Superintendent’s column: Community values and district transparency

By Jamie Benson
Posted 3/30/23

There are many good news stories and exciting district happenings in the School District of River Falls. Please take some time to review the district Community Newsletter that was mailed to all …

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Superintendent’s column: Community values and district transparency

Posted

There are many good news stories and exciting district happenings in the School District of River Falls. Please take some time to review the district Community Newsletter that was mailed to all residents this week. 
Respect, integrity, and truth are embedded in our formal, board-adopted strategic plan. These district values are a clear reflection of our community values - and they are most certainly more than just words on paper. In an effort to be accountable through truthful, transparent communication, here are some facts that are of interest to our community. 
Funding facts (Source: https://sfs.dpi.wi.gov/SFSdw/Agency_Financial_profile.aspx):  
• SDRF ranks near the bottom of all Wisconsin districts in per pupil spending. State average: $11,701/pupil; SDRF: $10,047/pupil. 
• Not all schools in Wisconsin are funded equally. The state has a complicated equation that provides funding largely modeled from an antiquated 1993 revenue cap formula.
• Over the past 25 years (prior to 2021), all school districts in Wisconsin received between $50 and $275 per pupil each year as additional aid to account for inflationary expenses. The current state biennium budget (2021-23) provided a $0 per pupil increase, requiring schools to use one-time/non-recurring federal money to keep pace with our inflationary expenses. 
Student mental health facts (Source: YRBS Report available upon request): 
• SDRF district participates in the recurring, multi-county Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). This survey measures trends in student health concerns while informing our health class curriculum, counseling department, and overall need for adjustments in our student support services. Parents are provided advance notice and can opt-out their child if desired. 
• Here are a few mental health data results from our high school student survey: 48% experienced significant problems with anxiety, 21% intentionally self-harmed without intending to die; 15% considered suicide: 12% made plans, 8% attempted; 23% receive personal emotional support when needed, 30% felt sad or hopeless during the past year
• Our district values recognize student mental health as one of our top priorities. Mental health concerns often include a low sense of belonging, trauma, and lower academic success. Addressing these concerns often involves social-emotional learning, support, and related activities. We have made student services support a priority and will continue to balance these supports with academic rigor, student engagement, and working with families. 
Our values for teaching and learning are (in order): keep kids safe, develop positive/meaningful relationships, and then we can teach them. 
District DPI Report Card facts (Source: https://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards): The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) provides an annual accountability “Report Card.” This report takes into account many school aspects, such as single year core academic test scores, student academic growth over time, graduation rates, attendance rates, and target group academic sub-scores (special education, economically disadvantaged, race, etc.) Here are some report card findings: 
• The district’s overall rating is four of five stars - “exceeding expectations.”
• Some of our recent math scores have declined and we are working on those improvements. However, our multi-year average of math and English-language arts achievement was the same or higher than 83.4% of schools in the state. 
• Our high school students participate in postsecondary preparation at higher rates than state averages. This includes advanced courses, dual enrollment (college credit courses), industry recognized certifications, and work-based learning experiences. 
• Our student participation in art, music, and theater is also higher than the state average.
The DPI report card does not measure many elements of a student experience, such as character education, FFA/Ag programs, non-core subject areas, forensics, leadership, nor any student benefits from our long list of highly successful co-curricular opportunities.
Board meeting transparency facts: 
• Board meetings are open to the public with few legally necessary exceptions of confidentiality such as bids and/or contract negotiations, litigation, and expulsion hearings – all of which are controlled by State Statute 19.85(1). 
• School Board meetings are public and broadcast live. I encourage and invite you to attend. Also, our district website (www.rfsd.k12.wi.us) contains all meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings of Board meetings. 
Please join me for the final two community coffee with the superintendent on April 12 and May 10 (7 a.m. - District Office) as we keep the transparency door open to hear more from you and to share the status of our district priorities in an informal conversation.

Jamie Benson, River Falls School District, River Falls, Wisconsin