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There are aspects of school administration that are especially rewarding. One is the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the students and staff. Depending on the size of the school district, you may also be afforded the blessing of watching children grow up before your eyes and the transformation that takes place over their school journey is pretty amazing. Yet another is the opportunity to work with colleagues, students and community members to create something new or make something better.
The restoration of the Otter Fieldhouse (the gym at Roosevelt Education Center) and the Lincoln School Project are perfect examples. The Otter Fieldhouse is home to gymnastics and wrestling. It also hosted a volleyball match last fall and several basketball games this winter - including our playoff games. It’s a wonderful atmosphere. It’s also steeped in history. The gym is beloved by many in our community and stands as an iconic symbol of Fergus Falls Public Schools.
Lincoln School involved the renovation of an abandoned storefront - turning it into a beautiful educational facility. Lincoln School is home to our Kindergarten, Otter Preschool, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs. The first two phases of building renovation are complete. Plans are in place for phase three, which will focus on developing learning opportunities outside of the building.
Read more: Supt. Drake: The best way to predict the future is to create it
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I have been reading a book titled, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It is a worthwhile read for parents, grandparents and anyone who works with children. The core tenets address concerns about how the lived experience of children has changed over the past twenty to thirty years and the harm that smartphones and, more specifically, their use as a portal to the internet and social media is causing our children.
As I reflect on my own childhood experiences, I find them blissfully simple. I grew up on a very small hobby farm. We had chores which were mostly confined to feeding the pigs and giving dad a hand on any variety of projects. I also hatched chickens and ducks from my incubator. I had no idea back then that the fable of the golden eggs would essentially come true in 2025 due to the scarcity caused by the bird flu!
We heated our house with wood so there was the inevitable cutting, splitting and stacking. To this day, I find the heat from a wood burning stove or fireplace especially comforting. It was work, but it was good, honest physical labor and a time to connect as a family. We ate supper together every night - usually meat, potatoes, a vegetable and bread. Dessert was an added bonus, but not essential.
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While many may think of education only within the confines of reading, writing and arithmetic, the educational philosophy of the Fergus Falls Public School District goes well beyond that. Our vision emphasizes core knowledge, communication, problem solving, character and citizenship. Experiences that develop our students into confident leaders focused on school and community pride, service, stewardship and active involvement in our community define what being an Otter is all about.
As we move through the academic year, I am continually impressed by the dedication and commitment our students demonstrate in their efforts to make a positive impact on our community. In this column, I want to highlight the valuable service learning opportunities available through Fergus Falls High School, specifically through our partnership with the Philanthropy and Youth (PaY) program and the active Key Club, supported by the Otter Risers Kiwanis.
Service learning is more than just volunteering; it’s a powerful educational approach that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep sense of civic responsibility. Our students are not just learning about their community; they are actively shaping its future.
Read more: Supt. Drake: Investing In Our Future – Service Learning In Fergus Falls Public Schools
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As we continue the process of finalizing the FY26 budget for Fergus Falls Public Schools, we face a complex landscape filled with significant challenges. When we refer to fiscal years, we label them as follows: our fiscal year 2026 is referred to as FY26 and runs from July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. Currently, we are projecting a FY26 budget deficit of just under $1.8 million dollars. Our forecast could end up looking better - it could also end up looking worse. There are currently many unknowns.
Our commitment is to a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes student learning. This unprecedented level of uncertainty makes the budgeting process particularly difficult. With this in mind, we are taking a mitigated approach to this budget. Our target reduction is $950,000.
Why are we only planning a reduction of $950,000 in the face of a deficit nearly twice that amount? We have been prudent financial stewards of our resources; we currently have a sufficient fund balance to absorb the deficit if necessary. If the fund balance was built to weather a rainy day - well, the rain has arrived.
We also believe strongly in what we are doing and want to maintain our staff and programs to the best of our ability. Our most recent MCA scores placed the district at the top regionally and each week we celebrate student academic success, success in the fine arts and success in athletics. We have much to be proud of.
There are a number of variables that impact our budget.
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In today's rapidly changing world, an exemplary education has expanded beyond simply mastering core subjects like math and science. While these foundational skills remain crucial, we believe in the importance of a well-rounded education – one that nurtures not just academic rigor and achievement, but also develops creativity, critical thinking, communication, and social-emotional growth. Our commitment is to provide our students with opportunities to explore their passions, develop their talents, and become well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life.
A well-rounded education fosters intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. It encourages students to explore different disciplines, from the arts and humanities to technology and vocational skills. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences broadens their horizons, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This exploration not only sparks passion, but also helps students discover hidden talents and interests that can shape their future paths. We believe that a student who is engaged and excited about learning is a student who is well-prepared for the changing landscape of work and life.