Blogs
Start Slow
By Superintendent Mitch Wainwright Who could have ever imagined that we would find ourselves in this situation? Schools are shut down by the state and people are asked to stay at home for safety reasons. School staff continuing to educating students virtually to the best of our ability is just unthinkable, but here we are. … Continue Reading Start Slow
The Big Read
Reading wasn’t always a private activity. Before Gutenberg invented the printing press over 500 years ago, reading was a social experience. The vast majority of people at that time were illiterate; books were hand-written and expensive. In Hamlet’s Blackberry: Building a Good Life in the Digital Age, William Powers described how communities from Ancient Greece… Continue Reading The Big Read
More About Fund 46
by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright School districts use multiple funding accounts to operate throughout the school year. Some accounts, like Fund 10, are for the general education services provided to teach our students. Other accounts, like Fund 27, are specific for special education programs and support. Still, other accounts cover athletics and co-curricular activities, food service,… Continue Reading More About Fund 46
Fund 46 for Capital Maintenance
by Mitch Wainwright Much like your own finances, schools have specific accounts where they receive money and spend money. At home, the first of the month might be your mortgage payment and electric bill. In the middle of the month, you may pay for your vehicle and cable bill. The point is, you have money… Continue Reading Fund 46 for Capital Maintenance
“Who Owns the School?”
by Elementary Principal Matt Renwick In my 20 years in education, I have been asked this question by a student or two. I cannot recall my typical answer. Likely, I stumbled through a dry explanation such as, “Well, people pay taxes which goes toward all of our books, pencils…” I am sure I have also… Continue Reading “Who Owns the School?”
Safety: A Constant Topic
by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright With the recent school safety issues happening here in Wisconsin, we all take a step back and reevaluate how our own school compares to those that have been affected by the tragic events. This is especially true as we are designing a new addition and remodeling project at the elementary school.… Continue Reading Safety: A Constant Topic
Sense of Family
by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright There are two things that come to mind as I begin to write this article. The first is the release of our state report card. Mineral Point Unified School District has earned the rating of “Significantly Exceeds State Expectations” for the fourth year in a row. The students and staff have… Continue Reading Sense of Family
Look a Little Closer
by Mitch Wainwright Every property owner will receive a property tax bill in the mail and will look at the increase in their payment from one year to the next. This will be the same for me when my property tax bill comes in the mail. I would like to ask that you look a… Continue Reading Look a Little Closer
The Costs and Benefits of Technology
We were heading home from a family gathering along the interstate. When I looked at my Google Maps display on my smartphone, a small bullhorn symbol showed up next to my highlighted route. It was a speed trap alert. Apparently, drivers ahead of us had spotted a police officer pulling over speeding cars. Other drivers embedded… Continue Reading The Costs and Benefits of Technology
Many Other Factors
by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright It’s hard to believe that one year ago, the district was asking the taxpayers for permission to issue debt to add on to and remodel the elementary school, along with asking for additional operating money. During those meetings last fall, we presented information on the property tax impact if one, or… Continue Reading Many Other Factors