The summer recess is about over and it is time to prepare for the 2014-15 school year. The first day of school
for our students will be August 13th. Our teachers will report August 11th.
Our student population has continued to increase the past few years. Our average daily membership for the
2013-14 school year was 2106 students, which is our highest average daily membership ever. This compares with an
average daily membership of 2092 students in the 2012-13 school year. Growth in student population presents many
challenges such as providing facilities, staff, transportation and related services. I look forward to these challenges
this year. It is exciting to be a part of a progressive growing school and community.
Construction is complete on the new 3rd Grade Center. We are excited about accessing the new building when school
starts. This building, as well as the new 6th Grade Center, was funded with the $14,025,000 Bond Issue approved by
our patrons on September 13,2011.
Construction began June 16th on the Middle School Re-Roof Project. Wesfahl Construction Company from Oklahoma
City had the successful bid of $1,353,000 to install a new standing seam metal roof, new HVAC, and ceiling tiles at
the middle school. We will not be able to use this building until construction is complete in December. This remodel is
being funded by a $1,000,000 Qualified Zone Academy Bond, a $100,000 grant from the McMahon Foundation and
local building funds.
When school starts, our students will have access to a new sidewalk on the west side of our elementary school that
extends south to First Street. This new sidewalk was funded with a grant for Safe Routes to School by the Oklahoma
Department of Transportation at a cost of $126,584.31.
I want to be sure that our students and parents are aware and well informed about free and reduced meals in
our cafeteria. This is a tremendous benefit for our students as well as a source of revenue for our school. Our state
and federal funds are affected by the number of students eligible for free and reduced breakfast and lunch. Oklahoma
schools are funded on a weighted student formula. With this formula, each student eligible for free and reduced meals
generates approximately $750 in additional state aid. Federal dollars are also generated on each student that is
eligible for free and reduced meals. This year Elgin Schools will receive approximately $353 per eligible student under
Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.
Documentation for claiming these funds is an approved free and reduced lunch application on file. The information
on these applications is kept strictly confidential. Any agency needing to know information about students approved for
free or reduced breakfast/lunch programs are only given numbers of students approved. No names, social security
numbers or any identifiable information is released. All students, whether paying full price, reduced price, or eating
free are treated the same. The application forms will be available during the enrollment process. Please review the
income guidelines and if your child is eligible, take a few minutes and fill out the form. I encourage you to participate
in this beneficial program and at the same time assist the funding efforts of Elgin Schools.
We encourage our senior citizens to attend our school’s athletic events. Persons 65 years of age or older only
need to present a picture ID. at the gate and we will allow them free admission to athletic events.