.jpg)
Dear Members of the Ely Community, I am writing to provide a message of transparency regarding the financial health of our school district. Over the past several months, our administration team has worked tirelessly to navigate financial challenges stemming from various factors.
The challenges we currently face are the result of a combination of declining enrollment, an increase in expenditures, the expiration of federal funding from the pandemic, continued increased operating expenses, and unforeseen circumstances such as the recent economic downturn. Despite our best efforts to mitigate the impact of these challenges, the Ely Public School District is faced with the difficult task of making tough decisions to ensure the long-term financial stability of our district while continuing to provide a high-quality education for all students.
Our administration, department heads, finance committee members, and school board members have been working tirelessly to identify areas where budget reductions can be made. Our reductions will impact various aspects of our district’s operations, including staffing, programs, and services. Our goal is to keep these reductions as far away from students and programs that impact our student’s learning.
We understand that news of budget reductions may be unsettling for our community members, and we want to assure you that we are committed to minimizing the impact on our students and maintaining the quality of education that the Ely Public School District is known for. We will strive to make thoughtful and strategic decisions that prioritize the needs of our students and align with our district’s values and goals.
We will remain transparent and communicative, providing regular updates to our community through local papers. We value your feedback and support as we work together to navigate these challenging times.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we confront these difficult decisions. I am confident that we will emerge from this challenge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Sincerely, Anne M. Oelke Superintendent of the Ely Public School District
