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August 1, 2011
Letter from Superintendent Greg Fahrman:
As we start the 2011/12 school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for supporting your community schools. Your continued input is vital and greatly appreciated as we address budgeting challenges that surround us.
Last February, a group of more than 50 community members and staff came together to begin work on our strategic plan. While the process is ongoing, the bulk of their work is done. Given their input, the board adopted a Vision and Mission that will strategically guide us over the next three to four years. On behalf of the board and administration, a big thank you goes out to that team for their time and effort!
The Financial Picture: The financial snapshot for the 2011/12 school year includes a $1.7 million reduction in federal, state and local revenue for our district. This year, the loss will be covered by a combination of budget reductions ($300,000); staff salary freezes and health insurance/retirement contributions ($700,000); along with a one-time dip into the fund balance ($700,000).
We know that budget reductions tend to increase class size and decrease opportunities for individuals. Even though our delivery system will look different, we will continue to maintain an exceptional school experience for all our students. Your support and involvement in our school community will go a long way in defining what opportunities will be available in the near future and beyond. Thank you.
Last year, we moved elementary and middle school extracurricular opportunities to the community service fund – making them available to resident home school and nonpublic students in grades 1-8. To participate, find “Opportunities for Resident Home School and Nonpublic Students” under the Parents Tab.
About our school district community:
Altoona is located in west central Wisconsin in the heart of the Chippewa Valley. Contiguous to Eau Claire, Altoona is a community of 6,700 residents and home to about 410 businesses. The Altoona school district serves a student population of nearly 1,500 students.
The school district includes the City of Altoona and a portion of the Town of Washington. The district extends six miles to the east, south to highway AA, southwest to Otter Creek. The northern border is Lake Altoona. Fairfax Avenue is the district's western limit.
The district's three schools, Pedersen Elementary (K-4), Altoona Middle School (5-8), and Altoona High School (9-12) are conveniently located on one site. Click on Schools Tab to visit the webpage for each school.
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