Greetings from the Superintendent:
The topics for my letter this edition are the new secondary activity fee, the 2012-13 budget, and Superintendent’s survey.
First, as you may be aware, York Suburban implemented a $25 activity fee for students in grades 6-12 who participate in any extracurricular activity. The $25 is a result of the budget planning from last year and was designed to help offset the costs associated for extracurricular activities.
What makes the York Suburban activity fee unique is that it covers any and all activities for students. In other words, assume a high school student is playing on an athletic team, is in the drama club, and serves as a member of the National Honor Society. The $25 covers all of those activities. Approximately two-thirds of York Suburban students participate in at least one extracurricular activity and a majority of those are in more than one. Students and families unable to afford the fee may apply for an exemption.
BUDGET PROCESS — The 2012-13 budgeting process is upon us and, as before, the Board and Administration will have a transparent approach. In fact, many suggestions from the community, staff, and students were incorporated into the current budget.
I encourage you to attend school board meetings and offer input into the 2012-13 process. School board meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. in the Ronald Provard Education Center on the first and third Monday of the month and the 2012-13 Preliminary Budget, budget process, and Final Budget presentations will be occurring at every meeting throughout the school year. The 2012-2013 Budget Calendar is on the website and paper copies are available by request. In addition, a series of Community Budget meetings will be scheduled in late November and early December. Please check the website for additional information.
SUPERINTENDENT’S SURVEY — My annual Superintendent’s Survey will occur from November 1-15. There will be a direct link from the website and paper copies are available from Wendy Erwine in the Education Center.
Last year, I found the information submitted on the survey of great value. That information was presented to the Board at a public meeting and helped shape my goals for this school year. The survey will only take a few minutes and is completely anonymous. Thank you in advance for your participation.
If you haven’t already had the opportunity, please check out the York Suburban School District presence on Facebook!
Dr. Kate Orban
korban@yssd.org