Planning for Success: FAQs

The objective of Planning for Success is to conduct an audit based on our current reality. This audit will help determine where our system should be enhanced as well as reduced, as collectively, we strive to achieve our vision of being a premier school district that models excellence and prepares all students for life's opportunities. The areas we are auditing include Early Learning Programming; Elementary Programming; Secondary Programming; Technology/Instructional Technology; Communications/Marketing; Transportation & Operations; Athletics & Activities; Special Education/Multi-Tier Systems of Support; Community Education; and Administration/District Office.

There are multiple factors contributing to the need for structural budget adjustments. In the fall of 2022 and 2023, we went to voters with a levy campaign to help stabilize the district’s budget. Due to the two failed levy campaigns, the district now must make necessary budget adjustments.

Unfortunately, several factors have adversely affected the budget. The funding from the state and federal governments has not kept pace with inflation, which has led to a shortfall in funds. In addition, many mandates have not been fully funded, or not funded at all, which has further strained the budget. Rising costs are associated with educating 21st-century students, which requires new technologies and teaching methods.

Since 2021, the NPAS has experienced a decline in enrollment due in large part to lower birth rates and a reduction in the number of families moving into our district boundaries. For example, K-12 enrollment is down by 65 students to 3945. This is the lowest enrollment at NPAS in nearly a decade.

The NPAS cut over $3 million in the Spring of 2023 as a result of a failed operating request in the Fall of 2022. Many of these reductions were one-time monies and potentially could have been brought back if additional funding was secured. The Community Survey in the summer of 2023 indicated that over 50% of the respondents do not believe the NPAS are being funded properly. Unfortunately, a second operating request failed in the Fall of 2023.

While appreciated, the current (and past) increases do not keep pace with inflation. Despite prudent stewardship of district assets, NPAS built the 2024-25 district budget to include the 6% increase in formula revenue for 2023-24 (4%) and 2024-25 (2%). Therefore, the district still faces a structural deficit (expenses outpacing revenue).

On the expenditure side of the budget, we have continued to adjust for inflationary increases. Even after a $3.1 million budget adjustment in 2023, our expenses continue to exceed revenue.

The NPAS have a strong tradition of being fiscally responsible and prudent with taxpayer dollars. Per this strong financial management, the NPAS have been able to keep non-instructional costs down and have dedicated much-needed resources to our classrooms. As a result, many of the reductions made this Spring will be structural in nature and will result in less staff and larger class sizes.

To balance the budget, we must right-size the budget by bringing expenses in line with spending. The budget approval process must stay on schedule to begin planning and preparing for the new school year budget (2024-25). The options proposed to the School Board will be the result of mindful consideration and planning by school and district leaders to bring expenses in line with our revenue.

Staff, parents, students, and community members may use this online form to gather information along with in-person meetings to listen to concerns and ideas from all stakeholders. Submissions must be completed by February 19th.

Starting in the Fall of 2024, we will be enforcing our current walking distances of 0.5 miles for elementary and 1.0 miles for secondary students; with current estimations, this will impact less than 30 elementary and over 230 secondary students. If needed in the future, distances may increase to 1.0 miles for elementary (over 200 students affected) and 1.5 miles for secondary (over 400 students, including hazard areas). We are aware of hazards along Highways 21, 19, and County Road 2. Infrastructure improvements around elementary schools have been made such as reduced speeds, additional city sidewalks, and roundabouts with pedestrian crossings. Student safety is paramount and walking routes will be thoroughly evaluated.

• Kindergarten: 22 students
• 1st Grade: 23 students
• 2nd Grade: 24 students
• 3rd Grade: 26 students
• 4th Grade: 28 students
• 5th Grade: 29 students

The reduction of 1 intervention teacher FTE per elementary building will necessitate a shift toward more classroom-based interventions and less individualized support. While we remain committed to meeting all students' needs, targeted interventions may be less frequent and intensive for some. Our classroom teachers will adapt instruction to provide some interventions within their classrooms. We remain confident in maintaining strong support for student growth despite reduced intervention staffing.

To bring our staffing in line with enrollment, we are proposing to reduce 1 PE teacher FTE in each elementary building and increase the time for art, media, and music. While dedicated PE time has been a valuable addition to our district, our current reality requires financial adjustments. Nonetheless, students will still have opportunities for active movement throughout the day. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education by enhancing other specialist areas. This decision was difficult to make, but it is a responsible way to manage our resources while considering the needs of our students and providing them with a comprehensive educational experience.

The middle school model changes will impact programming, teaming/collaboration, and elective offerings due to an 8 FTE teacher reduction. Approximate class sizes will range from 28-32, with potentially larger elective classes. The length of core classes will decrease; the length and frequency of phy ed, health and allied arts classes will shift as well. These difficult adjustments aim to maintain a quality educational experience within budgetary constraints.