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TO: Anne Weyandt, Superintendent, Lake Wobegon Schools

FROM: Angel Doughty, Consultant, Maverick Advisors, LLC


DATE: November 21, 2014
SUBJECT: Recommendations for Lake Wobegon High School
At your request, Maverick Advisors, LLC has completed the analysis of the
challenges facing your district in the short and long term. A recap of the issues
facing your district will be followed by a list of the firms current recommendations.
Current Issues

Declining test scores across all grades and learner segments


o Call from two communities for administrative resignation, unless gains
are made in test scores
Windstorm
o Costs of storm recovery and repair
Gymnasium roof, locker rooms and classrooms
Significant reduction in operating funds
o Negative Fund balance for the High School
Negative impact on 2015-2016 budget development
o Current request for increase in operational levy on the ballot

LWHS Staff and Administration

3 year Superintendent
15 year Principal
30 Full-time teachers with an average of 21 years of experience
o Predominantly white and 53% female

Student Population

1,003 students
o 33% students of color
o 72% Free Reduced

Recommendations from finance perspective

What data and information should be gathered to better define and


understand the issues?
o Objective analysis of prior years budgets to look for opportunities to
increase efficiency both within the building and across the district
Combine duplicated resources between levels in the district
Combine positions within the district to maximize efficiency and

learning
What research question might help LWHS leaders develop strategies
to address the issues?
o Research should be conducted to seek low or no cost community
resources that may available to help with the short fall of the
construction and clean up of storm damage
o Research needs to be completed to seek closure in operational budget if
the levy fails to pass
Emphasis should be placed on the lowest loss of personnel

possible
Retirement incentives should be researched in order to lower

operational costs of teachers


Grants should be researched and applied for based on the make-

up of the student body


How should the data be collected?
o Surveys should be designed and given to the staff on creative ways to
stretch the budget
It is not recommended to share a survey with the parents or
community members due to conflicting interests and lack of

understanding
How can the results of the data be shared with interested
constituencies?
o If staffing cuts are required, transparency and early notices along with
assistance in placement should be accomplished as possible
Cuts should be in areas that will have the least impact on student
learning

o Collaboration and effective communication are key to maintain trust and


respect among the staff
Take all ideas at face value and give credit where due
o Community open forums can be scheduled once the outcomes of the
levy and the budget impacts are known
Clear outcomes from the budget cuts and recommendations need

to be given to ease fears of the involved families


Explanation needs to be given in a clear concise manner that does
not leave room for argument

References
http://educationnext.org/breaking-down-school-budgets-2/, accessed 11/20/2014
http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-budget-overview, accessed
11/20/14

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