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How will Hopkins Public Schools be affected if the government shuts down? How will Hopkins Public Schools be affected if the government shuts down?

06/21/2011

With the potential shutdown of the government looming, many people are wondering how Hopkins Public Schools will be affected. While there are many unknowns, we want to assure you that we are prepared to continue business as usual for the foreseeable future. We have compiled some commonly asked questions regarding the potential shutdown.

 

Q. If the government shutdown continues into the fall, will school start on time?
A. Yes, all schools will open as scheduled.

Q. Assuming the shutdown goes on for months, how long will Hopkins' schools be able to operate?
A. Hopkins Public Schools has enough savings and credit to make it through nearly an entire school year without state payments. The District has an $18 million fund balance, and can borrow against State Aid. In addition, the Hopkins School Board authorized a Line of Credit of up to 95% of the previous year's average monthly expenditures for Hopkins' operating funds. This line of credit can be initiated by the Business Department, if necessary. The District will use its fund balance before borrowing any money.

Q. What process will the District use to make decisions?
A. The District's business director is working with the administration on a variety of financial scenarios to help shield students from the effects of a shutdown, but there are too many unknowns to create a concrete plan. As information evolves, we will continue to inform staff, students and families.

Q. How will a government shutdown impact learning?
A. Under Governor Dayton's plan, the Minnesota Department of Education would be reduced to a six-person staff. This would delay critical test score information that are used to determine student needs and, at the school building level, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a measure of the federal No Child Left Behind mandate.

Q. How do I get a hold of the elected officials who represent Hopkins?
A. You can find contact information for the state legislators who represent the Hopkins School District and for Governor Mark Dayton here