READING — Close the Admire school.
That was the final recommendation by North Lyon County Superintendent Mike Nulton during Monday evening’s North Lyon County Board of Education meeting. No action will be taken on recommendations until January, and a public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Americus School cafeteria.
After Gov. Mark Parkinson handed down more than $259 million in budget adjustments Monday afternoon — including $36 million in public school cuts — the North Lyon County school district stands to lose $206 per pupil as base state aide was taken down to 2006 levels in the state to $4,012 — a major hit for Kansas schools and a devastating one to smaller school districts including North Lyon County.
Nulton told the crowd Monday night that $202,230.20 has to be cut from the current 2009-10 budget, which includes the Monday cuts. In addition, he projects the district will lose $593,622 in revenue for the 2010-11 school year, based on projections from the Kansas State Department of Education.
During the school board meeting, more than 100 people packed the Reading Elementary School cafeteria to hear Nulton’s recommendations to balance North Lyon County’s budget and listen to Rep. Peggy Mast and Sen. Jim Barnett speak.
Nulton’s presentation was based on the district’s Futures Study Group’s recommendations completed in April 2006. The 19-minute presentation presented three options of recommendations for the school district. The group’s goals were to:
• Keep quality of education as the focus.
• Justify the amount needed to balance the budget before asking for input on any specific alternatives or methods to balance the budget.
• Publicize the many good points to USD 251, including test scores, class sizes, personalization, etc.
• The state approach is supported for addressing any budget decline.
According to the presentation and the group’s 2006 written report, the first option included:
• Consolidate positions.
• Move district office into a building.
• Consider Local Option Budget increase.
Nulton’s said that position consolidation already had been done and the Local Option Budget increase could be done in the next year. The middle option, to move the district office into a building, would actually see less savings because the district owns the building it currently uses and does not pay taxes on it.
Recommendations in the second option were designed to keep all buildings open and introduce a realignment plan. North Lyon County has four school buildings. Admire, Americus and Reading buildings house kindergarten through eighth grades. Northern Heights High School, one mile east of Allen, has Grades 9 through 12. The second option’s recommendations were:
• Two K-8 attendance areas with Americus as the core, Admire and Reading core with one building in the attendance area K-5 and one building in the attendance area 6-8.
• Two K-6 attendance buildings, one middle school building and Northern Heights High School continues with Grades 9-12.
Nulton’s presentation stated that total savings from the second option would only realize $159,350 in savings, far from what needs to be cut.
The third option is closing one school. Nulton recommended closing Admire, based on several factors, including attendance, building condition and maintenance, utility costs and building layout. This option would include one K-5 building at Reading; one K-8 building at Americus and NHHS would remain open with Grades 9 through 12. Total savings of Option 3 would be more than $532,000.
Legislative views
Before Nulton presented his proposals, Mast and Barnett addressed the governor’s newest round of cuts, announced just hours before the board meeting began at 7 p.m. Mast said Monday’s cuts were to get the state budget at a zero balance. When the Legislature reconvenes in January there likely will be more cuts to the state budget, Mast said.
“I would say that our state is in a crisis situation,” she said.
Mast talked about the quality of education offered at smaller schools.
“We all know the small schools provide quality education,” she said, adding that smaller schools are suffering more than larger schools.
However, there are no easy answers, Mast said.
“It’s going to take sacrifices on everybody’s part,” she said. “There is a lot of uncertainty.”
Barnett followed Mast’s comments.
“Tonight is a special night,” he said. “It shows the concern that everyone in the State of Kansas has for education.”
Barnett said the state is facing serious issues in serious times.
“We need to look at the broader picture,” he said. “All of us have to come to the realization that we don’t get something for nothing. There is no free lunch ... But we can get through this. We will get through this.”
He added that the Kansas Legislature understands how important education is to Kansas.
“And now Rep. Mast and I come with great sorrow and sympathy, ...” he said. “We want to protect schools are much as we can.”
Comments
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Posted by esugrad_03 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! What about the Reading students who transfer to other towns after junior high? At least the Admire students stick around and stay in 251.
Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is unfortunate that North Lyon County School District's budget is shrinking. Yet, it’s not just the budget that is shrinking, but also the population. This should not come as a surprise to anyone. While I am sympathetic, these small communities have been drying up and withering away for decades. When the school district was reduced to one high school and three grade schools in the 1970’s, did anyone think the occurrence was temporary? Was anyone expecting a population boom in Americus? How about Dunlap, Bushong, Allen, Admire, Miller or Reading? The trend will continue.
Logically speaking, the population in the northern half of the county does not suggest a need for three grade schools.
I think a more relevant question to ask is how long before the students in North Lyon County are bused to Emporia to receive an education?
Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
esugrad - Some Reading students go to other schools because it is a much shorter drive. I drove 30 minutes to and from school everyday to go to Northern Heights, when it would have been easier to attend Osage or Lebo. You say "at least the Admire kids stick around"; that's because they have, at most, a 5 minute drive to NHHS. What about all of the Americus kids who go to Emporia High School?
