FRANCIS HOWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT

January 30, 2026

To our community stakeholders:


Over the next couple of months, Francis Howell School District will host a series of Citizens Roundtables. These events provide an opportunity for interested patrons to come together, engage, brainstorm and problem-solve around a relevant and timely topic. Past topics have included Prop S, Transportation Efficiency, College and Career Readiness, Culture and Climate, and Strategic Planning. Our next series will focus on School Finance.


ROUNDTABLE TOPIC: SCHOOL FINANCE

Have you ever wondered how schools are funded or how your tax dollars are put to use? Join Superintendent Mark Delaney and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Amy St. John at this Roundtable event as we explore school finance.


Participants will hear an overview of the District's financial reality, including potential challenges on the horizon and the estimated revenue impact of changes being considered at local, state and federal levels. After this brief presentation, participants will engage in table conversations designed to solidify understanding and generate potential solutions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Upon arrival, each attendee will be assigned to a table with other citizens and a host. After a brief presentation, participants will be asked to consider key questions and provide input that will inform future decisions. There will be an opportunity to collaborate with fellow citizens, hear diverse perspectives and offer constructive possibilities for the work ahead. The event is expected to last approximately two hours.



HOW TO SIGN UP

Each Citizens Roundtable is limited to 100 attendees. An RSVP is required so that we can ensure the correct number of tables and facilitators. The registration form for each event will close approximately one week prior to the Roundtable, or when the event is full. The same information will be shared at each event, so participants only need to register once. Roundtables will be held at various locations across the District. All events will begin at 6:30 p.m.



Please note: A Roundtable event may be canceled due to low registration. If this happens, registrants will be invited to participate in another session.



Will I have an opportunity to speak to the Board and Administration at this event?
Citizens Roundtable events are focused on generating ideas and problem solving around a particular topic. There will not be an open forum to address the full Board and Administration, but each small group will have an opportunity to share their thoughts during the event.

Is this a child-friendly event?
Childcare will not be provided. The goal is to allow patrons an opportunity to engage around District issues and opportunities.

Will food or refreshments be served?
Water and small snacks will be available but it is recommended that participants eat dinner before the event.

I can only come for part of the event; should I still sign up?
The event is expected to last approximately two hours. Since the discussion at the roundtables requires an understanding of the District's current work in the topic area, it would be difficult to miss the presentation and be able to contribute fully to the conversation. For this reason, we recommend that only participants who can attend the full event sign up. 

Can I sign up more than one person?
Each participant should complete a registration form. If you’d like to register another person, please submit a separate registration form in their name. Please also remember that tables will be assigned upon arrival and you and your partner will likely be placed in different groups. This helps ensure a variety of perspectives are considered at each table.

Who can I contact with questions?
Send questions about this event to communications@fhsdschools.org and someone will get back with you as soon as possible.

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