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Spartans Advance
Pleasant Local Schools Monthly Newsletter
March 2023 Update
Dear Pleasant Local Schools Community,
I want to take a moment to reflect on our progress and share some important updates with you.
Last summer, I developed a three-phase entry plan as I entered the district. Phase 1, my focus was on building relationships and discovering the unique aspects of our district. During Phase 2, I worked collaboratively with our Board of Education and District Leadership Team to develop a plan for the 2022-2023 school year, identifying the resources and structures needed to achieve our goals. Lastly, Phase 3, which we have named "Spartans Advance!" ensures that we continue to grow and prosper together.
I have enjoyed getting to know the Spartans, and have learned a lot about the Pleasant Community over the past seven months. We continue to develop, and monitor, our plans to help our students and staff reach their full potential. Spartans Advance! is a mindset that applies to everything we strive to do here at Pleasant. We are getting better every day, and I look forward to continuing to partner with you on this journey.
In the spirit of “Spartans Advance,” one significant decision made earlier this school year was to move inside millage, which will provide us with approximately $445,000 per year in much-needed Permanent Improvement (PI) funding. To address our critical facility needs with the least tax burden to our community, we moved 1.65 mills and created a PI fund as our bond collection was being reduced by 1.65 mills.
This past fall, we organized community forums to engage in an open dialogue about our district facility concerns. We are grateful for your active participation and valuable input. It became evident that the community sought immediate solutions to our facilities’ challenges while minimizing the financial burden on our taxpayers. Originally, we had hoped to utilize OFCC funds (the State’s share of the funding for the construction of a new elementary school, and funding for the demolition of the old middle school) once the construction of the 5-12 building was completed. We were informed this fall by our attorney that these funds would not be accessible for a minimum of six years. That is why we have developed a plan to address many of these needs now in the most fiscally responsible manner.
Our district took another step forward last night as our Board of Education approved a plan to finance some of our critical facility projects ASAP. We are committed to being transparent about the details of this plan as it develops, and will update our community as we begin to move forward on our list of facility priorities.
We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work together to ensure a bright future for our students and community. Thank you as we continue to partner with our community as our Spartans Advance!
Sincerely,
Superintendent, Pleasant Local Schools
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