Closing Admire School | emporiagazette.com

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glarson (anonymous) says...

lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...

I am all for a reversal of the poor decision to have all Jr. High in one location. Please allow me to point out...two of the three board members who voted to keep Reading a K-8 were the board members who were given the responsiblilty to analyize and report data for possible classroom consolidation in Admire, and comparing one or two K-8 facilities in the 251 district. Those two members BOTH voted to close Admire, and BOTH voted for two K-8 facilities. Do they know something that the "majority" apparently doesn't? How about the FACT that because of that 4-3 vote, this district will lose more precious money....ummmm I mean children. Regardless of how you feel about these supposed turn-coats leaving the district, it won't make them stay. I'm afraid that the district's band-aid approach to the budget will soon need a tourniquet because of this decision.

February 11, 2010 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Maybe smaller is better :)

February 11, 2010 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...

How am I not surprised, NLCpride, that your opinion is "smaller is better :)", as this particular post seems to also reference your cranial capacity. Since when does basic math, at a loss of approximately 40 students, = better. How will you feel when your above statement is tested with a merger into USD 253? Oh yeah, don't want to forget a well placed ":)"!

February 11, 2010 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oneforone (anonymous) says...

The way unified or lack of unfied schools continue to fight and point fingers at each community the board might as well hang a For Sale sign at the entrance to Northern Heights HIgh School as it is only a matter of time before before the high school closes. I grew up and came from an area where the exact same thing happened as there were those that wanted to keep stirring the pot and not accept the change and lost the entire district. Work together for your childrens future or plan on all the kids traveling for an education.

February 11, 2010 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

Provide a public education website for online classes and close down all the school buildings across the nation. That would save some money.

February 11, 2010 at 7:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

koalemos, that seems to be your answer for everything, can sure tell you are a "layman" and not in educating our children.

February 11, 2010 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

I also came from a district that kept downsizing. And it had nothing to do with people stirring the pot and nit being willing to accept change. I am willing to accept change, just not change that I feel is suicide. And to the person that mentioned the 4-3 vote...i don't know that the 3 know anything more than the other 4, I just think the other 4 made up their minds long before the information was presented. And noone ever looked seriously at the potential loss, and you can call them turncoats or traitors or whatever, but until you understand that particular families situation, keep your opinion to yourself. at least the name calling portion, I actually enjoy the debate. Maybe through some of this an actual idea will spring forth that someone can latch onto and bring about some positive action. Whether we like it or not, because of the tight and ever shrinking budget, until the state fixes the funding debacle, education has now become a business. And if a district is not attractive or able to keep families/kids, it isn't a profitable business and will eventually fold. Smalle used to be better, for some anyway. But today smaller is not an option, especially for rural districts. Start shrinking and you can bet it won't stop. So call us pot stirrers all the names you want...we, at least I, only want what is best for a long standing district.

February 11, 2010 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

sandman, You are correct when you say that I'm not into educating YOUR children. How many children should I be required to finance? I could understand the cost IF the public education system really tried to be cost effective while providing a world class education to our children but they are doing neither. Our schools are worse at teaching students than many third world countries yet they are the most expensive in the entire world. Something has got to change and it should start with parents caring for their own children in their own home. The public resources being used to bus teams from region to region to participate in sporting activities is a horrible waste of public funds. If we have to transport the kids it should be to get them to the classroom. If we have to turn on a light or heat a room it should be a classroom or a latrine not a gym or a field. If we have to hire someone let it be a teacher not a coach. A good administrator is worth the money but if an area as small as Lyon County is paying for more than one administrator then the administrators they have are worthless.

February 11, 2010 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

lcountyvictim that was rude :( I was simply referring to the fact that everybody wants their children to attend a school with small classes. Not once have I heard anyone from NLC say they wanted their son/daughter to attend Americus because the classes would be BIGGER

As far as the district losing "more precious money....ummmm I mean children" will they lose enough children to offset the cost of another JR High? You were kind enough to supply this number ("at a loss of approximately 40 students") so lets go with it. 40x$4,000=$160,000 Still with me so far? That is less than the $175,000 that is projected they will save by NOT having another JR high. So if 40 kids leave that is still a savings of $15,000.

As far as my kids going to USD253 at least my kids will get to play on new ASTRO-TURF and swim in a nice pool. Of course this doesn't come until after they are privileged enough to attend one of the several elementary schools, then are transferred downtown to the 5th grade building, then across the street to the 6th grade building and then clear across town to the Middle School, to finally end up at the high school. And to think we have people in this district complaining about making 3 transitions and their children not making any friends. Like the lady on TV after the board meeting the other night CRYING because her child would only have ONE friend in their class. GIVE ME A BREAK! Kids are the most adaptable and can make friends at a drop of a hat. The children will have the same attitude that they are shown at home. Therefore, this plan will only work if it is accepted at home.

Oh and one more thing ;) right back atcha xoxoxoxo

February 11, 2010 at 11:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Sorry to bother you folks again, but can I see a show of hands at the people that will be at the next board meeting or is this issue over now and you can go back to watching your Monday night TV and drinking your beer? I personally won;t be there but would love for someone to report back

SLC had fewer than 20 people show up at their last meeting. Maybe they know something that our people didn't.

February 11, 2010 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

Board Meetings are just a formal way of making public what has already been decided behind closed doors.

February 12, 2010 at 5:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

koalemos is right in one regard, this country is where its at in many areas due to the lack of parenting. But thats another topic for another place and time. Kansas actually does a good job of providing a quality education, we may disagree on how that happens, I know I have issues and I'm an educator. But Ks is always in the top 5-10 in student achievement, while in the bottom 5th percentile when it comes to teacher salaries. No, I am not making this about pay. But the way our state funds schooling is broken. we get around 4K a kid and a state like Minn gives twice that much??? Does it really cost that much more to educate a child in a different state? How do other states pony up more money for education? Until our state figures it out, the district better take seriously the numbers game of students being equal to cash. I love this district but I can't blame a family who lives in a rural area that may be 20 miles away from each attendance center not wanting to have to deal with that logistic night mare.. Not quite the same as driving across town in Emporia. Yes kids are resiliant, but how much of their adjusting is forced on them by adults making stupid decisions. This is one decision that should be looked at again.

February 12, 2010 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...

NLC Pride: You're right, I was rude and I apologize you took offense to my comments. Unfortunately there have been many comments thrown out over the course of this article that have been offensive on many fronts, but I shall try my best to help and not hinder the situation.

Why are so many people not questioning the #'s that have been presented? I'd like to touch back to the reported $175,000 dollar savings by having 1 K-8 facility. I can hardly believe this figure, and how was it derived? I can only assume it's the salary of 4 teachers. Our district has many teacher's, who can teach 2 core subjects. This can, and should, be utilized in a scenario of 2 K-8's. If 4 teacher's were reduced to 3, the # would look more like $131,250. Then what about the additional transportation savings from that? At a projected cost of $11,000 per bus route, and a minimum of 3 additional bus routes, that would be a savings of $33,000. Now we are at $98,250, not inluding activities busing. I'm sure most everyone involved in this discussion knows directly, or indirectly, children who plan on leaving the district. 40 will be the minimum, perhaps that number will be higher, which yes, does equal (at $4,012 per student) $160,480. Does it look like the district's savings will be $175,000? Let's try an additional expense of $76,750 to our school district to have 1 K-8 facility. This is not a one time expense, but cumulative. It is one that will repeat year after year.

