Ms. Katherine Kelly, Superintendent
Phone: 815/747-3180
E-Mail: kkelly.edschools@yahoo.com
August 19, 2010
Dear Members of the East Dubuque School Community,
Another school year is underway! I would like to welcome back all of our faculty, staff, families, and all newcomers to the District.
Mrs. Michelle Till is the new principal at the elementary and junior high schools. She comes very well versed in Title I, special education, and instructional technology. Mrs. Till hired three new teachers to our district: Anne Murphy teaches 6th grade, Ashley Frank teaches 2nd grade and Danielle Wallenhorst is 1/2 time special education. Certainly we wish these educators new to our district the very best.
On Tuesday evening, the East Dubuque School Board directed me to investigate bonding opportunities which are available as the result of collecting the School Facility Tax. To date the East Dubuque School District has received nearly $50,000. for the purpose of school facility upkeep. The School Board Finance Committee will be meeting later this month to discuss financing options. Administrators are "fine-tuning" the priority list for building improvements and upgrades.
I would like to remind you to be watchful for children walking to and from school. I would like to thank the East Dubuque Fire Department and the East Dubuque Police Department for placing reminders around the community to draw attention of the new school year. The fire engine with flashing lights near the grade school was quite impressive!
Respectfully,
Katherine Kelly
April 20, 2009
Dear Members of the East Dubuque School Community,
I am extremely proud of the East Dubuque community and their support of the Illinois County School Facility Tax. This tax will go a long way in keeping our school buildings in good condition. Each child in JoDaviess County deserves to attend school in buildings which are safe, comfortable and supportive of academic success. Thank you to each and everyone of you that exercised your right to vote on April 7!
I would like to take this time for all of you to review safety rules with your children - regardless of their age. Whether children are traveling on foot, on bike, skateboard, or in an automobile, the spring of the year is a time of increased outdoor activity. This alone increases the risk of accidents and injury. Reminding your children to "be careful" as they venture out the door is a start. A solid, direct conversation regarding your children' safety is even better.
Respectfully,
Katherine Kelly
March 3, 2009
Dear Members of the East Dubuque School Community,
Today I would like to share information with you about the Illinois County School Facility Tax. This is also referred to as a “Local Options Sales Tax” or as the “1% Sales Tax.” The tax originated in Iowa in 1998 and has been adopted by all of Iowa’s counties. The Illinois General Assembly approved this piece of legislation in 2007.
The Sales Tax is a nontraditional opportunity for Illinois Public Schools to apply a tax on the sales of retail goods paid by the consumers as opposed to a real property tax paid by the property owners. Specifically, goods not taxed are farm equipment and parts, cars, trucks, ATVs, boats, RVs, Mobile homes, groceries, drugs, farm inputs, such as fertilizer. If it is not currently taxed, it will not be taxed.
Some of the eligible capital projects allowed under this provision would be: additions and renovations, alternative energy projects, systems upgrades, durable equipment (non-moveable items), fire prevention and life safety, architectural planning, disabled access, security, financing costs and parking lots. Ineligible uses include the purchase of buses, furniture and fixtures, computers, moveable equipment, operating costs, salaries and overhead.
All of us, as next door neighbors to Dubuque, know of the benefits of this tax. The Dubuque School District has captured the dollars and used them to improve all of their elementary and high schools. If any of you have toured Prescott Elementary or Roosevelt Middle School you know exactly how purposeful these dollars have been spent. New business continues to move to the city of Dubuque. Could it be the support of the community toward their public schools has been part of the reason why that occurs? Many would say that it does.
The estimated amount of revenue that this tax would provide the East Dubuque School District is more than $300,000. annually. This amount is based on the current enrollment figure. Each public school student in JoDaviess County would receive the same dollar amount. The money generated follows each student.
Thank you for allowing me to explain the Illinois County School Facility Tax. The question of this tax will be placed before voters on April 7, 2009. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Katherine Kelly
Superintendent
815-747-3180
January 6, 2009
Dear Members of the East Dubuque Community,
Happy New Year!
I trust you all enjoyed the holiday season. With the start of a new calendar year we will begin the process of planning for the next school year, 2009-2010. Each year the East Dubuque School Board of Education holds a day for annual goal setting. This year's goal setting event will be held on January 31, 2009. The agenda includes time to review the current district goals, look at accomplishments and begin creating new goals.
We truly value the input of all stakeholders in the community. if you would like to participate in the annual goal setting, please feel free to contact me through email or by telephone. We will add you to the list of participants and look forward to your views and perspectives.
Sincerely,
Katherine Kelly
November 14, 2008
Dear Members of the East Dubuque School Community,
I have received several telephone calls from tax payers in regards to the published Truth in Taxation announcement which was published in the East Dubuque Register Friday, November 7. I have been able to answer the questions of those individuals over the telephone. If any of you have questions regarding the levy request, please call me or come to the School Board meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM in the High School Library. I have prepared a power point presentation which will explain the levy process. I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Katherine Kelly
October 29, 2008
Dear Members of the East Dubuque School Community,
The 2007-2008 East Dubuque School Report Card is now available for viewing. If you would like to review this document, please contact the school your child attends. You may also see the report through the IIRC website listed on the home page.
The 2008 Adequate Yearly Progress Status Report states that the East Dubuque School District is making adequate progress throughout the district.
Please contact me or your child's principal if you have questions about this annual report.
Thank you,
Katherine Kelly