Wood River Rural Schools
Annual Report
Small School, Big Opportunities, Unlimited Successes
Embedded Files
Wood River Rural School district is a Nebraska School Activities Association Class C-1/C-2 school district, fully accredited by both the Nebraska State Department of Education and Cognia global accreditation. The district encompasses the towns of Wood River and Alda. The school district was formed in June of 2006, when Wood River Rural High School merged with Alda Elementary School and Wood River Elementary School. Both the Middle/High School and Elementary scored well above the national average during their recent accreditations. Enrollment for grades PK-12 is currently 508 students for the 2020-2021 school year.
Wood River Rural Schools is committed to Making Education Count. The district is dedicated to innovation, supporting a 1:1 iPad initiative at every grade level. The district operates a Preschool for 4 year olds, that is staffed by a certified early childhood educator, and is of no cost to participants. A reading instructional coach and interventionists are available in the Elementary school to ensure students are reaching grade level standards. To learn more about Wood River's reading instruction program see the video to the left.
Our math program also incorporates an interventionist to help assist students in reaching their full potential. The Elementary School also offers a free After School Program, where students participate in activities, receive a snack, have homework assistance, and go on field trips. The Elementary School hosts a variety of family oriented events such as the Pumpkin Trail, Reading Café, Veterans Day program, STEM Night, Polar Express, Grandparents Day, and the Elementary Track Meet, among others.
The grant funded after school program meets at the elementary from 3:15-5:30. Above, students take in popcorn and a movie on Friday!
The 5th grade students will transition from the downtown location to the Middle/High School building for their 6th grade year. In our outstanding Middle School, the teacher to student ratio is just 1:13, which ensures plenty of one on one interaction. In grades 6-8, Middle School students get taste of High School life, by moving from class to class. They enjoy instruction in Art, Careers, Agriculture/FFA, Woods, Character Education, and Problem Solving, among their core classes in Math, Science, Reading and English.
Once in High School, students have many education options, for a small school. Students may take such classes as Photography, Veterinary Science, Large Engines, Building Construction, Innovative Design. Not only can they branch out in subject areas, students are able to complete up to 15 college credits that transfer to all Colleges and Universities in the state of Nebraska. Students also have the option to be admitted into Grand Island's Career Pathway Institute, learning career technical skills to prepare them for the workforce and beyond. Wood River will be joining surrounding schools in accessing the Central Community College and University of Nebraska Kearney pathways in the career fields in Education, Criminal Justice and Health Sciences. There are multiple athletic teams and activities led by championship caliber coaches and sponsors for students to belong to. We enjoy seeing our students find success in activities such as Musicals, One-Act Play, Multicultural Club, Soccer, Cross Country, Softball, FFA, FBLA, Basketball, Wrestling, Volleyball, Football, Track and Golf. In addition, Wood River Schools farms 12 acres of drip irrigated land behind the school, to give students real world experiences in farming innovation, technology and marketing. Wood River graduates are ready for college or employment, as our average ACT scores are consistently above the state average. Wood River Seniors can graduate knowing they are ready for the next phase in life. By enrolling in Wood River's own Personal Leadership course, students are able to align job shadows, make college visits, apply for college, all while earning scholarships and learning about personal finance from Dave Ramsey.
Wood River's facilities are outstanding. We strive to constantly update classrooms with fresh paint, carpet, and flexible seating for blended learning; patrons are surprised by the age of the buildings, because of how well everything is taken care of. HVAC equipment was updated in both buildings 7 years ago. The Wood River Performing Arts Center is a magnificent theater envied by almost all schools in the state. Future projects in the upcoming years may include Middle/High School Science rooms, updated and accessible entrances to both schools, Elementary School playground, track resurfacing, new main gym floor, and a potential greenhouse. The Wood River Booster Club and PTO help provide our students with the latest in equipment, uniforms, and learning experiences, while bringing the community and school together.
Wood River Rural Schools is devoted to our students; we have embarked on The Leader In Me Journey. It is not obvious to the eye, but when you visit our schools, you know that the atmosphere is somehow different. The Leader in Me's foundation is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey, but it really is so much more. It is principled around the core paradigms of Everyone can be a Leader, Change Starts with Me, Everyone has Genius, Educators Empower Students to Lead their Learning and Develop the Whole Person.
For more information, or to schedule a tour of our facilities, please contact us at 308-583-2249.
Terry Zessin -Superintendent
District and School Ratings
(click each to find out more information on the district and each school)
School Board Goals
Wood River Rural Schools
Board of Education
Goals 2020
Student Goals
Short Term:
Consider “Leader in Me” program for WRE
Encourage school pride through the use of social media
Long Term:
Pursue LIghthouse Certification with Leader in Me
Expand WRHS Course Offerings
Staff Goals
Short Term:
Develop high quality PD schedule for 2020-2021
Expand NEE evaluation indicators
Foster high quality instruction
Provide opportunities for senior citizens to connect with the school
Long Term:
Add full-time counselor position at WRE
Curriculum Goals
Short Term:
Review and replace curriculum for Science
Improve assessment scores and perceptual data
Promote/inform parents of career development opportunities
Purchase a counseling curriculum resource for WRE
Long Term:
Review / replace social studies curriculum
Consider online curriculum for additional courses
Technology Goals
Short Term:
Replace student iPads on lease program
Replace BrightBytes with quality review program
Continued promotion of school technology progress
Make the display devices (tv or projector) wireless
Increase availability of devices
Long Term:
Replace teacher’s computers after next school year
Increase the use of personalized learning
Expand course offering through technology
Replace the existing firewall/content filter
Facility Goals
Short Term:
Replace stairs to crow’s nest
Sand & paint MS gym floor
Sprinkler system for football field
Complete MS/HS restrooms remodel
Maintain attractive facilities
Replace WRE carpet in all classrooms
Install new sound system for WRE gym
Long Term:
Repair and resurface track
Replace HS gym floor
Remodel MS/HS science classrooms
Consider building bus barn
Remodel WRE playground
Renovate school entrances
Business Goals
Short Term:
Maintain healthy budget reserve in General Fund
Create 5-year budget forecast
Long Term:
Maintain school vehicles less than 10 years old
Increase Special Building Fund balance for projects
District Financials
Current General Fund expenditures for 2019-2020 is 8.6 million.
Current General Fund expenditures for 2019-2020 is 8.6 million.
State aid to our schools has dropped considerably over the years. It is calculated on needs verse resources. According to the state calculation our resources exceed our need.
State aid to our schools has dropped considerably over the years. It is calculated on needs verse resources. According to the state calculation our resources exceed our need.
The levy has been anywhere from $1.13 in 2013-14 to $.78 in 2016-2018. The current levy is $1.03.
The levy has been anywhere from $1.13 in 2013-14 to $.78 in 2016-2018. The current levy is $1.03.
The total tax request for this year is $7,987,878. This is a 2% increase from the previous year.
The total tax request for this year is $7,987,878. This is a 2% increase from the previous year.
2020 Budget and Tax Levy
The above chart compares last year's budget information with the current year. There was just under $110,000 difference in the tax asking from last year to this year
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