February 12, 2010 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Blessings4U, not sure exactly which "decision should be looked at again", closing of Admire or making Americus the district Jr. High? The closing of Admire, the board truly didn't have any other choice inorder to come up with the amount of money needed to keep the district solvent as much as possible. Making Americus the Jr. High, first, how many additional students are we talking about? If my understanding is correct, there are 46 students total in the Jr. High in Admire,grades 6 thru 8, therefore not speaking concerning "masses". If they put the 5th grade students back into the elementary in Americus, guess what? Room available for the 46. I don't know what the board plans on doing but I do feel that whatever it is, they have thought this out and considered various options.

These are very trying times for ALL, PLEASE, work with your board, that you elected, and allow them to make North Lyon County Schools a district that is one of the best in the state.

February 12, 2010 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

There were a number of constituants that worked very hard at trying to give the board information, and directed the board in directions as far as alternative plans. While one plan was played out in futility, a plan to keep Admire open, the other plan which was a plan to come up with a way to keep 2 K-8's was only partially touched on. And for those that were involved with that I thank you. But presenting numbers on what that would look like, as opposed to the "Super's" plan is about all that was accomplished, at least that what appears the case in the eyes of those that voted for 1 K-8. After that inital study was done, what should have been done by our great and powerful Oz, I mean Super, was to try to find a way to implement other savings, which are significant and now tucked nicely away for a rainy day. And then with that option fully explored, presented the 2 plans to the district. This was never done. The whole process was 1 step forward 2 back. Very poor planning. And vision. NLCpride is right. Costs expenditures and costs savings work not just towards 1 years budget, but they are cummulative. The busing is an issue, The loss of students is an issue (and I have begun to hear reports of neighboring schools reports of dozens of inquiries, so loss is real) sports are an issue, Americus doesn't have the facilities, they will have to use Readings larger building. This is just a pure example of a board overwhelmed and not wanting to deal with the issue and taking the easy way out and following the Super's recommendations. NLC is already one of the best districts in the state. We are fighting because we believe this will be detrimental to the district. Nothing against any one person, or community. Just concerned patrons speaking their minds, like we have thorughout this enitre process.

February 12, 2010 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (Melissa Garrison) says...

sandman: "If my understanding is correct, there are 46 students total in the Jr. High in Admire,grades 6 thru 8, therefore not speaking concerning 'masses.' If they put the 5th grade students back into the elementary in Americus, guess what? Room available for the 46."

What about the junior high students from Reading??

February 12, 2010 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Not to mention, that requires hiring another teacher, one of the arguements for moving everything to Americus. possibly 2 depending on class size. Funny how these problems keep popping up...thought this through real good they did...Oh and BTY...rumor has that 6th is going to be in their own class room too, separate from the 7-8. thats another teacher or 2. hmmm. I hear alot of k-ching-k-ching in the air!

February 12, 2010 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Melissa, I've been waiting for that to be asked. For one thing, the number 46 was THIS year, as it stands for next year, Admire will have 38 Jr. High and Reading will have 22, making the total 60. Yes, a workable number.

blessings4u, You state "nothing against any one person or community" please retrace your statements. First, our superintendent has been hired to do a job and he is trying to do that job. He is very unbiased, not coming from the area and trying to put this district in the best possible position not only next year but the years to follow. The board, that you helped elect, is doing the same. It appears to me, that what you tried to do was put the superintendent "down", he is doing the job he was hired to do in a very poor time, financially. We ALL wish things were different but they aren't and both the superintendent and school board are trying to do with what they have been presented. Now, if the district had done what a number of us tried to get past a number of years ago, we would have had a CENTRALLY located High School instead of busing the majority of students 20/25 miles one way. Someone said "they" did us a favor by allowing Americus students to go to Heights, sorry, ain't so!!! In reality we kept the district "alive" because of numbers.

All I'm trying to say is please allow these people that we have placed in certain positions to do their job and work with them to help make this district strong and going forward.

February 12, 2010 at 5:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

blessing4u, WHY do you speak of hiring more teachers? What about the staff that we have been paying at Admire? Plus the ones in the Jr. High at Reading? You are looking for something to "support" your statements but your statements are not valid.

Let's look at WHAT this district has been paying to keep Admire opened. Total of 95 students,(this year) all the staffing building maintenance etc., cost the district a pretty penny turned into dollars. We no longer can continue to do so for the money isn't there.

Your points aren't there so please, work WITH this district to make it salvent and in the future.

February 12, 2010 at 6:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (Melissa Garrison) says...

sandman - I agree that with only 60 students from both schools heading to Americus that yes, it is a workable number. I just can't help but wonder if the district would not be losing that many kids if Reading were allowed to remain a K-8.

I actually feel sorry for Mr. Nulton because as the "new guy" he is taking all the blame. Just because I don't agree with the decision of the board doesn't mean I don't respect them. Most of them are parents of my friends and classmates. They had a tough decision to make and... "You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not please all of the people all of the time."

Not to mention the extremely cruel, and may I say inappropriate, political cartoon the Gazette published personally attacking Mr. Nulton. If I were him, I would have said to heck with all of you - and found a place to work where the neighboring town's newspaper has better things to do than draw pictures depicting a new superintendent as an evil duck. Seriously.

February 12, 2010 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

I also believe in a former post I mentioned I think Mr Nulotan is very good at what he does. I just feel he came up with what he thought was the best decision and did not allow himself the opportunity to invest himself into anything else. Ok, you want to get into symantics....of course we have available teachers from Admire, or Reading or Americus, noone knows who gets to keep there job. The point is, much of the savings this plan boasts is from salaries. It was based on current staffing and what we would save by closing Admire. All I was mentioning is that savings in staffing is dwindling. I never said anything about not respecting the board either. And while I may have made some references to Mr Nultan as the great and powerful Oz, I apologize if it was demeaning and offended you. My emotions got the best of me. But through this whole process and being at "all" of the mtgs. it was apparent to me that he wanted nothing to do with wasting time on other plans. He not so much as told me so.
Everyone is missing the point. The long term viability of NLC is truly in danger. You do this, you might as well find a sutiable building in Americus and just move the high school there too, cause noone from anywhere but the Americus vicinity will be attracted to this district. And again, this is nothing against Americus. Its just facts, you are seriously going to lose approx. 200K in funding from people leaving. Thats still 200k the following year and the following year and it also grows year after year by siblings not grwoing up in the district and by new families coming to the district. Thats the biggest issue, the other issues I've already touched on but they too are budget impacting. So sandy, sorry if I messed up your beach.

February 12, 2010 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Sandy- forgot to mention. If I felt what they decided made for a solvant district, now and in the future, I would't be making these points. And just what points "aren't there" as you put it. Provide actual refutable points and I will try to address my concerns, but we can't debate issues if all you say is that what I am saying is "not there".

February 12, 2010 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

I looked for one of my shoes under the couch once but it was "not there".

Yeah, I went to public school.

February 12, 2010 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

blessings4u, you ask "what isn't there?" First, you state concerning sports and that "Americus doesn't have the facilities", just what facilities are you talking about? Have you seen their gym? Why would they need to go to Reading? Not a valid point.

