Fulton Focus
For the parents and patrons of the Fulton School District
March 9, 2018
A message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents and Patrons,
I suspect you are aware the Missouri Legislature is in session. This year, along with normal budget discussions, there are proposals to expand charter schools. Charter Schools are technically public schools existing in urban areas, receive funds from the local district, and are able to select their students. Should this program expand statewide and allow a Fulton student, whether enrolled at FPS or not, to select a charter school, FPS’s state funds would be reduced by a state determined amount which would then be transferred to the Charter School.
Obviously, as your Superintendent, I am concerned with funding. Most concerning for FPS is that the current amount per student under discussion exceeds our per-student state funding; therefore, we could be sending local tax money to the Charter via reduced state funds.
I am a public school advocate! Why do I believe in public schools?
· FPS is established by state statute, takes all students irrespective of their abilities, social/economic status, and desire to learn. Charter schools get to choose students.
· FPS is accountable to parents, students, Fulton taxpayers, and your elected Board of Education. Public accountability is fundamental to our system of government. Charter Schools are only accountable to their select board and perhaps a sponsoring organization.
· FPS is required to seek and employ highly qualified teachers by state and national standards to instruct your children. As of now, the Charter Board determines teacher standards.
· FPS is an Accredited School System by Missouri Accreditation Standards. Charter Schools are subject to the same standards yet FPS excels within state standards.
Perhaps you will have time to review HB 2247, form your opinion, and communicate with your elected officials.
As previously indicated, I am a public school advocate and proud of my public school background. My children are public school graduates and grandchildren attend a public school. I believe FPS provides an excellent value for your tax investment. We strive to reach every student every day!
I sincerely appreciate your support for FPS. Thank you for sending great students to work with.
Jacque A. Cowherd, Ed.D.
Superintendent
P.S. Thursday evenings letter via text message and email was designed to bring some closure to a confusing, stressful week. We ask for your assistance in getting students to school.
Communications
Website: www.fulton58.org
FPS App: Search Fulton Public Schools in the App Store or on Playstore to download.
SchoolMessenger: FPS uses SchoolMessenger to send email, text, and phone messages. In order to receive text messages, you must do the following:
Check the Parent Portal to make sure your contact information is correct including your email address
If it is correct, TEXT “Y” or “YES” to 67587 on your mobile device
You should receive a reply stating that you have opted in to receive text messages
If you do NOT receive a reply, please contact your phone carrier (ATT, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) to make sure texts from FPS aren’t being blocked
If you haven’t received a text from FPS in the last 10 days, please follow these steps again
Once you’ve opted in, you should begin receiving text messages immediately
Facebook: Fulton Public Schools
Twitter: @FPSHornets
Parent Portal:
http://www.fulton58.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/For%20Parents%7CParent%20Portal
Student 360: If you use the Student 360 app, please make sure it is current with the most recent updates. Failure to do so could result in late payments for lunch, etc.
As always, if you need assistance, please contact the Technology Office at 573-590-8040 or your child's building of attendance.
Important Dates
March 12 - 16, 2018, FHS Academic Week
Wednesday, March 14, 2018, Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, March 20, 2018, Kindergarten Orientation 5:30 p.m.
March 26 - 30, 2018, NO School Spring Break
Monday, April 2, 2018, NO School Earned Day Off
Thursday, May 17, 2018, Last Day of School--Dismiss 2 hours early
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/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: @FPSHornets