Congratulations on Completing a Historic School Year!! And, What's Next?!?
Today is the official last day of school. I stand in awe of you. You have been the anchor in the turbulent waters that we sought to navigate, meeting the challenges that this pandemic has wrought with courage, grace, and a can-do attitude.
You put our students and families first, bringing a creative and much-needed sense of normalcy to them.
You taught classes and ran meetings while some of you had children tugging at your sleeves, and dealt with the dog barking and the spaghetti water boiling over on the stove. Life was happening while you converted your homes into classrooms and offices. For all you have unselfishly done, I sincerely thank you.
We end the year with the announcement of record-high graduation rates for 2018-19. Congratulations to the high school leadership, faculty, and staff who got this cohort of seniors across the finish line. Congratulations, as well, to everyone in the district who started this cohort of seniors on the path toward graduation 14 years ago--the kindergarten teachers, the encouraging counselor, the friendly face of the bus driver, the sweet smile of a nutrition service worker, and that special adult who mentored and supported our students. Our board of education, which supports our policies and initiatives, and our community partners also had a hand in this success.
It takes a village to get our seniors to where they are today. Our most recent graduation rates are the fruits of our collective hard work. It's legacy work, and I thank you!
So, what's next for our district? We are building a budget, which is a plan for how we will spend the resources we anticipate receiving, which includes $2.6 million in new revenue. The numbers are difficult: We have a $6.5 million shortfall, not including an anticipated $1 million shortfall in instructional materials. Mandated raises with benefits will cost over $4 million.
We presented a balanced budget to the board last week that includes the raises mandated by the legislature. (If you get a chance, watch the budget presentation given at the Board Finance Subcommittee Study Session held on May 14th.) Negotiations with our two unions are underway.
We are doing everything we can to keep cuts away from the school sites. The district will receive $2.6 million from the Cares Act, but we don't know for sure what the costs from the pandemic will be. Though funding can be used to save jobs, it is needed to cover current and anticipated costs associated with the pandemic. A laundry list of acceptable uses spans a broad spectrum, from supporting students to instructional materials. One thing we do know, the costs of re-opening in the era of COVID-19 will be significantly higher.
The legislature will meet in June to make adjustments to the state budget, which means we will need to adjust the district's budget or spending plan in June. As a side note, the budget is adjusted throughout the year in the form of budget adjustment requests (BARs). For example, we submit a BAR to the board for new money received from a grant or a reduction in the unit value. Once approved, these go to the PED for approval. In many ways, due to the many unknowns, we are building a budget somewhat in the blind.
During this special legislative session, we will advocate for no cuts to education and will continue advocating for cutting add-on programs before cutting salaries.
Next, what about re-opening in August? The PED has set up a statewide task force. Our own Julie Lucero, Executive Director for Special Education, was appointed by the Secretary of Education to serve. I would imagine that the task force will take input. The task force, along with the Department of Health, will set guidelines for re-opening schools across the state. On Saturday, I gave the Secretary of Education my laundry list of issues to consider when re-opening. I hope the statewide task force will consider my input.
We've also begun internal planning on re-opening and will set up our own task force to seek input on areas in which we will be given latitude. Again, so much is still unknown.
Finally, what about commencement? We are planning virtual ceremonies with drive-through parades after June 19th. As soon as NM Health Orders allow mass gatherings, we will conduct in-person events, timing them with when our graduates will most likely be in Santa Fe.
As you can see, I have a lot on my mind this morning. Foremost, I must say out loud that I have an amazing leadership team that supports me, equally awesome principals, assistant principals, faculty and staff at the schools, a committed board of education, and a community that supports the Santa Fe Public Schools. Our students and families are unique and special; they are the reason we show up every day. I could not be more blessed.
It's my honor and privilege to serve as your superintendent.
We will remain in communication with you over the summer break. Be well and stay well!
In gratitude,