Fulton Focus
For the parents and patrons of the Fulton School District
May 6, 2016
A message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents and Patrons,
The April 8, 2016 Focus reviewed the Operating Budget which accounts for approximately 93% of district expenditures. Other governmental funds used by the district include Debt Service and Capital Projects funds. In addition, the District also maintains a restricted Health Insurance Fund. This article will focus on the Debt Service Fund.
The Debt Service Fund is a single purpose fund to collect revenue and pay principal and interest on the Districts’ General Obligation, GO, Debt. As you may know, GO Debt is referred to as full faith and credit debt as this type of debt requires a specific authorizing vote, the amount of levy collected per year is prescribed by the Missouri State Auditor, and the amount districts are allowed to borrow is regulated by the Missouri Constitution. At the end of FY 15 Fulton School District’s Constitutional Debt Limit was $25,606,616; however, our outstanding debt was only $12,547,425.
Last fiscal year, our principal payment was approximately $1,350,000 exclusive of the $3.5 million bond refinancing. The actual interest expense varies by the date and economic market at the time bonds were issued. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program provided interest expense reimbursement on approximately $2.9 million borrowed with the 2010 Bond Issue. The remaining bonds have interest expense between 1% and 3%, making the average interest cost for the total debt very low.
To summarize, the district has very low interest expense on $12,547,425 of debt; and pending voter approval, with an appropriate tax increase, could issue additional debt up to $14,366,317 based on FY 15 calculations .
The Board of Education is taking specific steps to review and develop a new Strategic Plan this fall which might include facilities upgrades and/or expansion. Of note is that the Board has been prudent in borrowing money and strategically refinancing current debt to the lowest possible interest rates; consequently, the district is positioned to consider facility upgrades if the constituents desire.
Thank you for sending great kids for us to work with!
Jacque A. Cowherd, Ed.D.
Superintendent
A note on MAP Testing
Fulton students are completing their third week of testing. Students are assessed in English Language Arts and Mathematics in grades 3 -8 and Science is assessed in grades 5 and 8. FHS students enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology I, English II, and Government are also being assessed.
Testing is going very well this year, which is a reflection on the strength of the District’s infrastructure, Technology Department, and the preparedness of our students and teachers. Classroom teachers have been working with students this semester on the state provided online tools and practice assessments in order to relieve some of the stress of taking the assessments. The daily integration of technology in the classroom has provided students with the familiarity of utilizing technology on a daily basis, which has become second nature in their learning. The Missouri Assessment Program is in its second year of online testing.
Parent support during these busy stressful weeks is key to the success of the students. Thank you, on behalf of the district, for your support!
Wishing everyone a spectacular finish to the school year!
Dr. Suzanne Hull
Assistant Superintendent
Hart Career Center Awards
Jory Seitz, FHS and Hart Career Center student, received the Hart Award from Hart Career Center. In 1968, David Hart met with a group of business leaders and educators and helped develop Hart Career Center with 8 schools attending. He was the Director until 1977. Upon his retirement, the Hart Award was created in his honor. Students receiving the award must meet the following criteria:
--95% or better attendance
--3.0 or higher GPA at Hart Career Center
--Mastered 80% of the competencies in the program
--2 year completer of the program—must have attended both Junior and Senior years
After all these criteria are met, the student must be nominated by their instructor. Jory was nominated by the Computer Services Instructor. Out of 10 programs, only 4 instructors nominated students this year for the Hart award. These students are the best of the best.
After being nominated, the student presents in front of a panel of judges from mid-Missouri. They have to show something from their program of study. Jory Seitz showed the panel how to set -up a computer network system. Jory received a check for $1,000 with this award. Hart Career Center personnel beamed with pride as they spoke of Jory and the wonderful student and young man that he has become. Christina Eich, Hart Career Center, said “Jory will go far”.
After graduation, Jory plans to attend Linn State Technical College and major in Computer Servicing.
Katie Emmer, FHS, received the Outstanding Student Award in Health Services at Hart Career Center! Instructors at Hart Career center choose the Outstanding Students in their department. The awardees are the students who stand out above the rest. Congratulatons, Katie!
FBLA Students going to Nationals in Atlanta!
Members of the Fulton Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter
recently attended the 2016 Missouri FBLA Leadership Conference held on April 24, 25, and 26 in Springfield, Missouri.
FBLA is a career and technical student organization for all high school students
participating in business programs. Over 4,400 members and advisers representing over 400 chapters throughout the state met to elect state officers, transact business of the state chapter, participate in leadership and career workshops, and compete in the state leadership awards program.
Placing and advancing to the National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this
summer are John Burch, Brendan Dungan, and James Hill in Business Plan and
Montana Sievert 5th in Electronic Career Portfolio. Others placing in state were: Mary Hinchie, Olivia Rice, and Gentry Totta 5th in Business Ethics; Samantha Cagampan, Rachel Quick, and Melanie Holsman 6th in Business Financial Plan; and Trask Crane 10th in Computer Problem Solving. Gina McLachlan and Tia Draffen, local chapter advisers accompanied the students to the conference.
In addition to the awards, the chapter was awarded many certificates for their
participation in state events—Main Street USA, Connect for Children, and
Governmental Awareness. They were also named a Gold Award chapter, given to only 20 chapters in the state. The National Leadership Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 28-July 2.
State Music Contest Results
Congratulations to the following students who gave wonderful vocal and instrumental performances at the State Music Festival.
I – EXEMPLARY
*Abby Barton, Marimba Solo
*Elizabeth Randall, Euphonium Solo
II – OUTSTANDING
*Ryan Cortez - Vocal Solo
*Jarrod McCarty - Vocal Solo
*Colleen Van Norman - Vocal Solo
*Men's Ensemble - Chaz Ballard, Alec Fields, Logan Garner, Eric Koppinger, Gavin Trotter, Baylor Webb
*Kristine Malone, Flute Solo
*Matthew Schweiss, Alto Saxophone Solo
State Band
Vocal Soloist
Not pictured: Ryan Cortez and Jarrod McCarty
Men's Ensemble
Not Pictured: Chaz Ballard
Please Update!
As this school year winds down, employees of Fulton Public Schools are already gearing up for the 2016-17 school year. Online registration will begin as soon as possible. It is imperative that as parents, you log into your Parent Portal and update any demographic information that may be incorrect at this time. You can find the Parent Portal at:https://sdm.sisk12.com/fl360/apphost/parentportal
If you have questions or need help accessing the Parent Portal, please email our Technology Office at helpdesk@fulton58.org
Important Dates
Monday, May 9--Last week of MAP Testing
Wednesday, May 11--Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m.
Friday, May 13--MAP Testing Ends
Thursday, May 19--Last Day of School (Dismiss 2 hours early)
Friday, May 20--FHS Graduation--admittance by ticket only
Wednesday, June 1-Tuesday, June 28--Summer School
Watch the FPS Website for opening of School 2016-17 information. www.fulton58.org
Fulton Public Schools
Email: ksnethen@fulton58.org
Website: www.fulton58.org
Location: 2 Hornet Drive, Fulton, MO
Phone: 573-590-8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fulton-Public-Schools-298183414812/
Twitter: @FultonHornets