School briefs: South Washington County seeks help with budget plan

The South Washington County School District is taking suggestions on possible budget fixes that could total as much as $8 million for the 2015-16 school year.

For now, the public is invited to provide comment on the district's online "We're Listening" survey page.

Eventually, however, the district could be asking residents to help it ease fiscal concerns by voting for an operating-levy increase. Such a move could come just two years after voters backed a 2013 proposal to boost the district's operating revenues by $6.9 million annually.

In its annual budget, South Washington County tries to keep a fund balance of between 5 percent and 9 percent of general fund expenditures. On June 30, 2015, the final day of the 2014-15 budget year, the fund balance will be at 5 percent. Adjustments would be needed to keep it there in 2015-16.

The advice being sought on the webpage — www.surveymonkey.com/s/833listening — could include ideas on how to cut costs or raise revenues. The feedback is being collected through early January, and will be considered by a district budget advisory committee, the district said.

South Washington County also recently crafted a $179 million facilities plan that could be submitted to voters in a bond referendum next year. Officials say the $179 million proposal could result in annual tax increases of about $79 on a $150,000 home, $146 on a $250,000 home and $214 on a $350,000 home. The median-valued homes in Cottage Grove and Woodbury are valued at $204,800 and $273,400, respectively, according to Washington County estimates.

As for the $6.9 million approved in November 2013, the district reported in its publication, "Window On Education," that $2.5 million was dedicated to the district's fund balance and $1.5 million to safety and security improvements that included new door locks and glass replacements, among other uses.

Then, on Jan. 24, an open house will be held for families of prospective kindergartners.

The school serves students in preschool through grade 12, and draws primarily from Ramsey and Washington counties.

To attend either event, contact Nghi Anderson at 651-772-2777 or admissions@libertyclassicalacademy.org.

Da Vinci Fest, a districtwide science, art and film festival, is set for Jan. 10 at Stillwater Area High School.

The event is open to students in grades 4-12 who live within the boundaries of the Stillwater Area Public Schools.

The event is in its ninth year and has grown so large that it now occupies all common areas and many classrooms at the high school, according to the Partnership Plan, a nonprofit organization that supports education enrichment programs in the district.

To learn more about Da Vinci Fest, go to www.partnershipplan.org.