You talk concerning hiring teachers and that the main savings is in not having certain salaries, which indeed aids. BUT that isn't the only savings. Look at the cost of the building in Admire. You may be very proud of that building which I wouldn't in anyway say not to be but the loss in heat and cooling plus general maintenance, in insurance (which has got to be a pretty penny for that building is old). The cost is there or the board would not have made the decision it made. Reading is a newer building but it is small, could not possibly hold the jr. High students plus any population it will draw from Admire in the lower elementary.

As someone else said, if you've got the $600,000., go for it!!!! But the district, as it stands and with the loss of state aid, can't. You are angry because of your loss, that is understandable, but also remember our school board has done the best they can with what is available, don't down them because you didn't get your way. Work with them and see what can be achieved.

February 12, 2010 at 11:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

I never did find that shoe.

February 13, 2010 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Wow, you still don't get it. I said nothing about salaries equating to being able to keep Admire open. And yes, I have been to several events at the Americus gym and it is adequete for what it is currently being used for. But if it was adequete to house the additional students and sporting events including practices, why is it that Mr Nultan has plans to use Reading for the Jr High basketball games, could it be because it is bigger? There is even talk of using it for some practicing of basketball as you are now looking at having JV and Varsity under one rough, an expanded jv and varsity. That was my only comment on the facilitites, I was not making disparaging remarks about your gym, just relaying information already put forth by the board. As for Reading not being able to handle a expanded Jr High population, you are wrong there as well. The decision to make Americus the only K-8 had nothing to do with space, unless a secret covert operative that was in on closed sessions or had a private line to Nultan told you different. I guess I will try a different way to explain my concerns..Let me ask you this question. The district budget is refelective of number of students, and we are trying to balance our expenditures to that projected number. I have substantive information that shows the district may lose upwards of 40 kids. What will that do to the district? You know what I think, I think it will cause the need to close another school. How else is the district going to come up 200K in shortage? The whole basis point of my arguement is long term health. If your vision of long term health is to have 1 K-8 facility in Americus and Norhtern Heights, well you go ahead and blindly support the boards decisions. I can't, So I participate in this forum, hoping others see it, offer comments to help foster discussion, I will continue to contact the board, media. What you prescribe is akin to censorship, if my thoughts don't line up with yours or the boards agenda, then just shut up. But wait, now I'm putting words in your mouth. My bad! All I ask is to consider what the other side is saying, we aren't being selfish for a particular attendance center as much as bullish for our district. period!

February 13, 2010 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

If the people in Admire would get together and make a private school and operate it properly, they would make a mockery of the public schools. It might start the snowball rolling and get rid of the jokers in the public school system who pocket millions and tell us they ain't got enough money to teach our kids.

What we need is a good forensic investigator to show us the thieves in the system. Payoffs, kickbacks, back scratching, nepotism, fraud, waste and abuse at the top of the heap we call public schools.

February 13, 2010 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

blessing4u, Very good, glad you can call it "bullish for our district"for others may not see it that way. Yes, you are very correct concerning putting words in my mouth. What I've said is first: we elected these school board members to do a job but yet when they try to do that job, WAIT!!!! we want it THIS way.Second: Allow them to do that job. Third: They HAVE thought this out. Fourth:They ARE bullish for this district! (not trying to split but have it cohesive). It appears much of what you have to say is rumor and we both know, they fly for there are alot of "ifs".

What ever is done, WILL be for the betterment of the district for the school board DOES have all the facts!!!!

February 13, 2010 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

All I know is that the gymnasium in my area is far superior to the gymnasium in your area. Go local team!

February 13, 2010 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

The board may have thought they were prepared to make an intelligent vote, but I seriously believe they misunderstood the dynamics of the affect this would have, and underestimated the number of students they projected "might" leave. If not, then why has the mood changed? There is more of a concern about these numbers, are they real, do these families actually have plans in place, what districts have been contacted. This is information that will be presented before the next meeting. And we have never said after the decision "wait, we want it this way", we have made these concerns known from the very begining but this issue apparently was of no concern. I have yet to figure out what you and others accepting this decision carte blanche , just what your agenda is....If its for the district to be fiscally sound then I would think you would want this information too. As I've said before, after looking at all the facts if you still believe that this is in the best interest of the district then you have the right to stand up for that position. But I and others that think this will ultimately cause the demise of our district, do we not have that same right? I would argue if we can prove that it will happen we not only have a right but an obligation. Contrary to what you obviously think about me and people that believe what I do, we are not just shooting formt he hip here. We have done the research, contact other districts, been invovled in the meetings, called and emailed the board incessently as well as our legislators. I hope you are right that whatever is done will be for the betterment of the district. but until every window and door is closed on the subject, I will continue to present the case that 1 Jr High will kill this district, and do it with as much fact, and definitley more information than the board has looked at to date.

February 13, 2010 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Posted by Blessings4u (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"....but I believe seriously......"

Of course you do.

February 13, 2010 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

blessing4u, You last sentence stands out like a sore thumb,"definitley more information than the board has looked at to date", and how have you decided that statement is true? Have you been in the boards closed sessions?Yes, you may have been there for the opened sessions but more has gone on then what we the public see. Yes, I've been to the meetings and Yes! your board is informed. The questions you've asked has come from "Joe P. Public" for they HAVE NOT been to all the meetings and study sessions.

It is your right to want to cause concern but yes, I feel there isn't any concern for the board has it "thought" out and yes, one jr. High is the right way to go for the number of students we are speaking concerning.(60, grades 6,7,8th.) I truly understand what you are saying concerning Reading being a K-5 but I also understand the size the of the building which I don't feel you are taking into account. No one wants to see Reading hurt (or any town) but today must consider the education factor and cost, having one jr.high comes out not only the best but the cheapest.

February 14, 2010 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Brick wall. Size of Reading, seriously, again,. Its size had nothing to do with the decision. It is more than well equipped to handle a Jr High. That is not the issue. The issue is funding. I thank you for your debate, but you never even looked at my point with anything but deflection. "Aw, the board has seen everything, or taken everything into account". I say they have not...but Iguess we will see. Again, thaniks for your input but I feel I have exhausted this issue on this particular forum.. Good Luck, I think we all need it.

February 14, 2010 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

Sandman----bring me a dream!!!!! Or are you the one who is in a dream. And seriouslyfolks--I wish you luck with that shoe. koalemos- I think your post could be a viable option. Blessings4u-I'm sorry you ran into a brick wall with sandman, you had some very good points to make that seemed to fall on deaf ears. Melissa Garrison-how do you stay so calm and collected in such a problematic situation?
I also have to ask sandman how a CENTRALLY located k-12 located where the Orchard now stands could be considered Central???? Central to what???? Reading and Americus?

February 14, 2010 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

meanmom,When speaking of deafears or a brickwall, it goes both ways.

As in the past, you fail to look at NUMBERS!!!! To disagree concerning Central is in the past but afraid the error in our ways is showing up also now. Yes! Numbers!!!!! We bus many more students from Americus then we do or have from Admire,Reading to Northern Heights. This is what has gone on for years. Here are the numbers for next year from Admire and Reading:

8th grade-Admire 14 Reading 9
7th - 8 - 4
6th - 6 - 9

So yes, not trying to be a stonewall or deafears but realistic. The numbers have been there for years but afraid in the past our cry for help went out to deafears, now we are paying the price. The populace has been from Americus so therefore the majority of the busing has also come from Americus. In no way am I trying to degrade Admire or Reading, but stating facts, NUMBERS! Seem cold, I hope not but reality and in the current financial state we must be realistic. Also, the size of the Reading school does come into the equation when considering student body, not just the gym.

