Superintendent's Message for September 2023

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE SEPTEMBER 2023

 Welcome to Homecoming Month Chargers!  

This is an exciting year for our school.  We will be celebrating the 100th year of our High School. The school year is off to a great start and Homecoming 2023 is here.  Our teams and extracurricular programs are off to a fabulous start, and we are excited about the future.

I wanted to update you on some of the improvements and maintenance that have taken place this summer.  I have received several questions, and they are worth repeating.  

Along with the synthetic turf project, the district is also completing a new playground at Van Allen Elementary, revitalized Reynolds field with synthetic turf, installed air conditioning in the gyms and kitchen areas at Van Allen and Columbus Elementary, repaired the roof coating at several buildings, upgraded HS lighting with LED units, replacement of ceiling fans at Columbus, lighting issues at Johnson's auditorium, and addressing the issues at the middle school.

How were these projects funded? 

These projects were funded by the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) fund generated from taxpayers. This levy may be used for specific purposes such as the improvement of grounds, construction of school houses or buildings, and the lease-purchase of equipment, among other things authorized by Iowa Code.  For appropriate and inappropriate uses of the PPEL fund and revenue sources, refer to Iowa Administrative Code chapter 281--98 and the Iowa Uniform Administrative Procedures Manual, chapter 9. The voters may authorize a voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (VPPEL) for a period not exceeding ten years and in an amount not exceeding $1.34 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The voted PPEL revenues may be used for the same purposes as the PPEL revenues. In addition, the board may obtain loans against future VPPEL revenues and repay that debt with interest from the VPPEL. Iowa Code section 298.2.

Are there any future projects?

Yes, there are future projects that the administration and the Chariton Community Board of Education have identified.  The Chariton Community School Board has also been working with 10Fold, an architectural firm, to develop a long-term facilities plan, which includes identifying projects that need to be addressed and the timeframe to do so.  This work is ongoing and done in phases to allow us to ensure the projects receive the proper attention to detail.  The School Board and administration will be determining what projects will be addressed this year using the data we have collected and reviewed.

We are excited for the school year, the updated facilities that have been made for the students, and our wonderful staff who chooses to make Chariton Schools their profession. The photos below are staff service awards.

GO CHARGERS and THINK BIG !!!!  

Mr. Baker  #LBE

Phone - 641-774-5967

Email- brad.baker@chariton.k12.ia.us

Twitter -  @Super_Charger