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ECCS superintendent outlines priorities, urges support for November referendum
Summary
Dr. Erin Rathke, superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools, told the Victoria City Council the district's top priorities are academic excellence and financial stability, described projected budget shortfalls and program risks, and said the district will ask voters on Nov. 4 to approve a levy estimated at about $23 per month on a $500,000 home to sustain programming and counselors.
Dr. Erin Rathke, superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools, used the council's open-forum time to summarize district priorities and an upcoming referendum request.
Rathke said ECCS's priorities are academic excellence and financial stability, noting the state has not kept pace with inflation and the district faces structural and inflation-driven cost pressures. She cited community survey results showing strong community support for the district (95% said children receive a well-rounded education; 87% rated the district excellent or good).
Rathke said the district cut $5 million last year and projects another $6.5 million in reductions over coming years if revenues do not improve. She described programs the referendum would protect, including extracurricular activities, gifted-and-talented programming, fifth-grade band and additional counseling (the district added a fifth counselor at both high schools with some state funding that may not be available in the next biennium).
Rathke said the proposed tax impact would be approximately $23 per month for the owner of a $500,000 home and reiterated the district will host two fuller presentations for the public (one in person and one virtual) and provide contact information on the district website for questions.
Provenance: Dr. Rathke's remarks were made during the council's open forum; council offered brief thanks and no formal action was taken.
