Board Action Update Saint Paul Public Schools Regular Board of Education Meeting December 14, 2010 In this update: Superintendent Silva's First Year Levy Certified In Memory of Former Board Member Tom Conlon Director Varro Resignation Accepted, Recognized for Her Service Appointment Process of New Board Member Superintendent Silva's First Year Board members reviewed Superintendent Silva's first year and acknowledged her strong leadership, especially in the areas of data driven decision-making, transparency, team building and collaboration. The Board noted that Superintendent Silva has met or exceeded leadership expectations in instruction, communications, cultural leadership and especially strategic leadership. Levy Certified The School Board adopted and certified next year's levy in a unanimous vote. After reviewing all options, administration proposed reducing the property tax levy from $122.2 million to $121.7 million, which represents a $486,000 reduction from the total amount allowed by law. The reduction was made in the lease levy. The Superintendent has directed staff to continue to reduce the district's lease property. The school district's levy for 2011 reflects an increase of 9.0% over 2010. This does not translate to a 9% increase in property taxes nor a 9% increase on the 2011-12 school year budget. The school, City and County levies together account for approximately a 2.8% increase overall. Director Carroll voiced her appreciation for the effort to reduce the levy from the maximum amount and expressed her gratitude for the taxpayers' willingness to support public education in Saint Paul. The 2011 Levy will be paid by taxpayers in May and October of 2011. The proceeds of the 2011 Levy provide funds for the 2011-12 school year. The state of Minnesota calculates how much a school district can levy for the following school year. School levies make up only a small portion (18 percent in 2010) of the total school district budget. Even with the levy increase, the overall budget for 2011-12 will go down. School levies are based on a number of factors, including property value of both homes and businesses, the number of students enrolled, the state's match for the levy and the total amount of state aid. In Memory of Former Board Member Tom Conlon School Board members acknowledged with deep sadness the passing of former School Board member Tom Conlon. The Board recognized Mr. Conlon's long-time service on the Board and expressed their condolences to his family. Mr. Conlon died suddenly Sunday morning after shoveling snow. He served on the Board from 1992 until 2009. Director Varro Resignation Accepted, Recognized for Her Service Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Board of Education Director Vallay Varro was recognized at her final Board meeting. Varro, who had been Education Director for Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, has resigned from the Board and accepted a new position as executive director at the Minnesota Campaign for Achievement Now (MinnCAN). She has served on the Board since 2009. She thanked the people of Saint Paul, saying in part, "I am a stronger person now. Thanks to Superintendent Silva, her administration, teachers and staff who do this work everyday. It's your efforts that made me want to do this work. I look forward to working with you on behalf of the children of Saint Paul and the state in the months ahead." Appointment Process of New Board Member State statute requires the Board of Education to appoint a temporary replacement to fill out-going Director Varro's Board seat for the one year remaining on her term. The Board is inviting individuals who are interested in filling this position to submit a letter of inquiry through the Board office. The deadline for application will be Noon on January 3, 2011. The first interview will take place on January 12, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. The second interview will occur on February 2. Both will occur during televised regular School Board meetings. At the conclusion of the February 2 Board meeting, the Board hopes to appoint, by ballot, the new member. The new board member will serve from the time of his or her appointment until the annual meeting in January 2012. This update is a service of the Office of Communications of Saint Paul Public Schools. Please direct questions or comments to community.relations@spps.org or by phone to 651-767-8110.