I write this Patriot Post with excitement to share some good news with you and give you an update on some of our challenges at North Warren. This week we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week and a huge shout-out goes to our PTO for organizing a scrumptious lunch and an amazing raffle for our staff. I appreciate our staff but I also appreciate our PTO who supports us in so many ways throughout the year. Thank you NWR PTO!

This communication will highlight some areas that were covered in our budget presentations this Spring as well as community outreach efforts that have been a focus of mine since becoming Superintendent.

I thank you for the support, positive response, and engagement throughout my first year. I look forward to many more years of positive news to share with you.

On April 24, the Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 budget. We also received word that North Warren will receive some additional state aid for next year. As happy as we are to receive this assistance, it does not have a lasting impact due to the sustained cuts from the state we have endured over the last six years. Below are some facts about our financial situation:

• NWR will lose 4 million dollars in state aid by the end of the school year 2024-2025
• Total aid loss for 23-24 is an estimated $575,000
• NWR has lost just shy of 50 staff members over the last six years. This includes teachers, support staff, administration, custodians, and maintenance
• Transportation increased by 5.86% (Last year’s increase was 1.9%)
  
• Health care increased by an additional $15%

Another consideration is that North Warren Regional is an aging facility. We are in need of multiple projects to keep our building within code, safe, and secure. Some costs associated with these projects are as follows:

(Note: These are estimates)

• New boilers to heat the facility: $800,000
• Media Center repairs and updates for code: $1,259,272
• Auditorium repairs: $15,000 (This is in addition to insurance funds we received)
  
• Middle School roof: $1,000,000
• Removal/replacement of wall dividers in Cafeteria/Gym:$35,000 for the Gym and $9,000 for the Cafeteria
• Wellness Center (Fitness Center) updates: $100,800

The good news is we are in discussions regarding future projects that include replacing our visitor bleachers, well tank replacement, and paving the parking lots. And we have not had to cut any staff members or programs from the 23-24 budget. This is amazing news!

SO HOW ARE WE MANAGING?

• We continue to apply for every available grant and aid package
• We are working more collaboratively with our entire staff
• We are in the development of a 5-Year Strategic Plan to guide us
• We are listening to our community and parents to help determine focus areas for NWR

Part of these tours included my goal of involving the community at a new level within our school. This has led to the adoption of a new and exciting Volunteer Program.

Some areas we are considering for this summer/fall:

• Painting of common areas is a priority (Cafeteria, Gym hallway, main hallways, etc.)
• Paint concession stand and ticket booth
• Stain the front of the stages in the Auditorium and Cafeteria
• Landscaping/planters/mulch
• Reupholster sound boards in Auditorium to match the new flooring
• General work to clean up the appearance of the school
• Donations are accepted as well!
  
  

If you or someone you know is interested in helping or donating, please contact Sotie Hambos at 908-362-8211 extension 1204 for details. You may also contact her at shambos@northwarren.org

Please note: THIS DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF OUR CURRENT PARAMETERS FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR ATHLETICS AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES.

• BOE meeting: May 15, 2023, at 6:00 pm
• Early dismissal for students: May 18, 2023, at 12:15 pm
• Final Strategic Planning Meeting: May 22, 2023, at 6:00 pm