by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright
We have come to the time of year when everyone reflects on what they can be thankful for. In my life, I am thankful for two new granddaughters. My daughter’s and son’s families each had a baby only a few months apart, making my wife and I grandparents. What a great feeling it is, and a lot to be thankful for.
The school district has had a great start as the first nine weeks have been completed. The fall sports seasons are in the books, and the winter ones are underway. We have had a Career Fair, a successful National FFA Convention, memorable Homecoming, tournament excitement for fall sports, a high school musical, emotional Veterans Day programs, and many more opportunities. Our students are busy throughout the day, and maintain academic excellence no matter what they choose to take part in. The dedicated staff work hard to provide opportunities for every student, which is certainly something to be thankful for.
Our Mineral Point community continues to support the school district. A successful referendum last November has given the district a level of support that will be felt for several years. This October, when the school board set the budget and certified the levy, we used a much smaller portion of the referendum money than we originally planned to use. Due to increased special education reimbursement and open enrollment money from the state, and transfer of service increases, the result was only needing $275,000 in referendum money this first year. We anticipate this helping extend the life of the referendum at least another year. Because of this support, the district is in a great financial position for years to come. That is definitely something to be thankful for.
So, as we reach this time of year, there are many reasons to be thankful. Having the support of the community, working with our students and staff, and becoming a grandparent are some of the biggest reasons. I am thankful to be a part of Pointer Nation.
Happy Thanksgiving!