We continue to hear the rumor that Hay Springs Public School is closing. Let me make it very clear:
HAY SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOL IS NOT CLOSING!
Financially: We have paid off all operational loans, have adequate month-to-month funds to pay bills, and have increased our ending cash balance the last three years. Many cost saving strategies have been implemented. We are fiscally solvent.
Academically: We are one of the top performing schools in the Panhandle and State. We perform well above the State average on the Nebraska State Assessment and the ACT. We score at or towards the top of every academic measurement.
Facilities: We continue to improve school district facilities. We put walls in the elementary school, new handicapped doors on the main entrance and lunchroom, replaced concrete as needed, replaced the roof on the High School, and we have addressed other deferred maintenance.
Staff: Across the board we have outstanding teachers and support staff. They come early, stay late, and work on the weekends. Our employees are dedicated to helping our students be successful. Every student receives individual assistance if needed. Every teacher, paraprofessional, secretary, cook, custodian, and bus driver focuses on what’s best for our students.
Students: Our students are exceptional, work hard, and care about learning. They are taking responsibility for their own learning. On top of that they are involved in multiple activities. Without exception we are seeing improvement on our assessment tests.
Parents: Our parents are supportive and want their children to receive the best education possible. We get 100% attendance at our parent/teacher conferences.
We would ask that if you hear this rumor you contact the school and I will personally contact the person who is making these false statements. Be proud and supportive of your school, students, and staff. They are the future of Hay Springs.
Stephen Pummel
Superintendent of Schools
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