---

While our summer weather may be unseasonably warm, and makes it seem like summer is in full swing, make no mistake about it - school is in session and our staff and students are ready for the fall and a great start to the school year. The Chisago Lakes Schools welcomed back slightly fewer than 3,500 students on Sept. 8 and we are excited to again be in the business of teaching and learning.

The school district welcomed 226 new kindergarten students who began their 13-year journey toward a high school diploma. The district is again able to offer two sections of all-day, every-day kindergarten for families who desire this option. On the other end of the spectrum, 272 seniors, members of the class of 2010, began their final nine months of high school education. Best of luck to all of our students. If you work hard and persevere, you will meet or exceed your goals.

The district and school sites have several new programs that are being introduced this year. One of the programs is the Olweus Bully Prevention program. This nationally renowned program has received great support from the people at Hazelden who assisted our district in the purchase of the Olweus program, and all staff members are being trained on implementing strategies that reduce bullying and disrespect wherever we find it in our school community. These strategies also include reducing on-line "cyber" bullying, stopping any disrespect of those students who are less popular, and many more strategies designed to make all students welcome, safe and comfortable in our schools and on our busses.

Fall activities are underway at the Chisago Lakes High School and now that the new fields and grass are established, the student body and community can access the full 96 acres of the high school campus. Thanks again to our community for supporting completing the maintenance and grounds projects made possible through our facilities referendum two years ago. It has made a great difference in the sustainability of our facilities and in providing more access for the community.

Public education remains in financially troubled waters in the state of Minnesota, with the economic downturn dictating less financial support for the school district.

More than $1.2 million was cut from the district's general fund budget this past year and all indications are that additional cutting may be required this year. It is important to remember that the dollars that were used for the aforementioned facility project improvements, by law, could not have been used for general fund operations.

Operating levy dollars serve those purposes and the district's 10-year operating levy will be retiring in two years. Serious thought is being given to planning for renewing the existing operating levy through a voter referendum one year from now. While cutting budgets is not enjoyable or easy, it is necessary. We remain hopeful that the economic times will improve soon and that funding levels will remain stable at least.

As routines in your homes may have recently changed to accommodate the new school year, I encourage families and students to reaffirm your commitment to making school a priority. Plenty of rest at night for students and making certain homework is done will make for a successful school day. A message to students: remember that "tomorrow begins the night before" - prepare yourself for school the night before and you will find that success is easier to achieve.

Best wishes to all of our students and families for a great school year. Please let us know how we may be of service to you. Thanks also to the many volunteers who will pass through our doors this year. We need and appreciate your help. Please feel free to contact me if I may be of assistance and thanks again for supporting your public schools.

---