State Assessments have already started with the new ACCESS assessment for English Language Learners and will continue with the Transitional Colorado State Assessment Program (TCAP) for third through tenth grades, and the American College Testing Program (ACT) for eleventh grade students. Each school will provide parents with a testing schedule and recommendations for student success. Our goal is to increase student growth achievement.We recognize the importance of having great schools to support a strong community. We have started our discussions focused on our district budget and the needs of our students. Our first meeting was “school finance 101” and our second meeting was a “brain storming” session tied to student needs. Let’s look at school finance for a moment. We basically receive funding from the state via a formula that is based on the number of students who are enrolled in Brush School District on October 1st. We currently receive $6,611 per student from the state.In 2010, the state implemented a “negative factor” which essentially decreases the state share. The negative factor for our district is currently 16.3%. Over the course of the last three years our district has lost $4.3 million and we are anticipating and additional $1.7 million in 2014. So essentially our per pupil funding has decreased by $1,287.20. So how does this compare to districts across the state? Our district is the 56th largest in the state with a funded pupil count of 1,453.6 however, the District’s per pupil funding places us 144th out of 178 districts.Our mission is “to be the premier school district in Colorado, ensuring that each student has solid roots and agile wings to attain any dream.” In focusing on our mission there are several ideas that have been generated to support the educational needs of our children. Suggestions that have been made at this point in time are as follows; two School Resource Officers, intervention for students not on grade level, advancing Gifted and Talented Programs, increase the number of concurrent enrollment classes students can take in preparation for college, sustain I-Connect the alternative high school (currently grant and district funded), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programming), expand Agricultural Education programming, increasing mental health support, additional literacy support to meet the Read Act, technology, after school programming, and a mentoring program. We would like to gather feedback from you. What do you see are the greatest needs in our school district? You are welcome to (please use link below to provide feedback), stop by, call, access our website, or drop suggestions in the boxes we have placed at each of our schools, The Bank of Colorado, Farmers State Bank, Grocery Kart, Open Seasons (Hillrose), and Snyder Bible Church.Sincerely,Dr. Michelle JohnstonePlease Provide Feedback by Clicking Here