February 14, 2010 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

the busing expense goes up under the current plan, not the other way around. Explain to me where the money is going to come from when the district is still short 150 to 200k because of the fall in student numbers next year. Thats my main question. Oh I have stated other concerns, but that is the main one. If someone could just address that concern, with a serious answer, and not just, "oh that will not happen". The way I see it is Reading is the only answer, chop it next to gain the necessary savings to "Save" the district. Where is the logic, where is the the vision, and I understand mistakes were made years ago, but another one is being made that will destroy our district. I just want simple answers to these questions that, yes were being brought up, but to deaf ears. How blind and deaf will our board seem next year when faced with another significant shortfall, not because our state did it to us again, but because families had to make the a tough decision to what was right for their families, because noone listened. You are right its NUMBERS, but noone will open their eyes and even take the slightest interest, have any foresight into the possibility. It is not the busing because it costs more doing it this way, its not the size of Reading, they are more than able to handle more sutdents, its size was never a factor in the meetings. It partly has to do with the staff. Currently Americus is underutilizing the Jr High ceritifed staff, and was save 2-4 jobs, depending on what they decide to do with 6th grade. But the implications outweigh all of this. I hope others have the grace in their hearts, are able to see the greater concern, and will at least be open to our leaders taking a serious look at this concern.

February 14, 2010 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (Melissa Garrison) says...

"Melissa Garrison-how do you stay so calm and collected in such a problematic situation?"

Sometimes I like to let my brain think faster than my fingers. :)

Hamilton went through the same problem, but they did not close down and send their kids to Madison or Eureka. They consolidated all of their sports with Madison and went to a 4-day week. They probably have as many students in their K-12 as Reading has in their K-8. I once attended a graduation where there were FOUR people in their senior class. Four! Maybe we should hire their people to come help us out - because if Hamilton can stay open, anyone can.

There's not much I can say that I or someone else hasn't already said, but... Space at Reading isn't an issue. They are neither too big or too small. There is a hallway for the younger kids and a hallway for the older kids. The gym is large with stadium seating, the kitchen is much bigger than the one at Heights, and there is a cafeteria. We all know enrollment is down; so if you combine the students from Admire with the students at Reading, it would just make normal size classes. I feel that the numbers would even out across the district, instead of cramming a bunch of students at Americus and being okay with losing 40 kids to other districts. I picture it like trying to shove too much of something into one box...some pieces fall out, but apparently that's okay because then there's room for whatever else fits in the box. Two boxes.. that's all I'm saying..

February 14, 2010 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

melissa garrison, sorry this isn't one of those times, better luck next time.

Was interesting, you would rather see them cut back to four day school weeks, I would say that is cutting back on education time. I know, do whatever needs to be done so that
we can get our way and not what is best for our children, very sad.

We'll see what the board decides.

February 15, 2010 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

"There is a hallway for the younger kids and a hallway for the older kids."

I wish all of you great luck in solving this horrible problem. This is just so sad because as you will all agree and have been saying throughout, kids need and deserve more than these kinds of problems.

Kids don't deserve to learn lessons in hallways. I remember when my classroom was closed when Olpe was adding on to my classroom years ago. For a couple of weeks, I held classes in the hallway outside my room. Those big tall sophs, juniors and seniors didn't fit very well in that old narrow hallway either. But blessings on them, they participated and for the most part were well-behaved. I refused to put away the lessons and give them puzzles to solve. We even studied Shakespeare throughout all the construction noise on the other side of the wall. It worked, yes, but only because it was temporary and I fit all that noise into the Roman wars going on in Julius Caesar.

Since you can't sit and keep order too, I stood all day long. My feet were swollen by the time I got home. This is what putting kids in hallways does.

February 15, 2010 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

That is not what was meant by separate wallways. There is plenty of classrooms space. Everyone keeps deflecting the larger issue to issues that arent' even relevant. Its money...where is it going to come from when we are short again, due to closing the Reading Jr High? Why will that create another shortfall you many ask...And why wasn't the board aware of this before they made their decision?
If you have been following along you probably have seen several posts covering several different topics. And while I don't disagree there are some on here simply upset with the decision, and some simply wanting everyone to come together( and both are fine feelings to have, and expected) the fact of the matter is, our district ( and for those that continue to weigh in that aren't a part of 251 ) could potentially be facing a shortfall next year that will cause another huge cut to be needed. Logically that would be closing Reading altogether. Why will the district be short so much again? Because we are losing students. What was once an attractive district due to its small nature is no more. It has nothing to do with not liking Americus, I am sure it is a fine school full of fine teachers providing a fine education. But given a choice families would much rather send their kids to Reading, whether logistically the practical thing to do or not, because that choice is gone, there will be many who choose not stay due to fianances, practicality, or simply the unease of having children spread over what potentially is a 60 mile triangle.
There will be no kids in Hallways, the only crowding issue has already been beat to death, an issue yet to be fully explained as to how it will be handled, leaving still yet another budgetary item not fully resolved.
Once again, I appreciate the difficulty of the situation, and i'm thankful for our board, but I don't feel they totally grasped the underlying issues, and feel many succumbed to a decision they felt they had no other choice but to accept.

February 15, 2010 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

And sandman, you are so defensive in your comments. It is not so we can get our way for the betterment of our situation personally....its for the betterment of the overall health of the district. All you keep saying is accept and support the decision.. the board did the right thing.

What if they didn't???? What if they overlooked something??? What if they could see information in a new light or from another perspective that suddenly allows them to see a potential problem with the current decision???? What if a stay the course attitude will cause another closure ?? I don't know...maybe that is the agenda afterall... But if that is true, that means NLC is in deeper trouble than we will probably be able to overcome, barring a legislative breakthrough.. And its not that these concerns weren't brought up, I just think noone took the concerns seriously. But what if???? Should we not be thourough, make sure we havne't opened a floodgate that will eventually drown our district in debt? All we are asking is for people to hear, and look at the issue, in deep detail before it is too late. And if they decide to stay the course, so be it. But at least I will have the comfort of knowing I, and others< did all we could to support our district. Thats all, no hidden agenda. What could there be, a conspiracy to get rid of all the attendance centers and move NLC to the Orchard????

February 15, 2010 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (Melissa Garrison) says...

Um...all I can say is WTF? Do you really think I meant that Reading kids have to stand in a hallway?? Did it never cross your mind that maybe I meant that there were two separate hallways of CLASSROOMS for each section of the elementary?? Please, please, please - tell me you are joking.
Good luck, Blessings4u, but you are on your own now. I am going to go beat my head into a wall. It will probably be more productive than anything that comes out of this.

