Superintendent’s Corner
By Rick Parks With a spirit of gratitude, we extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the dedicated members of Marathon’s American Legion Post 469 and our American Legion Auxiliary Unit 469 for their service. The commitment of our Legion members to educate our youth about the various facets of their service to our country is truly commendable.
Veterans Day, marked by programs in our schools, offers our students a firsthand account of historical narratives and this year had a special focus on the Honor Flight program. Before the programs, the American Legion Auxiliary generously gifted students and faculty with symbolic flag pins, fostering a sense of unity.
The presence of Veterans Day programs in our rural schools is a testament to our region’s good fortune. The central role of our schools in the community signifies our commitment to preserving this vital connection. It is a meaningful way to honor our legion members while cultivating an understanding among students about the significance of annually recognizing and honoring our veterans. Witnessing our student body’s respectful and attentive participation gives all in attendance a sense of pride.
As our school district will soon step into December, the gears begin to turn towards activities that lay the groundwork for budgeting and educational planning for the next school year. While it may seem premature, initiating this process early ensures timely decisions for students and families.
A crucial starting point in this journey is the evaluation of Open Enrollment (OE) Space Limits. Marathon has been fortunate to attract families and students seeking enrollment in our district, resulting in a net positive inflow of students. This influx correlates with additional revenue, a substantial $631,794 for the current school year.
However, a careful analysis of both resident and open enrollment students is essential. This involves assessing available space in grade levels and classrooms, determining if there is room for new OE students.
Over the past eight years, this evaluation consistently led us to limit the number of spaces for potential new OE students. Now, with the availability of new housing units in our district, a thorough review is again important. The potential impact on enrollment for the upcoming year will be scrutinized, culminating in a decision at the January 2024 school board meeting, where new limits will be set through school board action.
For now, as we enter our Thanksgiving break, the first quarter has concluded at MHS and our MAES/MVS students are approaching the end of their first trimester. There have been concerts for some grades with more to come in December. And, the fall sports chapter has closed, making way for the extended winter sports season for our students.
It is my hope that all our families will enjoy this time of the year as a time for family bonding, marked by shared meals, reflections, and cherished stories— an expression of the essence of family time.
Rick Parks
