Managing Lincoln County Readiness &

Emergency Management for Schools Project• TPEP Consortium• Student Assistance Counselor Funding

(The ESD is able to leverage funding so we go from 1 day of service to 3 days!)

What key messages were beingcommunicated in this presentation?

What key messagesresonated with you?

Do you think this presentation to legislators made an impact?

Small & Rural Districts and Communities are Under Attack

• Cuts being proposed this session to Critical Access Hospitals

• Cuts to Small High Funding Enhancement..on the chopping block!

Small & Rural Districts and Communities are Under Attack

Forced Consolidation…what’s up with that?Note: not necessarily a just a

small school district issue

Update:Consolidation

Efforts in

Washington State

• Goals & Objectives of this Session: Provide to you the following…

Up-to-date information on consolidation efforts in our state

Brief overview of sharing of efficiencies and a discussion on “areas of vulnerability”

Strategies to continue to educate policy makers

Time for Q & A

Segment A:

Up-to-Date InformationOn Consolidation Efforts

Jim Kowalkowski

Quick Review of Consolidation Efforts to Date in Washington State

• Between 1910 & 1994, the number of districts in WA State declined from 2,710 to 296

• 1993 Legislative Session: A measure was introduced (but not passed) that would have dissolved school districts (not schools) with enrollments of 150 or less in grades K-8

Quick Review of Consolidation Efforts in Washington State

• Following the 1993 legislative session, the State Board of Ed. created a School District Reorganization Committee that met from Oct. 1993 to Dec. 1994

• This report stated the following…


• “The state has essentially reached the end of the line on significant savings through consolidation.”

• “One of the primary aims of education restructuring is more community involvement…forced consolidation is the wrong flow given the direction of ESHB 1209”


• “For the reasons outlines in this report, the School District Reorganization Committee strongly recommend that the state not make any changes in law which would further mandate school district consolidations”


• 2009 Legislative Session– Governor Gregoire includes in her budget proposal

language stating that the OSPI superintendent shall make recommendation for a streamlined school district consolidation process to:• Reduce operating costs• Reduce administrative duplication• Create efficiencies to offer better programmatic

opportunities for students • Recommendations shall also include specific proposals

for realigned school districts


• 2010 Legislative Session– Rep. Sam Hunt introduces HB 2616

• Would create a commission on statewide school district reorganization• This commission shall develop and recommend a comprehensive plan

that shall result in no more that 150 school districts• The plan shall also result in reorganization of the number & boundaries

of ESDs

– SB 6444 (Senate Budget Bill)• Included language that creates a commission on statewide school

district reorganization• Establishes a School District Reorganization Commission that is directed

to develop and recommend a comprehensive plan to reorganize and reduce school districts in our state


• 2010 Legislative Session– SB 6444 is Passed by the Legislature

– On May 4the Governor Vetoes the Language that would have created the “consolidation commission”


• Summer of 2010–The Joint Legislative Audit Review

Committee (JLARC) releases a final report regarding the relationship between the cost of school districts and their enrollment size…

–OFM & Governor’s Office…public hearings on “Transforming Washington’s Budget”

RESTRUCTURING IDEAS 1. School and district consolidation, efficiency and partnership. Increase inter-district cost-sharing through effective use of Educational Service Districts (ESD) and other entities or mechanisms. Look at ways to improve ESDs and use them to achieve greater cross-district efficiencies and effectiveness. Consider state funding formula changes to increase local pressure toward consolidation of districts, schools and/or programs. (Education)

2. Decide whether we want state or local control. State control - focus on consolidation…


HB 1325 is heard in the

House Education

Committee on Feb. 10, 2011

But, thanks to a “super hero”, this bill is defeated…

There is yet another super hero among you today…Dr. Dingman…

How important is it to connect with your local legislators?

What would it take for you to travel to Olympia and testify and/or

meet with legislators?

If not you, then who?

Passing Bond Measures in Small Districts:It Can Be Done!