February 15, 2010 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

I don't have a dog in this hunt but I thought I might throw in my 2 cents worth. I hope I don't appear to be taking sides because that is not my intention.
When Hart.,Rapids and Olpe first unified I got to go to school at Rapids instead of Hartford for a year. Guess what in a couple of days more or less we didn't know the difference and we were all buddies just like nothing ever happened. Then it was back to Hartford where all the Rapids kids were now attending high school. Same thing there no problems. One of the (river rats as some people called them) ended up being my life long friend.
What I guess I'm saying here is that kids will adapt and overcome. The parents are usually the ones that need counseling not the kids. I'm sure that the boards of both North and South districts don't like it any better than the rest of you but since I know some of them I'm sure they are doing there best. After all they too have kids or grandkids in school.
The taillight always seems to be brighter after dark.
What if Hart., Rapids and Olpe had built a central school, what if the north had done the same thing? What if's really don't count so I suggest that all of the bickering, bitching and name calling isn't going to do anything but cause more problems and the kids will be the only ones to suffer.
Like I said only food for thought.

February 15, 2010 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

veryconcerned (anonymous) says...

Why would you keep a school open (Reading) and limit the number of people who can go there? Why would you come up with a plan that costs so much more in transportation? (If Reading was a K-8 the transportation cost would go down) Finally, why would you come up with a plan that will lose a considerable amount of enrollment? The only thing I can come up with is the technology grant that Mr. Nulton wants. He can only get it if Junior High is under one roof. I know money will be needed to keep the junior high in Reading, but the money saved from servicing more families and by that I mean not losing enrollment and the money saved by less transportation would easily cover the amount to keep Reading a junior high. Yes, it is important to advance in the technology area, but at what cost? Admire was unfortunately closed, but Reading was also handed a death sentence. I just don't see how the board can ingore the fact that so many people will leave the district, but out of those people, many said they would stay if their children could be together in one location. Please help me understand!

February 15, 2010 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

I will say a prayer for some of the people on this site. Especially for those that taught or learned at the Olpe skool. I think they need it.

February 15, 2010 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

tbluma

Good post......made a lot of sense to me. Too bad I fear it will fall mostly on deaf ears.

February 15, 2010 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

NLCpride since you obviously didn't go to skool at Olpe, where did you get your skooling?

February 15, 2010 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

tbluma, super post! As I said at the end of my last post, we'll see what the board says. I have been in all three buildings and so have knowledge of each, but as I said before, do not have all the information that our board does, only bits and pieces. I wish them well and have complete confidence that they will make the best decision for the district. It won't please all but nothing ever does. These are very hard times for all school districts and I have gotten the feeling that some of the posters, unless they get their way, would like to see the districts back broken. I sincerely hope I'm wrong As I've said in the past, we have a super district with many caring people that we as various communitites have put in certain positions. All I've asked is that we give them a chance, for they are informed, not only with rulings but also with each and every building, the school district.

February 15, 2010 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

Thanks Sandman and bisquit.
The problem I see down the pike is that like it or not there may end up being only one district and that will be in Emporia.
Hopefully that doesn't happen, if people don't wake up, get along and try to work together??????

February 15, 2010 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

I think ultimately it is almost inevitable that it will end up one district. Emporia's population is static if not shrinking. Without Emporia's growth to drive it, population growth in the rest of the county will almost certainly stop...and will probably start to decrease even more. Eventually pulling all the district into Emporia will become an economic necessity.

I hope I am wrong about this for all the people out in the county's sake....but I just don't see where the population in the future is going to come from if Emporia can't turn itself around.

February 15, 2010 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

tbluma what made it obvious that I didn't go to skool in Olpe...could it have been the fact that I knew they were not talking about actually putting the kids in "hallways"? duh!?!

February 15, 2010 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

Exactly the attitude that is causing a lot of the problems NLC.

February 15, 2010 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

tbluma and biscuitboy, I'm so afraid you both are correct, another part of the history of our nation, gone, the smaller school districts. In the past, we have had a choice, smaller or larger and afraid I tend to be attracted to the smaller, both have their "values". In my posting, I have tried to say "work together", perhaps I have failed, we don't need a split district but one that is cohesivie, supportive of each other. In the past, there have been various "items" that certain areas didn't like but we worked together to make a "unit", if certain ones do "pull out" it would hurt the district. Thank heavens that in the past our children have been very adaptable, for that is the way of a child. Let's not destroy that aspect and the pride of our children in THEIR school but yet make the district also solid financially.

February 15, 2010 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Why does everyone think we are being devisive? All we want is a healthy, financially sound district. Because I have brought up a legitimate budget concern I am somehow being a "devider and not a uniter"? I went to another districts budget meeting tonight, just trying to get more information. Its sad, but I'm afraid unless the state fixes the schoold funding issue and at least keeps the FTE funding static it really doesnt' matter. But I am an optimist, so I chose to hope that they fix it, opening up the door to save our district. I grew up in a rural district with many attendance centers and watched them close. I know of many smaller districts that have lost their ability to attract new families or even out of district families to their "smaller" school, because of the shrinking district. I am in the process of reading the latest Post Audit, the one that came out last week on unifications statewide. Fact is, if we can't keep kids and attract new ones, its over.

February 15, 2010 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

Blessings4you

My few comments on this thread were in no way meant to accuse you of being a divider...nor were they meant to accuse anybody of anything.

Well with one exception....

tbluma...it appears NLCpride is not getting your drift....LOL

February 16, 2010 at 6:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Whether or not I understood the classrooms in hallways comment is irrelevant here. What is relevant is that this problem is being experienced all over this country because people are on the move with the employment picture. According to several books which have been written on the subject of population movement, this is happening on the Plains more than in any other area.

People can no longer afford to live in small communities that do not have some kind of a connection to the employment picture in a neighboring city or larger town.

Just wanting the situation to improve is not going to do the trick. Unfortunately, this was seen many years ago and no one was paying attention, or chose not to. How are you going to attract families if you don't have an infrastructure or a base of employment of some sort?

February 16, 2010 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

I disagree with your analysis. Bedroom communitites have remained fairly constant over the past 2 decades as far as poplulation. In fact it is the larger communitites that have experienced greater losses in poplulation. Several studies have also been done that debunk the myths surrounding costs associated with education. People are attracted to different districts for different reasons. The rural districts attract those that long for the smaller classes, the down home family atmosphere, and an environment that allows pretty much everyone that wants the opportunity to participate in all the differfent programs the district has to offer. Larger districts in more urban areas attract those that want more bells and whistles and aren't as concerned about size. Neither is better, just a preference. My main point in defending my district is it is losing its ability to attract by handcuffing Reading, by making it a K-5 only attendance center. And those of us that have been saying this from the beginning understood the need to close Admire, as sad as it is. I even understand that if the state does not fix this funding problem, Reading will follow, and follow soon, possibly next year. But I choose to be optimistic about our situation, and hope that at minimum funding won't drop any further. And based on those numbers, A fully functioning K-8 at Reading makes sense. Not only to keep kids in district but to attract in the future those families looking for a school home.

