You can check out the Brown Elementary IDC News every week here!
Second graders at Brown Elementary had an amazing once in a lifetime special school day this year celebrating 2-22-22 on a TwosDay in the 2nd grade! The day revolved around the #2 from Stem projects, math problems, books read, stories written, and shirts made. Twos all around! pic.twitter.com/j0fLtMSiZ7
— Hilliard Schools (@HilliardSchools) February 22, 2022
We have received news today that Franklin County Public Health has shortened its recommended isolation and quarantine periods for those infected with or exposed to COVID-19, in accordance with new CDC guidelines. There is a link below to the new isolation/quarantine periods.
As we approach the winter break, we want to be sure our families know there is help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if a student is in crisis.
If a friend or family member hears direct warning signs like, “I’ve decided to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead,” “I’m going to end it all,” or “If this doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself.” The most important thing to do is call 911 for emergency help.
If there are indirect warning signs like, “I’m tired of life; I just can’t go on,” or “my family would be better off without me,” you should contact local police non-emergency lines or the Safe Schools Helpline.
The Safe Schools Helpline is a free and confidential option for our students to report threats of violence, illegal activity, or any activity they think can harm students or staff in our schools. There is a toll-free number students can call or a number they can text or a web page where they can report their concerns and talk to a trained mental health counselor.
During the school year, we utilize The Hope Squad program. This is a school-based peer support team that partners with local mental health agencies. Peers select students who are trustworthy and caring individuals to join the Hope Squad. Squad members are trained to watch for at-risk students, provide friendship, identify suicide-warning signs, and seek help from adults. The Hope Squad students know who to contact when they see a peer in crisis.
Non-Emergency Police Safe Schools Hotline
Hilliard PD – 614-876-7321 800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359
Dublin PD – 614-889-1112 800-418-6423 ext. 359
Columbus PD – 614-645-4545 Text TIPS to 66746
The last time Hilliard City Schools was on the ballot was in 2016. However, last night at the Board of Education meeting, Treasurer Brian Wilson delivered the five-year forecast with news that due to tight fiscal management, the district will not need to ask taxpayers for a levy increase until 2024. That will be a full eight years between levy requests.
“During the 2016 campaign, the board of education and district officials promised our community that if it passed, we wouldn’t be on the ballot again for four more years,” said Board of Education Member and Finance Committee Member Mark Abate. “We understand the tax burden for our residents, and we are proud to be able to stay off the ballot even longer.”
In the five-year forecast, Mr. Wilson predicts Hilliard will not see a significant increase in revenue from the new state funding model. However, “Property taxes in 2020 and 2021 came in significantly better than projected in 2017,” he said. He also noted, “salaries and benefits are significantly less in 2020 and 2021 than originally projected in 2017. Part of this is a result of COVID as we reallocated staff to handle the changes in the learning environment. We were also able to use some of the federal dollars to offset some of our costs that would normally fall in the General fund.”
In early winter, Superintendent David Stewart and Deputy Superintendent Mike McDonough will bring back together the Master Facility Planning Committee. Before the pandemic, this group of community members, staff, and business experts conducted an extensive facility assessment on each building throughout the district. Reconvening this group will help the district create short-term and long-term plans for our facilities while maintaining current funding levels. In addition, although our schools have been well maintained, we must assess whether the costs associated with repairing facilities and mechanical systems are no longer a prudent investment of taxpayer dollars.