August 2023

Excitement for new school year

from the superintendent's desk

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that we will soon begin our new 2023-24 school year. Our mission continues to be that of inspiring students through challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences in a safe and collaborative environment. When they are safe and we develop relationships with students, we can teach them anything!

We are grateful for the tremendous support the River Falls community provides to our district. Due to your support, our kids consistently rank in the top 25% of all Wisconsin school districts in terms of academic performance. Additionally, our students excel in leadership and learning activities such as the arts, music, theater, athletics, advanced courses, industry recognized credentials, and work-based learning.

As I look forward to another amazing school year, I am reminded of the great privilege and honor it is to serve as the superintendent of this district. We have amazing staff and a supportive community. We all look forward to serving you and your children in the coming year.

Jamie Benson

Superintendent | jamie.benson@rfsd.k12.wi.us

715-425-1800

Funding challenges and community survey

In order to maintain and continue to advance our tradition of educational excellence, we need your help. In mid-September we will mail all district residents a survey with questions related to an upcoming February 2024 referendum. By completing the survey (online or paper/pencil) you will help the Board of Education determine the specific details to be included on the February ballot. Your voice matters - please take time to complete the survey.

In a nutshell, the survey describes two different types of referendum questions that are both under consideration for the February referendum as explained below:

1) An operational referendum is used to fund daily operations.

Unlike 84% of other districts in the state, the School District of River Falls has not yet pursued this type of referendum in the past 25 years. The state created the school funding policy in 1993 and today, that antiquated funding formula no longer works for River Falls causing us to have very low revenue compared to most other school districts in the state. Because of this funding formula, the District is projecting the annual budget deficit will grow to more than $3 million over the next three years.

2) A capital (facilities) referendum allows a district to issue debt (take out a loan) to pay for major facility improvements.

This is the type of referendum River Falls voters supported in 2018 to update aging facility mechanical and infrastructure systems, add elementary classrooms, improve some athletic facilities, and update technology.

We have some facility needs that were not financed in previous referendums and are too costly for the district to accomplish with our regular annual budget. The survey will explain some of these potential facility options and seek your opinion on each.

Lastly, after reviewing the community survey response data, the School Board will take official action in early December to announce the specific details of the February 2024 referendum. Your survey responses will help guide the Board in the process of determining what the "ask" will be in February. Please take time to complete the survey which will be mailed to you in mid-September.

Looking for your child's school supply list, or for other information about the 2023-24 school year? Visit your child's school via the district website: www.rfsd.k12.wi.us.

SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE

Even though it is summer vacation, the River Falls School District is busy and full of energy. During the summer months: Summer School and Kids Club are in session; Marching Band rehearses; Speed and Strength students exercise; athletes begin fall sport practices; custodial staff prepare buildings for the fall; administrators, and teachers and staff are busy preparing for the coming year.

The school board has also been busy. Over the past months the school board:

Provided contracts for teachers, staff, and administrators.
Monitored the process of hiring new staff for the 2023-24 school year, including two new administrators.
Continued reviewing and revising school board policies.
Made financial decisions for the district based upon the Wisconsin Legislature’s school funding levels for the coming biennium.
Met in joint session with the River Falls City Council to reflect on our collaborative efforts to serve the community.
Reviewed information from architects, engineers, and a demographer related to needed facility updates; and discussed an operating referendum to mitigate future budget deficits.

Please watch your mail for a community survey to help the board determine details to be included in a February, 2024, referendum ballot.

On behalf of the entire school board, thank you for your support for River Falls schools and for allowing us to serve the community.

Stacy Johnson Myers

School Board President

FAST FACTS

Check out some SDRF fast facts...

🐝 Summer Kids Club☀️

64 staff, more than 450 students (gr K-7), and over 45 field trips = a summer of fun! Thank you to the Kids Club staff for all of their hard work and dedication to bringing a safe, fun-filled summer to our students.

Share our district news

We hope you’ve enjoyed our new district eNewsletter, one way we are sharing important information and good news with our community. Help us share our good news with others: to subscribe to future newsletters visit https://www.rfsd.k12.wi.us/district/communications.cfm or scan the QR code.

In partnership with families and the community, the School District of River Falls is an innovative PK-12 grade educational leader committed to the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of every student.

Our new district e-newsletter is one way we hope to increase connections and communication between the School District of River Falls and our community. We'll periodically share our "good news" and other important information about our district in this publication. You are receiving this district communication because you are a School District of River Falls parent/guardian, staff, or Community Education participant. Individuals who do not currently have students in our district can still receive this communication by subscribing to it.