February 16, 2010 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

I attended a meeting last night on statewide school budget. If the current situation does not get fixed 2012 will be a year of complete chaos. The state has already robbed the coffers of the 2011 budget moving money from 20123, causing 2012 to be worse off than is projected. As it stands , and these are rough estimates, FTE will drop from around 4k to just above 3.2K. Even large districts have already devised plans so they can survive these budget numbers. and they include cutting staff which equates to large classrooms, cutting in at-risk, advanced programs, cuts in transportation, elimination of much of extracurricular, including sprots programs.
So if this happens, rural districts are done. And you will see unification like never before, in many counties that will be 1 centralized district. Is that what we want for our children? I don't. So I fight for a more optomistic future. Why, because if things don't get fixed soon, even the moves 251 has taken won't save it. Why not create a working infastructure with what we have that will be a foundation for growth WHEN things do get fixed. And if your arguement is that foundation is Americus, well not for the 40% of us on the east side, and again, it has nothing to do with your school (which is a part of my district) or your community. It just will not make sense for many of us to stay when more viable options are available. Several board members were asked what they would do with their children if put in the shoes of a particular family. Some wouldn't answer, but a couple said they would probably be looking at other options. So if our own leadership understand our plight, I am simply asking for them to look again at the potential a Reading K-8 could give the district. Is that wrong of us? Some of you are saying we are wanting the district to fail or our actions will cause it to. My arguement is that the current decision will do that. Shouldn't the facts be debated? And no, they were not seriously looked at, so don't even go there. Lets please just be open to ANY possibilitites that will help our district survive this current crisis and be strong in the future.

February 16, 2010 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

And I guess I should clarify the costs remarks before I get blitzed on it. Studies have been done that show districts with higher taxes, in other words, their constituants pay for the things they want or need, do not suffer defections, on the contrary it most often attracts families over time. Costs studies also have shown that districts that put money into their districts help student achievement. Not I am not suggesting we have a bond issue or that we tax everything in sight. I do believe there is waste in the system, and many district have fluff they may not need. Consolidation of duties, elimination of redundancy, etc. I simply brought up costs as a means of tying in why some districts "out" attract others. Finding a way to incorporate Reading as an attractive K-8 may be worth the $. Especailly in light of the potential loss in $ that will happen as families make the tough choice to find 6-8 education that works for their individual circumstances. These are just things the board needs to look at. We aren't demanding a reversal, just respectfully ask, take one last look at what you are doing...PLEASE.

February 16, 2010 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

I also jsut finished looking at the PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT the state sent out last week. Its scary stuff folks. And what no one is telling anyone, it really doesn't matter which scenerio the state recommends, the state does save money, but locally, often those communitites will be picking up the costs in higher taxes. And your children will be attending MEGA schools.

February 16, 2010 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...

Let's not also forget that federal funding for the No Child Left Behind Act could end in 2012, unless it is extended. Then what will become of USD 251 if we are still existing at that time? If enrollment numbers aren't important enough to think about now, they most surely will be then. I hope the board will not be in the position scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to get the children going out of district back in, and wishing enrollment numbers are higher.

February 16, 2010 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

"It just will not make sense for many of us to stay when more viable options are available"

Why are you still here then? Quit your whining (that's what it is) and move on. I seriously doubt that you are going to get the school board to change their decisions

February 16, 2010 at 12:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Wow...thats pretty venomous pride... I don't think my message has been "whiny". Whinning usually require placing blame and poining fingers and pretty much just raising a rucus without any substance. You may not feel I have raised valid points and thats fine. The decision I make for my family may be to stay, even if the current decision stands. I am here because I love this district,do I need to say more? Yes the cards are stacked against any reversal or amending of the decision, but as stated before, if there is compelling information that may help our district survive what is coming, I just ask the board look at it. And in defense of those that may leave our district, I wish them well and hope they found a place where they feel good about the education their child is receiving. Its unfortunate, but this decision has placed that burden on some families, its just a fact. whether its logistics, travel, financial, or simply the practicality of going somewhere else, I can't blame them for that. And those that do have little compassion and understanding of other peoples plight. And after doing my due deligence and educationg myself by going to various meetings in multiple distgricts, reading the post audits from the legislature, it may not matter anyway.

February 16, 2010 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...

Some people make terrific sheep. NLCpride, may I ask if you even have children in the district? When your school/district/community is on the line and you are trying to engage in constructive dialogue, will you be in forums and board meetings representing yourself as a whiner, (as those of us who have different opinions than you)?

You may wish to call other whiners, but in the big ol' cruel world please let this thought carry with you into the future...Survival, growth, and success are the results of tenancity.

February 16, 2010 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...

NON-EXISTENT EDIT BUTTON BEING UTILIZED...tenacity.

February 16, 2010 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Baaaaaaaaaa
Baaaaaaaaaa

February 16, 2010 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

thats the unity we're looking for. lets all go to sleep on the issue and dream happy thoughts and count sheep!!!!!

February 16, 2010 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

The really really cost effective solution to the problem is for everyone to keep your children at home and school them there. Close all school buildings and eliminate all school staff. Sell all of the real property and eliminate public education from the tax rolls. Problem solved.

February 16, 2010 at 7:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

I'm for the elimination of taxing for educaiton. If you built a capatilist education structure, private schools would flourish, costs contained in individual districts, schools created for special needs, such as magnate schooling, almost vocational in nature. But that is light years away, and only if the entire system collapses. And I really don't wish for that to happen.
The point is moot anyway....at least the 251 issue. They believe what they are doing will save the district so it is what it is. Good bye sweetheart goodbye!

February 16, 2010 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

The public education system is broken. It has been broken for decades but anytime a proposal to fix the system is raised, those entrenched in the system file law suits and or go on strike. It is time for the customers to go on strike and keep their children at home for as long as it takes to starve the beast and allow it to die. A more efficient model could be created from scratch and in the long run our children and grandchildren will be better off for our efforts.

February 16, 2010 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Trivia time.............KOALEMOS was the god or spirit of stupidity and foolishness. His name is derived from the words koeô and êleos, meaning "hearing foolishness."

February 16, 2010 at 11:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

NCLpride gets an A and a smiley face (=^_^=)

February 16, 2010 at 11:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

:)

February 17, 2010 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

damn, they finally learned.........no whining for a whole day!!

February 18, 2010 at 1:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

too funny that you call serious dialogue whinning. You do realize "NLCpride" that there won't be an NLC in as few as 2-3 years? Who will be whinning then? Oh, I suppose not you. You take everything at face value and let others tell you what is best for your family. I can't wait for you to reply that that is not what you do, that you always do what is best for your family, but you belittle and condemn those of us that are trying to make valid points with substantive information. Did you know the only way NLC is even able to stay afloat next year with the projected number of students leaving (and yes, they know) is the 3 year average rule of funding FTE? What happens year over year, or do you even know what that consequence is? there will be a drastic shortfall requiring yet another closure, but even that won't be enough by year 3. NLC is gone, its over, and that is why you haven't seen more debate. We have taken vast amounts of information, and argued our view that a more attractive Reading will increase student population in the long term, but to no avail, its to deaf ears and blind eyes. Unless our leaders also see the writing on the wall and have given up.
So, I hope I have satsified your need to see some whinning. i guess I will never understand those that can't examine with an open mind the multiple faceted sides that complex issues have, sides that need more than a whitewashed overview. This battle it seems has been lost, without some secret in the night New York harbor crossing, NLC will soon pass and we will all be forced to except something new. Forced....now there is an American ideal.

February 18, 2010 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Knew it couldn't last

February 18, 2010 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Looking back at some of your posts, you were actually engaging, some of your points were well taken. And I appreciated the input. But for awhile now it seems you would just rather I and others with a differing opinion to just shut up. But seriously, any dissending voice isn't worth listening to???? Maybe you should change yur user name, NLC pride just doesn't seem to fit you.

