High-quality education essential to community prosperity
John Heim - Emporia Superintendent of schools
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
MAY is an exciting time at school. Students are involved in many year-end events and celebrations that they will remember for years to come. Many adults have fond memories of Mays in the past, whether it’s a field day, a final music concert, a state athletic event or a class field trip.
It also is a time to celebrate student achievements. At Emporia High, 300 high school students are getting ready to graduate. Forty-eight of our seniors will graduate with honors, a record-setting number for our Senior Honors Group. To graduate with honors, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher on all courses required for graduation during his or her high school career. This is a significant accomplishment,
The graduation list includes students who are completing their graduation requirements through the Flint Hills Learning Center. Several of these students will be among the Class of 2008 on May 18 at White Auditorium. Approximately 15 more have already completed the requirements and have received their diplomas. We are especially proud of these students for taking the initiative to complete the credits needed for graduation.
Regrettably, our attention has been drawn away from the excitement the end of a school year brings. Last week, the Emporia Board of Education approved $1 million in cuts from next year’s budget to offset increases in fixed costs and expected reductions in state aid due to enrollment losses. Additional recommended reductions totaling nearly $600,000 could be implemented in August if actual enrollment numbers warrant.
Board members reminded the audience at the recent Eggs & Issues Forum that we must continue to maintain a high-quality educational program, even during tough economic times. That is good advice. We have an obligation to our children and the community to offer the best possible education for all children. Education is at the heart of solving the economic challenges we face.
Education is an important component of the new Building Futures campaign of the city, Chamber, Emporia Main Street and Regional Development Association. One of the campaign goals is to strengthen the services and community partnerships in order to enhance the educational opportunities available to people in all walks of life.
Fortunately, the Kansas Legislature gave us some breathing room last week when they passed a bill that limits our state aid losses next year, regardless of our enrollment decline. We appreciate the support of Rep. Don Hill and Sen. Jim Barnett is getting us a one-year safety net. This will give us time to plan and make better decisions for students now and in the future.
With all the challenges facing our community and country, this is not the time to shortchange our children the educational opportunities they will need to excel in this ever-changing world.