Jennifer Kohan looks at the recently released Minnetonka School District annual report as a sign that things are going well.

The financial overview in the report is impressive. It's thorough and detailed.

"To me, when a district is not terribly forthcoming with the budget, it makes me wonder what really is going on," Kohan said.

But the report contains a note of caution for Bill Wenmark, a long-time observer of the district.

According to the document, state funding provided 72 percent of the district's revenue for the 2008-09 school year, and in 2009-10, it's projected to drop to 68.7 percent.

"We don't know what's going to happen at the state legislature," Wenmark said.

He said it's important that the district implements programs that directly create higher enrollment, takes a long-term financial outlook and finds ways to create more revenue.

Kohan has taught in Chicago, Las Angeles and Roseville.

It's her first year as a Teacher on Special Assignment at both Minnetonka Middle School East and West. She splits her time between both schools, helping students in all grades hone their writing skills.

Wenmark is a former Minnetonka School Board member (2000-08) and a member of the Advanced Board Academy of the Minnesota School Boards Association.

The annual report also breaks down the annual operating budget, cost per pupil ($9,178 in Minnetonka vs. the $9,292 state average), the districts use of funds and its funding sources.

The 32-page document, which is mailed to residents annually, also reviews student achievement, enrollment levels, programs, financial reports and other school district accomplishments.

"What I'm reviewing is the district's mirror image of themselves," Wenmark said after accessing the report on the school district website. "So it's always going to be a positive document."

He said the report should be positive, comparing it to a job hunter's resume.

Wenmark said the document is more thorough than the state requires for a school district's annual report.

When he was a board member in 2000, the district was facing significant cuts. Wenmark said if nothing was done to generate more people living within the school district boundaries, an elementary school could have been closed.

So began a vision and goal for a stronger school district, he said.

"We're going to build a destination for excellence in education," Wenmark said about the district's goal at the time. "I'm so proud of that effort."

He said that effort shows in the annual report.

Wenmark said the school district is fortunate to have a strong, supportive and educated community, and he said the open enrollment policy was a key component to the school district's strength.

He also credited Superintendent Dennis Peterson, school district staff and the community for the district's excellent programs, improved facilities and budget management.

More information: http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us.

"What I'm reviewing is the district's mirror image of themselves," Wenmark said after accessing the report on the school district website. "So it's always going to be a positive document."

He said the report should be positive, comparing it to a job hunter's resume.

Wenmark said the document is more thorough than the state requires for a school district's annual report.

When he was a board member in 2000, the district was facing significant cuts. Wenmark said if nothing was done to generate more people living within the school district boundaries, an elementary school could have been closed.

So began a vision and goal for a stronger school district, he said.

"We're going to build a destination for excellence in education," Wenmark said about the district's goal at the time. "I'm so proud of that effort."

He said that effort shows in the annual report.

Wenmark said the school district is fortunate to have a strong, supportive and educated community, and he said the open enrollment policy was a key component to the school district's strength.

He also credited Superintendent Dennis Peterson, school district staff and the community for the district's excellent programs, improved facilities and budget management.

More information: http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us.