February 18, 2010 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

blessings4u, you state "any dissending voice isn't worth listening to?" First, how do you know that we HAVEN'T listened to but simply didn't agree with? Second: Have you wanted to listen to our school board? Thrid: A large amount of your post appears to say: "do what we want or we will pull our children out of NLC district", that appears as a threat to me!(and only words concerning YOUR pride in NLC, for you, by your action, can't state it is PRIDE!!!) Fourth: You want to make it sound that by only making Reading a Junior High would the district stay in tact, FALSE!!!!! Yes, our numbers may be affected but that would have occured naturally because of the economy, jobs etc. You don't continue spending money, that isn't there, and NO ONE can predict what the state will do in two or three years, not EVEN the state!!!! Also, NLC ISN'T the only district to be hurt by this economy and neither is our state. Just look at our federal government and the debt we are currently holding and it is growing larger. If you want to call us "sheep", nothing can stop you, BUT I would rather be a sheep following the flock when the wolves and coyotes are all around us!!!!!! For you see, the leader of the flock is informed!!!!

You speak concerning the cost of busing approx. 60 students but fail to realize the additional cost of making Reading a junior high, even if there was space, plus those additional students would need to be bused to Reading (38). We wouldn't be busing Reading jr. high kids (22) but we would need to add on staff. It has been stated that at Americus they aren't utilizing the staff, I so wanted to ask just how you are coming to that conclusion? This is when "the grass is greener on the other side" enters in, especially when you aren't knowledgeable concerning maintaining the grass on YOUR side!

Now, if anyone needs to change their user name, if I were you, I'd be checking into a new one.

February 18, 2010 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

First, it is your right, even I would say obligation to voice your opinion if you don't agree with what is said, no matter who it is coming from. I did say that NLC had been listening and engaging in discussion, but was simply saying that lately it had turned to a "shut up" attitude. Second, I absolutley have wanted to listen, was at every meeting, gave input, reasearched and gave information away from meetings as well, and have stated I appreciate what they have done to date and understand they are in a difficult situation. What my concern is, that perhaps...I say again...perhaps a course of action was decided on far in advance of any actual looking into other options, and when those other options came to light, well, still not good enough. I have more answers now and understand what Mr Nultan's reasoning is. I wish more of the truth was presented earlier and also was made public. Then perhaps a more rigorous look would be taken into what "our" side believes to be a major concern. Thats all. Third, I never once have said it was my children that would be leaving..in fact that is not the case at all. I simply provided feedback on what many families are struggling with when it comes to deciding what to do now that they don't have a Jr High available to them, at least a practicle choice for their individual situations, and the number is high. Fourth, I never said keeping Reading a Jr High would make the District stay in tact. I was only putting forth an arguement that it would make for a more attractive district and long term would not only keep student population but perhaps grow it.

You are correct, you don't, you can't spend money you don't have. And yes our leader(s) is informed. But he didn't completely inform the public and why he chose the course of action he chose, and the future plans that are already being made, whose making them and why. Being fully invested in this budget battle I have come to know much of that. I still disagree with the outlook, but without being a part of the dissending group, without doing my own investigation, reading page upon page of state report, post audits and going over not just NLC's budget but other school budgets as well for comparaives, I would not only would not have been able to present my case logically ( at least some understood what I was saying, even those that still choose to take us down the road we are on) or seen the reasoning of why some of the decision were made.

February 18, 2010 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Continuing on, your busing information, while the number of students is fairly accurate, the costs involved are not. Busing will be more expensive under this new plan, the board even stated as much. The information about under utilization of teachers, that came from the boards own report and part of the reason for their decision. The need to hire teachers at Reading is only partly accurate, as it currently is fully staffed, except for 1 combined classroom. It would provide less savings to keep Reading a K-8, I have admitted as much. But there are cost saving measures that could balance that if used, but the board decided to tuck those away, again, that information is from the board, not my opinion.

February 18, 2010 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

My entire arguement has been that long term if the state does not fix the budget, we are doomed anyway. But if they can maintain funding where it currently stands, this district can sustain 2 Jr highs. And my arguement is 2 Jr Highs in the vast area our district covers is better long term at serving our constituants then 1 that is on the completely other side of the county. Thats it in a nut shell. I am not being anti-NLC Pride, was just trying to make pride see that being antagonistic towards your neighbor, towards a fellow NLC patron, isn't very prideful. And as far as my username...well, you may not beleive me but I truly want the best for this district, and I hope I'm wrong. I hope this decision doesn't doom Reading or Heights or Americus. I guess we will see what the next 2-3 years brings us. But I wish for nothing but Blessings 4 all of us.

February 18, 2010 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

blessings4u, I truly understand WHAT you are saying but not the practicallity of such. Even if funding stays where it currently is, WHY sustain two Jr. Highs? First, it is very doubtful that funding will stay where it is and even if it does, what is so wrong with "stock" pileing some? We don't know what the future holds in needs.

You state "is better long term at serving our constituants then one that is on the completely other side of the county", again understand for this is what Americus has been doing, sending our students to High School at Heights and at a GREATER number being bused. I'm not saying "right" or "wrong" but fact.With the current number given by the board office, we will by far be busing less students to Americus, true or false?
Americus has had to bite the bullet for years and believe me we tried to change that a number years ago at no avail, so we have continued on busing. Again, not saying right or wrong but saying we have done so and have worked with the district to keep it "together". I have continually said "work with the board", no, it may not be wonderful but is workable and I would like to NOT SEE this district bite the dust.

Have a good day and yes! May the good Lord not only be with us but also our state and country, our people.

February 18, 2010 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...

Blessings4u-Your posts always make sense. Thank you for your well-thought of posts.

February 18, 2010 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Thank you e-grad.

Sand-you are right, Americus does bus more student, but just from the stand pint that they have more kids attending that particular attendance center. That number won't change. What will change is the distance a greater number of students will now have to travel. As I said..I didn't come up with those numbers and the cost increase under this plan..the board did. Its is not my opinion but the fact as presented by the board. I can't see how we could be busing less student to Americus, could you elaborate on that comment to help understand where you are coming from?
And the savings we are holding....to be honest, it wouldn't help if the FTE fell by 100 bucks let alone the project 642. And if you look at the 2011 borrowing they already have done to shore up 2010, and then look at 2012, its sad, but not just NLC, most rural districts will have no choise but to close their doors. There must be funding models that work better. While some states are facing similar issues, not all are. My only point is, if our state comes up with a model that works and helps sustain those smaller districts that operate efficiently, it is only going to help NLC if we are able to porvide those educational options for all residents of the northern part of the county and not just the NW. I understand mistakes have been made in the past, I understand Americus has supported Heights. But even that is an issue in itself as there are numbers that after attending Jr High in Americuse choose Emporia. Choice is the operative word for all families, and this decision eliminates part of that choice..and as you said, right or wrong. You speak of practicality and yet there are those out there that are condemning those families that it is no longer "practicle" for them to stay in the district. I understand keeping Reading a K-8 would be difficult. I understand it may not be possible. I was only providing information and research and a viewpoint to the board and to this forum for consideration. I sent my last message to the board days ago....I really have nothing left, so I wait....not necessarily to see what they will do..I think that is obvious..we are moving forward. We all are now waiting to see what the state does. If NLC will survive. To see if all the little gems across the state that provide a unique learning envieonment for children can survive. I hope so. I grew up in one, my wife and I sacrificed by moving to a rural area so our kids could have the same experience. We may have to again. My intentions met no harm to anyone on "the other side" of this issue. Civil debate is all I really wanted, hoping maybe for a nugget of information that might give me another direction to look. I think the gold mine is dry. So while I may continue to engage in some soft banter with whomever..rest assured.. I am not causing dissention, or stirring the pot. It is what it is and we will make the best of it.

