The Stillwater Area Public Schools can expect about $1.65 million in additional state revenue from two key education funding sources beginning in the 2014-15 school year, the district announced recently.

But the infusion of new money from a K-12-friendly legislative session does not make up for years of flat funding, according to Superintendent Corey Lunn, meaning the district still plans to seek additional money from voters this fall.

In April, the school board signaled plans to push for a $1,495 per pupil levy, a proposal to be finalized in August.

In a news release, Lunn said that the district still had to rely on "our community to help us maintain the basics and minimize future budget reductions, while allowing us to grow and change our schools to better prepare students for the world they live in."

The $1,495 per pupil levy would replace a levy that now raises about $1,000 per student annually and earmark new money to prevent future shortfalls and enact the district's new "Bridge to Excellence" strategic plan.

Board Member George Hoeppner said in a recent interview that the Valley Parent & Community Network, a group of parents and neighbors formed to promote strong schools in the St. Croix River Valley, was getting a favorable response in calls about the levy proposal.

"Knock on wood, we're feeling very good about it," Hoeppner said.

The South Washington County School District also is planning to put a levy question on the November ballot, but has yet to settle on a per pupil amount. The school board is expected to discuss the matter during its meeting on Thursday, June 6.

south Washington

Administration goes west to tap new leader

Bob Lawrence, community education director for the Litchfield (Minn.) Public Schools, has been named to the same position with the South Washington County School District.

His appointment was announced on May 24, and he is expected to begin work on July 1.

Superintendent Keith Jacobus said in a news release that Lawrence's passion for community education and lifelong learning began when he was in high school and served on his home school district's community education advisory board.

Lawrence has worked for more than two years in Litchfield, a district of about 1,700 students about 60 miles west of the Twin Cities area.

Forest Lake

District set to induct 15 into halls of fame

Fifteen people are being inducted on Monday, June 3, into two halls of fame in the Forest Lake Area Schools.

Barbara Bowers and Lyle (Robert) Morehead have been named to the District Hall of Fame, now in its third year. Thirteen others are being inducted into the newly named Forest Lake Area High School Arts & Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Arts & Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are Katie Alsdurf, Rick Bayless, Brian Brenberg, Kathy Briguet, John (Jay) Brisson, Charles G. Chalberg, Bob Dettmer, Bert Evgen, Adam J. Haayer, Nicky Hebert, Krista (Hipkins) Brenberg, Bill Jeans and Bobbie Jo (Saxe) Davis.

They will enter a hall that was renamed this year to allow for inductions of coaches, advisers and participants in all Minnesota State High School League activities — not just sports. People honored for arts performances include those who participated in debate, speech and music, the district said.

Anthony Lonetree