By Greg Denecker, Bluffton schools superintendent

For the sixth consecutive year, our district scored a perfect 100% on the state report card, meeting each of the indicators set by the Ohio Department of Education.

With these scores, our district again received an "Excellent with Distinction" rating, which is the highest ranking for Ohio school districts.

We also continue to carry a high performance index. Our current performance index rating is 106.8, which puts our district in the top 6 percent of all school districts in the state. This ranking could not be achieved without the combined effort of parents, students, staff, and the community, so please know that your support is appreciated.

We, the staff at Bluffton Exempted Village Schools, will continue to give our students the best education possible and prepare our graduates for the next stage of their lives.

The financial report shows our general fund carry-over balance of over $2.2 million for the 2011 fiscal year. We finished our general fund in the black on June 30 with $82,000 in reserve.

This is our third consecutive year in the black. Please note that we have been able to maintain these figures while taking in less revenue from the State.

With the cut-backs of over the last three years and the absorbing of positions through retirements this past school year, our district will save over $700,000 in operating expenses.

We will continue to look for ways to be fiscally responsible to you our community, while still giving our students an excellent education.

In fiscal year 2009, which is the most recent date that statewide comparison expenditure statistics are available, we spent around $8,400 per student to educate each child.

This is $2,000+ less than the state average of $10,500+ per student statewide. As noted above, our district performs within the highest level in the state for a lot less money on average.

You will hear much talk in the coming months of school consolidation studies and discussions at the state level, but the above statistics demonstrates that it is possible for schools to be fiscally responsible and still perform at high levels academically.

We have proven that you do not need to be a huge school district to be fiscally responsible and successful academically.

Last year's recycling program of paper and cardboard products went very well. We will continue the program this year with Gateway Recycling (paper) and Koogler's (cardboard).

On a different note, it is amazing to see the number and types of activities that our students are involved in at all different ages groups. From sporting activities, quiz bowl, and math club to music activities, plays, musical, etc.-the list goes on and on. These activities are indicative of a vibrant and active school community

Finally, we look forward to educating over 1,150 students in our district this year. This is a wonderful privilege and opportunity. Thank you for your continued support of Bluffton Exempted Village Schools and the students we serve.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to stop in or call me at 419-358-5901.