February 18, 2010 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

February 18, 2010 has been a great day for hearing foolishness on this string. :-)

February 18, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

Sandman still had his/her head in the SAND. I'm sure when the board discusses the disposal of the Admire building on Monday night it won't include the disposal of the district office building in Americus. Isn't it funny where these people choose to cut the budget? Supposedly cut the budget I should say. Have any of the board members driven over the route the Northern kids would have to ride to estimate the time and dollars they are proposing we spend to save money? I've got to stop before I become as incoherent as the sandman.

February 19, 2010 at 9:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

koalemos (anonymous) says...

Anyone who has been watching the world would know that in order to survive you simply need to be too big to fail. Admire wasn't too big to fail so it got the axe. Now which school is the smallest? Your next.

February 19, 2010 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

meanmom, I so much rather have my head in the sand then where you have yours.You are bitter and upset because you didn't get your way but you did have an option, raise the $600,000+ to help the district and saving kleenex box labels won't do it! This district has not been talking concerning minor dollars but some very major bucks. You have had "tunnel" vision and fail to realize that in selling the board office, IF they could, would only raise a very little amount and not nearly enough to do the district any good therefore some major action needed to be taken. Whatever the board desides to do with the Admire building, I am sure they have done their best in very poor times. You know you could buy it, lets say for a $100,000 and give this district that money.

I will not respond again for I realize that whatever our board needs to do they will do. I wish you the best and in time you will realize that life isn't so very bad.

February 20, 2010 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Everyone has to cut and it won't stop with the Admire school.

If the state has their way there will be 1 school district per county or less. if that is the only way to cut superintendents wages ,(or the number of them). then so be it.

February 20, 2010 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

This entire discussion has been so reflective of the thinking on most taxing and spending issues. Cut spending on everything that doesn't affect me.....raise another person's taxes but not mine.

Everybody wants a place to dump their garbage.....but nobody wants it dumped next to their property. Everybody wants to cut school cost but nobody wants the cuts made at their school.

When all those superintendents, and their staffs, have been cut--when all those teaching positions have been eliminated--and all those schools have been closed--then we can all set around and complain about the shrinking employment opportunities and loss of tax-base.

If you want to dance you have to pay the band...if you don't want to pay the band....then quit complaining about not having a dance.

February 20, 2010 at 12:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

a good point bb, its sort of the entitltement mentality. However, as this discussion has continued, and those lining up rank and file to support the districts decision, we are still at an impass on the future of the budget. I posted earlier that while some districts that are in good shape made wise choices years ago about centralized location and modernization, others have simply stopped wasteful and redundant spending, whether it was programs or staffing. But the majority of the state is on the chopping block in 2-3 years, unless a drastic change is made in the funding model.
I've already shared the information on how the state has already shifted budget $'s from 2011 to 2010. What happens in 2011. I've already shared that 2012 is really dramatic in the decrease in FTE. And if the 600$ plus/student decrease happens, there will be massive unifications creating huge schools. In fact those that aren't effected according to the lastest State Post Audit are those districts with a population of at least 1600. But if the state can fix the budget, and at least keep funding at the current level, the biggest trick for many districts will simply be maintaining and growing their student population. I think along with trying to currently maintain quality education within a feasible operating budget would be the desire to create or at least study the effects of closing Reading as a Jr High attendance center, and long term what can be done to ensure we don't lose students. What kind of PR and marketing can be done that makes NLC an attractive district for all the residents living in the district, and even out of district families as we currently attract. And if that study shows little can be done, then I come back to my main arguement, I don't believe the board looked seriously enough at this issue and the potential long term asset Reading could be by remaining a K-8 facility. This is feasible obviously only if the state fixes the root problem. But if they don't, its not going to matter anyway. 2, 3 years at the most and the locked doors of Admire will be joined by Reading, Americus and Heights.

February 20, 2010 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

And yes, Mr Nultan and the board ( well I assume he let the board in on how to fund the district ) do have a plan if the district loses 20, 30 40, or more students. You see there is this 3 year weighted average rule that districts can use in reporting and receiving FTE allotment dollars. Its just a simply question. Of the 100k plus in allotment dollars that could be saved by retention, how much and what kind of cuts would we be looking at to keep Reading a K-8 so we can retain and attract? Question: Is this not a long term concern? Is Mr Nultan and the board also in the mindset that if the budget doesn't change its over anyway? What exactly is the upside when looking at NLC in having an attendance center at Reading that will not support grades 6-8? I've heard some of the other pluses; technology funding, a unified Jr High, more opportunities. Do they outweigh long term negatives in retention? Would it not be more prudent to have
Readiing as a K-8 if funding does get fixed, to be able to service the entire district more effectively? Just a question, not trying to make you come to my way of thinking at all. Simply asking questions that I know have not been asked, at least in this fashion.
Here is another question for all of you that have put me and my "narrow minded non-conforming" way of thinking down. What if the board does decide to keep Reading as a K-8? Will you be as enthusiastic in supporting that decision as you have painted yourselves to be with the current decision? I am a realist so I know that is not likely. But in my world view I also see a decision that is having a negative affect on many families, a very little affect on the overall budgetary health of our district. Oh we make it next year and possibly 2011........but 2012?????????????

February 20, 2010 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Do you really think that the evil Mr. McNulton....the scrooge of Admire.....would let the school board in on how to fund the district? Really? Why would the school board hire this guy?

Take a moment to check the spelling of his name too (N-u-l-t-o-n)

And one more thing, as far as what happens in 2012 we all know that the world ends in 2012. Stop and ask any Mayan walking along the street and they will tell you.

February 22, 2010 at 2:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Oh I forgot something a well placed :)

February 22, 2010 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Gee pride..again with the sarcasm, no substance...I never said he was evil..Just an exageration on how transparent this whole process has been. This whole process has been an exercise in layered distribution. Mr Nult-o-n has even said he should have explained more thouroughly his thought process behind his thinking on key issues. Due to that failure one could argue the dissention, drop in mora ldistrictwide and genuine lack of support for his proposal is his blame to shoulder. I've already said i think he is a smart guy who "thinks" he is doing the right thing. Its just the information that many of us who have kept looking into the situation have found suggets otherwise. You may not feel like it, but we are on your side, at least on the side of those that want a strong, lasting district. And as far as the world ending goes..I guess that is for each individual to come to their own conclusions. I chose not to drag that topic into this forum.

February 22, 2010 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

I would love to launch into a tirade about end-time prophecies about now......but for once, I will exercise a little restraint. :-)

February 22, 2010 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

maybe this is our tribulation, lol

February 22, 2010 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

Sometimes it is tribulating...:-)

February 22, 2010 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Hmmm...I do feel like I've been tribulated..

Or perhaps I just need a new pet Tribble.

February 23, 2010 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

No if's and's or but's............North Lyon County lost a good man on Monday night. I know I don;t know all the facts but can not beleive that the school board would let him go. Somebody is going to get one helluva an asset.

Good Bye Mr. I you WILL be missed

February 24, 2010 at 5:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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