Key Communicator - images.pcmac.org

1 October 18, 2013. Key Communicator The KEY to our success is having a partner like you! Owosso Public Schools' Key Communicator e-newsletter shares program, budget and legislative updates, along with important initiatives, and staff and student successes. We appreciate your support and will be happy to respond to your questions or comments. State Champions! The Owosso High School Equestrian Team secured the michigan interscholastic horsemanship association Division C State Championship last weekend in Midland! The OHS Equestrian Team had an undefeated season with outstanding performances at all three District meets, the Regional meet, and the State finals. Over the season, they competed in 120 classes placing in all but two with an abundance of 1st and 2nd place finishes. Scoring 293 points at the state meet, they secured the state title with a 75 point lead over the returning state champs, Grand Haven, who took reserve with 218 points.

2 Contributing to their win was the sportsmanship shown by the team, for their competitors as well as their teammates. Team members include senior Co-Captains Karley VanWormer and Alex Stechschulte, Brendan Butcher, senior; Kendall Mallory, senior; and Madison Chmiko, freshman. Equestrian Team Coaches are Robin Stechschulte, Laura Meyer, and Katie Hartsuff. Sinking Fund Millage Renewal November 5, 2013. On November 5, 2013 Owosso Public Schools have a Sinking Fund Renewal Proposal on the ballot. Please visit the OPS website to view an interesting history of the Sinking Fund Projects from 1999 to 2013. Ballot language and additional details are also available on our website at. The answers to frequently asked questions are below. Will my taxes increase? Taxes will not increase if the sinking fund is passed assuming there have been no changes in property value. Voters are being asked to consider a five year renewal of the November 2010.

3 Vote with the same mills that have been assessed previously. Is this a new tax? No. This is a RENEWAL of the sinking fund millage approved in 2010. Voters have supported four sinking fund millages since 1999. Is this a millage for a new school? No. What is a sinking fund? A sinking fund is a VOTED millage that is collected for use in capital projects only. The funds are NOT allowed to be used for operational purposes (ex: curriculum, school supplies, fuel costs, utilities, student transportation, technology or salaries). What is the difference between a sinking fund and a bond? Both a sinking fund and a bond are voted on by the public and are paid for by property taxes. However, under a sinking fund the costs of projects, in any given year, are limited to the amount of the taxes already collected. The District is not allowed to borrow against future collections of the millage.

4 What is a capital improvement project? If you could flip a school building upside down and shake it, anything that would not fall out, is considered a capital improvement project. These projects include typical maintenance items you would perform on a home. Examples include: roofing repairs, windows, doors, restrooms, parking lots, heating and cooling systems, etc. Why can't capital improvements be funded out of the general fund allowance from the state? The majority of the general fund money is dedicated to funding the operation of the school district: classroom curriculum and supplies, technology, utilities (gas, water, sewer, electricity), fuel costs, student transportation, and salaries. There is very little available to do the capital improvement projects that are funded with sinking fund dollars. How can I help? Vote on November 5, 2013! Use social media, email, texts and phone calls to encourage your friends and family to vote.

5 Be informed! Use the information on OPS website to learn more about how the sinking funds are used to improve school facilities for our students. OPS Foundation Dinner Dance November 23, 2013. You are invited! The Owosso Public Schools Foundation is presenting a Dinner Dance event featuring the Owosso Swing Band and Wall of Honor inductions on November 23rd at the Comstock Inn. We have the pleasure of inducting Owosso High School alumnus: Howard Suber, Charles Lyons, Teresa Vondrasek Graham, and Wayne Koppa to the Wall of Honor. The meal promises to be delicious at this fundraising event benefitting the Owosso Public Schools Foundation, who is assisting with our goal of providing one-to-one technology for each of our students and educating inquiring, knowledgeable, principled, and balanced students who promote progressive communities. Tickets are $50 per person and table sponsorships are available.

6 Please contact Jessica Thompson at 729-5682 for details. Subscribe/Unsubscribe: To recommend someone who should receive The Key Communicator or to unsubscribe, contact Jessica Thompson at Our kids are worth ALL Owosso Public Schools has to offer! Thank you for your support! Make It a Great Day, Dr. Andrea Tuttle Superintendent