Español | русский | 中文
August 8, 2023
Dear DCSD Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! This morning I, along with members of my Cabinet, our Executive Directors of Schools, and Board of Education directors, had the absolute pleasure of visiting every school that was celebrating their first day of the new school year. It is so much fun to welcome our staff and students back. Nothing beats that first day of school energy and excitement. Of course, we still have a few schools to welcome back in the coming days and weeks but we can officially say that the 2023-2024 school year is off to a great start!
We have so much to celebrate here in Douglas County School District. I hope you can take a couple of minutes to watch this short welcome back video.
FUNDING NEEDS IN OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Tonight, our Board of Education will vote on whether to place a potential $66 million Mill Levy Override and $484 million Bond on the November 2023 ballot. You can watch the Board meeting on the DCSD YouTube channel or on Comcast 54. And you can learn more about funding needs in our school district by visiting www.dcsdk12.org/funding.
If passed, this additional funding would help us:
-
Retain and attract excellent teachers and staff by increasing pay to be more competitive with neighboring school districts.
-
Increase and maintain safety and security with additional support such as School Resource Officers and implementing school safety and security upgrades.
-
Provide additional Career and Technical Education opportunities for students to further set our students up for success after high school.
-
Update, maintain, and construct educational facilities as described in the school district’s bond plan to ensure safe and adequate learning spaces and to reduce overcrowding.
I encourage you to read my recent editorial “Property Taxes - Truths and Myths,” that appeared in local newspapers across Douglas County.
FREE LUNCHES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Starting this school year, Douglas County School District is excited to announce the participation in the Healthy
School Meals for All program for Breakfast and Lunch. All students enrolled at Douglas County School District may participate in the Breakfast (where offered) and Lunch programs at no cost.
While meals will be provided at no cost to all students in participating schools, it's important for Douglas County School District to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to state and federal
funding. Additional funds will go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals, support after-school activities and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, households who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more. Families can complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application at https://www.myschoolapps.com/. Please note, even if your application is declined your child will still receive free meals as outlined above.
We are so excited to have your child with us for the 2023-2024 school year! Thanks for being a part of the DCSD family.
Sincerely,
Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District