WSSDA Annual ConferenceSpokane, WA

• Presenters:

Sergio Hernandez, SuperintendentFreeman School District

John Zingg, Director Freeman School District

Jim Kowalkowski, SuperintendentDavenport School District &

Director, Rural Education Center

Merilla Hopkins, DirectorDavenport School District

Kim Spacek, SuperintendentPomeroy School District

Davenport School DistrictExplore…Discover…Create…Contribute

http://www.freemansd.org/freeman/site/sitemap.asp

• Goals & Objectives of this Session:Gain a better understanding of successful strategies

regarding school construction bond projects

Learn about the many details that need to be considered, from the idea and planning stage to the opening day ceremony

Hear about ways to mobilize support in a small community

Provide time for questions and answers!

Overview of Davenport School District Bond Project

• $7.3 local funds• $7.2 state matching dollars• Modernize & Expand Davenport Elementary

School • Construct an addition for a middle school wing

for Grades 7-8

Floor plan schematic

Each School District Will Share Success Strategies

• Deciding how much to build…how big the bond measure will be…

• Getting community input…• Advertizing the bond…• Working with consultants…

• Financial…• Project Management…• Architect…

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029

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1.00

2.00

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Projected Tax RatesLevy / $1000 Assessed Value

2001 Bonds 2009 Bonds M&O Rate Capital Projects Levy Rate

Davenport School District

Replacement M & O Levy

Presentation to Davenport

Lions Club

Davenport School District Replacement M & O Levy

Q & A

Q: When does the current levy expire?

A: December, 2010


Q & A

Q: Why is this called a “replacement levy”?

A: This is not a new tax. It is a renewal of the M & O tax that is currently being paid by voters


Q & A

Q: What do levy funds pay for?A: See next page…

Levy dollars fund the following:Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities

athletics, Knowledge Bowl, drama, choir, FFA, FBLA, field trips, safety equipment, etc.

Bus travel for events (fuel, drivers)Textbook adoptions & curriculum updates

Levy dollars fund the following:School Resource Officer

Lincoln County Juvenile Court Services

Coaches & advisors salaries

Portions of salaries for administrators and other staff not covered by state funding

NERCS (non-employee related costs)Heat, lights, utilities, supplies, equipment


Q & A

Q: When was the last M & O Levy that voters approved?

A: In March of 2006, voters approved a four-year levy…

Levy Collection Year Levy Amount Tax Rate

2007 $675,064 3.60

2008 $695,871 3.52

2009 $716,250 3.47

2010 $738,000 3.46


Q & A

Q: How much is the school district asking for and how long will this levy be?

A: See next page…

Levy Collection Year Proposed

Levy AmountEstimatedTax Rate

2011 $945,000 4.30

2012 $975,000 4.30

2013 $998,000 4.28

This request is for a three-year levy


Q & A

Q: Wow! That seems like a lot to ask for. Why are you asking for so much more?

A: We are expecting significant cuts in state funding…

Explanation of Matching Funds

Possible Cuts


Q & A

Q: Okay, if the levy passes, then the school district will have plenty of money, right?

A: No…we are still facing cuts…

Which of the “essential nine” is the most important teaching strategy? Which of the “essential nine” is the most important teaching strategy?

Governor’s Budget Levy Increase

Possible Deficit

$440,000 cut in revenue to the Davenport School District

$206,750 $233,250


Q & A

Q: Why don’t you just ask the voters for as much as you can?

A: We could ask the voters to approve a levy at our allowable levy limit…


Q & A

…which is $1,089,506This is the amount we have the authority to ask for, but…


Q & A

…which is $1,089,506…this would result in a tax rate of 4.95 per $1,000.

…ouch!


Quick Facts

The M & O Levy comprises approximately 20% of the school district’s total budget


Quick Facts

274 of the 296 public school districts in the State of Washington run M & O levies

That is over 92% of all districts


Quick Facts

The Reardan-Edwall school district M & O Levy amount for 2010 is $1,019,000. (This has already been approved.)

Reardan-Edwall has 664 students, K-12. Davenport has 591 students, K-12.


Q & A

Q: Why don’t you just make some cuts instead of asking for more money”?

