
Cold Weather, Referendums, And A Word of Thanks
Cold Weather: Once again February has proved itself to be the month of below zero temperatures, wind chill, and snow. As a reminder to our families please take a moment to ensure your child/children are dressed for the weather. Having the experience of sending high school age children to school who think a hoodie is “good enough” I more than understand your challenges. But as you know the cold in Wisconsin could be with us for a while, so please keep up the good fight to have your children in the proper gear to handle whatever weather comes our way.
State Superintendent of Schools Election: I’ve had several community members reach out to me regarding the State Superintendent Race. With a primary on February 16th, the race will be whittled down to two candidates. Having known several of the candidates I can share the field is robust and will provide a highly qualified State Superintendent in April. If you’d like to learn more about the election for State Superintendent, the Wisconsin Elections Commission and Ballotpedia are websites you may want to reference.
Spring Referendum: This month the district will be hosting a number of informational meetings to inform our community about the upcoming spring referendum. Like the district’s previous referendums this year’s election will ask our communities to support a three-year non-recurring referendum. As the state of Wisconsin school funding formula provides fewer dollars to school districts with stagnant or declining enrollment, Cambria-Friesland like sixty-three other districts look to it’s local taxpayers to fill the gap created by the current funding formula. I hope that you’ll be able to join in these conversations and presentations throughout the month of March.
COVID-19 Relief: This month the district learned that as part of the most current COVID-19 relief dollars, the district will be the recipient of approximately $392,000.00 in federal dollars. As you know the state of Wisconsin is building a second relief package, and the Biden administration is looking to do the same. These dollars will allow the district to address needs that will continue to assist the district in remaining open throughout the pandemic. This could include facilities needs such as HVAC work on the building, custodial support, technology, and so on. Whatever dollars received by the district will be appreciated and put to good use.
CFSD Board of Education Elections: This spring two Board positions are up for re-election. Both candidates, Mark Hoffmann (Township of Scott) and Dan DeYoung (At Large) have both filed papers and will be on the ballot for the next three-year term. Also, each candidate faces a challenge to their seat. Nathan York of the Village of Cambria, and Steve Prochow of the Township of Scott, have both filed papers and will be on the ballot. Mr. York will challenge for the At-Large seat and Mr. Prochnow will challenge for the Township of Scott. It’s been said that “All politics are local.” and to a great extent I believe there’s more than a kernel of truth in that statement. The Board of Education in many ways is truly a thankless job. As you already know people rarely reach out to Board members in order to thank them for their civic service to a school district. I’m extremely grateful for our Board of Education. Their continued support and vision for the Cambria-Friesland School District has been highly consistent for what’s in the best interests of our students, staff, school and greater community. The vote for School Board will be on the April 6th ballot.
To Our Parents: Thank you to our parents who throughout our reopening have remained vigilant in keeping students home when they’re displaying COVID-19 symptoms. I know this has been extremely difficult for many of you. Please know your actions in keeping symptomatic kids home is one of the main reasons CF Schools has remained open for the majority of the school year. Thank you.
Proud to Serve, Proud to Be a Hilltopper,
Timothy L. Raymond Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Cambria-Friesland School District
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