The Color of Money

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

One of the most difficult concepts to explain to the public school constituency is the color of money. No, not the 1986 movie with Tom Cruise and Paul Newman, but the limitations in which some revenues in public schools can be spent. Because the majority of public school revenue is tax generated, federal, state and local leaders have indicated how it is to be used. In proving fiscal responsibility and accountability, all revenues received by the school district are specifically directed toward certain types of expenditures. In other words, a dollar isn't a dollar that can be spent at the discretion of the administration and board. Each dollar is tagged or "colored" if you will, to be spent as directed by local, state and federal mandates.

An example that comes to mind is the Quality Schools Project. It is a project here at St. Ignatius that is nearing completion in order to address the envelope of the middle school and high school. As you can see by the exterior upgrade on the roof, insulation, windows, doors and siding, this project was expensive. Despite the blog post, website post, Facebook posts and news articles that explain the work done as part of a grant our district was awarded from the Department of Commerce,  some constituents still voice concerns as to why money was spent on this upgrade especially when there are other needs in our school system. Even though these are legitimate concerns, this is where the "color" of the money comes into play. Because the grant of $549,000 is specifically designated for the "High School and Middle School Envelope Repair" it can't be spent in other areas.

The color of the "School Envelope Repair" money is just the first layer of this onion. Within the Quality Schools Grant, it specifies eligible costs or additional money colors:

• Engineering/Architectural Design - $23,857
• Construction Engineering Services - $40,857
• Construction - $261,854
• Materials - $130,927
• Contingency - $91,382

Every expenditure has to be accounted for categorically. In addition, all expenditures have to be specifically related to the project connected to the "High School and Middle School Envelope Repair." I have had employees ask if work can be done to other structures on campus with this money. Telling them no, is not an easy answer. Once again, the discretion of how the money is spent is determined by outlined use of funds by the Department of Commerce.

This is just one example of the "color of money." There are eleven categorical revenues listed on the district audit. Within those eleven general categories there are numerous sub categorical revenues all directed toward specific expenditures. It is the administration's job to make sure these funds are being spent appropriately.

The bottom line in this post is tax dollars have strings attached that restrict and direct their use. I hope that this provides additional insight to some of the processes and decision-making that take place in our public schools.

New Construction Provides Annual Savings

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Quality Schools Grant Project for the exterior (envelope) of the High School and Middle School is nearing its final stages. This project started three years ago with the Quality Schools Planning Grant. This was a $25,000 grant. The Planning Grant provided the needed funds to provide an assessment of our district's buildings and begin initial planning for a proposed project. Upon being awarded the Planning Grant, we went right to work making application for the Project Grant for $565,000. Upon award and approval from the Montana Legislature and the Governor, today, we are finally arriving at near project completion. 

The project completion will not only provide an appealing exterior, but necessary insulation and roof repair as well as window and door replacements. This couldn't come at a better time with the inflated prices of propane and the extremes of last winter. The district paid $113,000 for propane in 2013-2014. That was 44,000 gallons of fuel. Our average fuel consumption is 40,000 gallons. Estimated saving could be as much as 20% in a year. The project has not only provided a new face lift, but will help offset other funding reductions through the estimated fuel savings.

Many of our constituents have asked what the final project will look like, so I have included several three dimensional renderings from the architect.

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

 It was a privilege to honor District Clerk, Neil Easter at the Homecoming Assembly last Friday afternoon. He is definitely a "rock." The entire school district, K-12, gave Neil a standing ovation for his loyal dedication and unwavering commitment to Saint Ignatius Public Schools!

We thanked Mr. Easter for his outstanding contributions toward our school over the past 29 years and for making it stand above the rest.  

Once again, thank you NEIL EASTER, for MAKING THE DIFFERENCE!

New Computer Labs & Software

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The St. Ignatius Board passed a motion to purchase computers and software for 2 computer labs at the August 17, 2010 regular board meeting. One computer lab is located in the elementary while the other will be located in the new multipurpose addition. Both labs will contain 25 iMac computers.

The need for the labs is focused on improving both reading and math at the elementary and middle school. Although the multipurpose lab will be primarily used by elementary students, it will also play host to middle school students as well.

The labs will provide academic opportunities for our students during school and after school through the district's supplemental educational services (SES). The primary program to be used is SuccessMaker. A program focused on reading and math. It is instructional software that provides elementary and middle school students with adaptive, personalized paths for mastering essential reading and math concepts.

I am very excited about the opportunities for learning that these acquisitions provide for our students. Our school district will be working very hard to improve the basics of reading and math in order to build the needed foundation for future learning. I am very proud of our board and their commitment to educational excellence with these decisions. This type of commitment by a district sets a high expectation for teaching and learning. I believe the staff and students will be up to these academic challenges of excellence.

Budget Preparation

Monday, August 9, 2010 is the the annual budget hearing. The Board will be meeting to discuss and approve the prepared budget. Business Manager Neil Easter and Business Assistant, Adam Hawkaluk (pictured) have contributed a great deal of time and effort in the preparation process. The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM in the District Board Room.

I am very grateful for the help that both of these gentlemen have given in my transition to St. Ignatius. We are very lucky to have professionals like Neil and Adam. I eagerly await the opportunity to meet the faculty and staff.