A: Good question. We have already made some significant cuts…


Q & A For this current school year, we are receiving less

funding from the state. These are cuts we have already made:

Cut 2.5 teaching positionsAll administrators and district office staff took a

voluntary cut in salaryOur coaches and advisors took a 3% cut in salary


Q & A

Significant reduction in supplies and equipmentRestructured our contract with Lincoln County

Juvenile Court ServicesCooperating with neighboring school districts to

share transportation for extracurricular events


Q & A

Q: Just get on with it…what is the bottom line here? In other words how much will my taxes increase?


Q & A

A: 84 cents per $1,000 of assessed value…

Value of Home

Current (2010)

M & O Tax Rate

Per $1,000

Current M & O Yearly Taxes

New Estimated Tax Increase per $1,000

Estimated Yearly

M & O Taxes

Estimated Yearly M & O

TaxIncrease

$100,000 3.46 $346 .84 $430 $84

$84 annual increase = $7 monthly increase

Value of Home

Current (2010)

M & O Tax Rate

Per $1,000



Estimated Yearly

M & O Taxes


TaxIncrease

$150,000 3.46 $519 .84 $645 $126

$126 annual increase = $10.50 monthly increase

Value of Home

Current (2010)

M & O Tax Rate

Per $1,000



Estimated Yearly

M & O Taxes


TaxIncrease

$200,000 3.46 $692 .84 $860 $168

$168 annual increase = $14.00 monthly increase


Q & A

Q: What about the bond that was passed last March…did you structure the tax rate to stay “level”?

A: YES! See next page…

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029

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2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

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Projected Tax RatesLevy / $1000 Assessed Value

2001 Bonds 2009 Bonds M&O Rate Capital Projects Levy Rate


TimelinesBallots Mailed Out from Courthouse:

Jan. 22Community Forum:

Jan. 25 – 6PM @ Davenport High LibraryElection Date:

Feb. 9

Questions?

Tip: If you get asked a question that you don't know off the top of your head, then promise that person you will get back to them, and then make sure the very next day you fulfill your promise…better yet, send that info to everyone who was in attendance…

“Gotta Do’s” regardingpassing levies and bonds

• Be honest with your patrons ---ALWAYS!• Be aware of two campaign periods – mail-in

ballots• Double check the wording on the ballot before

it is published!• Copy and steal from other districts...

(similar to stealing plays from the other team when you coached!)

“Gotta Do’s” regardingpassing levies and bonds

Say THANK

YOU many, many

times !

Strategies for Keeping your SanityWhile Wearing Many Hats

Develop a network of fellow superintendents for support

Look around this room…these folks can be a tremendous resource…

When faced with a difficult situation…

Call WASA Call your WSU

faculty & your fellow superintendents

Call your ESD supt. Call the school

district’s attorney!

When faced with a difficult situation…

Assume the worst…work your way back from there

Document, document, document… Embrace the fact that you will have to

deal with some very disturbing incidents…

Call the school district’s attorney!

Take good care of yourself…

This will be the most stressful job you will ever have…

Helping Staff MembersOvercome

Resistance toChange

MMRE Professional DevelopmentOct. 14, 2011

Resistance…

“There is no way I am going to change what I do in MY classroom…”

Is change hard for you?

Why or why not?Reflect, then share some of your

experiences with change..

Why is change so difficult for many

staff members? List some reasons……then partner share

the leader…What can you do, as a leader of

staff members, to help “fight the resistance”?

http://www.totalwallpapers.com/movies/wallpapers/darth-vader.jpg

ChangeChange is a process…not an event!

A process is a chain of connections and events directed at a particular goal

Three “Stages” of Change

Stage 1: Implementation… (novice stage) “awareness level”

This occurs after some training has taken place Practical, hands-on classroom knowledge has not

yet happened

Today’s activities / Skill level?


Stage 2: Infusion… “usage level” “mechanically using a skill”

Teachers have to deliberately think to use the change, but they are doing so!


Stage 3: Immersion “expert level” Demonstrating a high degree of skill, flexibility,

confidence…the skill is integrated into your teaching repertoire

A word of caution…

At each stage of the continuum of change, passive or

active rejection can easily occur

without continued monitoring and

support!

Self-reflection• I have been identified as a leader who will

help others in my district change..• Before I help others, how open am I to

change? • Do I need to make any changes before I work

with others to get them to change?• What tools and skills will I need to help others

change?

Last bit of advice…

…make it so!