The proposed 2012-13 budget cuts over $12 million from a maintenance level budget by eliminating 95 positions, reducing district-wide services, and increasing class size to effectively balance expenditures with anticipated funding. The cuts include non-personnel reductions of $2.1 million and a reduction of administrative, support services and other district-wide personnel by 29 full time equivalent (FTE) positions at $3.5 million. To balance the budget, the administration also recommends a reduction of 66 instructional personnel at $6.5 million, which includes teachers, principals and other critical positions at the elementary, middle, junior and high school levels.

A team of video production students at North Pole High School won first prize in the Energy Efficiency High School PSA Competition – a contest sponsored by the Alaska Energy Efficiency Partnership. For the contest, NPHS students created a public service announcement (PSA) that educated the public on ways to improve energy efficiency and conservation.

As a first-prize winner, the PSA aired on statewide television on Sunday, February 5, during the Super Bowl pre-show and during the season premiere of The Voice (which followed the Super Bowl). The video will also be shown at various times throughout the month of February and the student team will receive three iPad(s) and $1000 for the NPHS video production program.

“My students take their work seriously and it's great to see their efforts receive such recognition,” said Matthew Bierer, Audio/Visual & Communication Teacher.

Congratulations, video production students!

If you would like to nominate a teacher for the BP Teachers of Excellence award, complete the form online at www.bpteachers.com. Each award winner receives $500 and a matching $500 for their school. The deadline is February 14. Nominate a teacher today! More information and the nomination form provided by BP Teachers of Excellence.

The district is conducting the Spring 2012 Parent Opinion Poll. As parents and guardians of district students, please take a few moments to complete a brief survey about your child's school.

You only need to complete one survey per school, even if you have more than one child enrolled in that school.

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 School was canceled Monday, December 5, due to bad weather and unsafe driving conditions. The 2011-2012 calendar has been adjusted to make up the lost day of instruction. The last day of school for students is now Friday, May 18, 2012. Download a copy of the revised 2011-2012 school calendar.