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Supt's Corner
June, 2021
Non-Homestead Operating Millage RENEWAL
On August 3, 2021, Linden Community Schools will seek a renewal of the current, not to exceed 18 mills non-homestead operating millage. The actual ballot language will ask district voters to keep the current millage rate of 20.3746 mills for nine years (2021-2030). The Non-Homestead Operating millage does not apply to primary residences and, or other exempt properties such as qualified agricultural property. For non-homestead property owners (commercial, business, rental properties, and etc.), this millage request is to maintain current tax levels, not to increase them.
Why is the renewal of the Non-Homestead Operating millage important? The current millage comprises about $2 million of the district’s operating budget. These funds can be used to pay for classroom supplies, classroom resources, staffing, and other items needed to operate the district’s buildings. If this millage renewal is not approved, the state will not make up the difference and Linden Community Schools would lose approximately $2 million in revenue a year.
The Non-Homestead Operating millage renewal is not a new tax and not a tax increase. The Non-Homestead Operating millage has been in place since 1995 as part of Michigan’s school funding program under Proposal A. With a renewal, non-homestead properties will continue to pay their current millage rate of 18 mills.
LCS COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted
On June 22, 2021, a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) order rescinded prior emergency orders, including the most recent Gatherings and Face Mask Order. Additionally, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued updated Emergency Rules. After reviewing the current lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, communication with the Genesee County Health Department, and working with our legal counsel, Linden Community Schools, including Argentine Early Childhood Center, will be implementing the following changes to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Face masks, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required for students, employees, parents, or visitors.
- Anyone (regardless of vaccination status) when on public transportation, including school buses, pursuant to a federal order from the CDC, will be required to wear a face mask.
- Physical distancing, regardless of vaccination status, is no longer required for students, employees, parents, or visitors.
- Capacity limits are no longer in place.
- COVID-19 testing for MHSAA participation is no longer required.
- Daily COVID-19 self-screening for employees is no longer required.
We understand that vaccinated, and unvaccinated, staff and students may choose to wear masks and we will fully support the choices our families make regarding these new restrictions. Please note, as we have experienced throughout this pandemic, restrictions may change and flexibility will still be important. As always, we thank you for your continued support.
LCS Hearing and Vision Screening
Congratulations!
Kindergarten Enrollment
LCS Bond Program
LHS Recognized in U.S. News and World Report
U.S. News and World Report evaluated nearly 24,000 public high schools around the country and identified Linden High School among the top 40% of schools nationally ranked.
U.S. News and World Report started by reviewing more than 20,500 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Next, U.S. News analyzed federal and state government and private data for the public high schools across the country that were eligible to be ranked, which was the total number of public high schools that had 12th grade enrollment of 15 or greater during the 2016-2017 school year to be analyzed. Approximately 18,000 eligible U.S. high schools were ultimately ranked.
Overall national rankings focused on the following criteria:
College Curriculum Breadth (10%)
College Readiness (30%)
Math and Reading Proficiency (20%)
Math and Reading Performance (20%)
Underserved Student Performance (10%)
Graduation Rate (10%)
A GREAT HIGH SCHOOL educates all students from different social and economic backgrounds, exposing them to challenging coursework on the path to graduation. The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report's 2021 Best High Schools rankings are those whose attendees demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math and reading state assessments, passed a diverse array of college-level exams and graduated in high proportions.
Linden Community Schools is proud to share the achievements of its’ students with a highly dedicated teaching staff, and incredibly supportive community.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LHS STATE CHAMPIONS
2021-22 School Year Acknowledgements and Updates
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, the 2021-22 School Year Acknowlegement feature in the ParentVue portal is open. Confirming/updating your student’s information is REQUIRED by the start of the new school year for ALL students attending Linden Community Schools.
Using the ParentVue portal, parents and guardians have the ability to electronically sign Handbook Acknowledgements, Acceptable Use Policies, update student Demographic Information, Emergency Contact Information, Medical and Health information, as well as transportation needs. This process takes about 10 minutes per student. It is important that we have current information for each student enrolled. Additionally, secondary students are also REQUIRED to use the StudentVue portal to electronically sign mandatory forms.
For directions on completing the required information, please click here.
Linden Community Schools
Email: rciesiel@lindenschools.org
Website: www.lindenschools.org
Location: 7205 W Silver Lake Rd, Linden, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-0983
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindenCommunitySchools/
Twitter: @LindenSchools