Posted by wirewatt (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do we need three Supt. in Lyon County? I would think with all the principals in every school system they could share a Supt. We are going to see even more of this as time goes on. It is a shame that the small schools are having problems, as it is the people in the small towns make sure the kids are taken care of. Admire probably should have been closed years ago, but we all try to hang onto our schools as long as possible, because so goes the school the town is not far behind.
Posted by mjgranberry (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wirewatt, do you know how much work is put into being a superintendent? I cannot imagine the whole county having only one Superintendent...that would be a huge job!
Posted by gg (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bd:
Emporia has its own budget crisis, currently projected at a 1.1 million deficit with estimations next year's class sizes will be greatly increased.
Emporia cannot accomodate students from other jurisdictions!
Posted by midnightlilly (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:01 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gg - I apologize if my words were miscontrued. Certainly, I am not suggesting students in the northern reaches of the county begin attending classes in Emporia anytime soon.
That said, I am pointing out the obvious; an increasing number of services are becoming centralized in Emporia as rural population declines. County residents have become accustomed to a regular (daily?) commute into the city for employment, groceries, fuel, banking, etc. In Reading, where my grandmother continues to reside, the post office finally closed its doors.
Unless someone can reverse the population decline, eventually USD 251 will be confronted with the ultimate decision of whether or not it can sustain itself.
Thanks for listening.
BP
SFCA
Posted by ewooderson (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do the people of North Lyon County, the people being affected by these latest proposals, have to attend a meeting in Americus? It would only make sense that this meeting be held in the northern part of the district to ensure that as many people can attend as possible. I encourage all people to make every effort possible to attend this meeting and stand up for your kids, community, school and faculty who will all be inconvenienced by this in one way or another.
I sure hope the enrollment numbers don't decline even more but I'm sure they will because many students from North Lyon County will no longer be attending a school in this district. There are many kids that live closer to Osage, Lebo and Mission Valley that I'm sure will never again be counted at role call in the Lyon County school system.
Posted by Bar_N_Bar (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We know Mr. Nulton believes that shutting down Admire is HIS only option, but we do not believe he as looked at ALL the options out there. Shall we start with cutting his near $100,000.00 a year salary? How about looking at going to school 4 days out of 5? Has he taken into consideration the cost of busing those kids all over the county? How much will that cost us? How much TIME? Estimates are up to an hour and a half. Has he taken into consideration all the families that will leave this school district? Even at $4,012 dollars per student, that loss could be significant. What about the closure of the district building? He stated that closing the office would only save about $5,000. Well, $5,000 is $5,000. He also tried to tell us that the district only pays $325.00 a year for electricity for that building. Come on! We know Mr. Nulton says that none of these ideas will make up for the short fall, INDIVIUALY, but did he ever even consider combining some of these cost saving ideas? It appears to us that Mr. Nulton only looked at shutting Admire down, and has not put pen to paper concerning cutting costs at all the schools. He took the easy way out. We cannot tell you how hard it is to explain to our son, that he may not get to attend school with the kids he has known since he was an infant. As the Mayor of Reading said last night, instead continually cutting from the bottom, perhaps we should be cutting from the top. Come on Admire, let’s pull together crunch the numbers, and come up with some creative solutions!!
P.S. Mr. Nulton and the School Board Members work for US, the taxpayers of North Lyon County. We DO NOT work for them. Our ideas and opinions need to be taken seriously into consideration, when deciding the future of OUR children.
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brian - I assure you that the post office in Reading is most definitely still open. I even called my parents, who have lived in Reading since 1983, and asked my dad about it - he started laughing.
Posted by esugrad_03 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I realize that the politics within the education system is horrible. However, why was the information presented based off of the 2006 study? This study is almost 3 1/2 years old. Things have changed since then. Maybe a new study should be conducted before making the final decision?.?.?
Bar_N_Bar: I agree that cutting from the top should happen before cutting from the bottom. Mollach retires. Mollach gets hired on as 251's consultant. Why? This is costing the district valuable money.
Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps it was the bank.
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is a good fact stated that a lot of Reading kids do go to Lebo after grade school. I don't blame them I wouldn't want to drive either. If 6th -8th are going to Americus who is to say that starting at 6th grade some kids that are far away from Americus won't go to Emporia or Lebo? How bout cutting busing for sports when there are only a couple kids riding the bus. Make the parents take the kids to and from sports if they want to play. Shut the mobile homes down at Admire and move the kids in the gym if nothing else. What about the families that have several kids in them. You WILL LOSE kids if you are splitting up families. I guess it looks like in the future Reading will be shut down also because with this a lot of families will take their kids out of district it we can't look at other options. Get rid of the aids and have parents volunteer their time.
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brian - Perhaps you need to get your facts straight. My mom has worked at the bank since I was 4 years old (and before that worked at the post office next door). The bank recently changed names, maybe that is what you are thinking of. Their new name has actually drawn in a lot more customers, and they even offer online banking now.
https://www.tightwadbank.net/
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who wants their kids on a bus for over an hour
Posted by mjgranberry (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I graduated from Admire in 1995 and NHHS in 1999. I rode the school bus for two hours everyday before I was able to drive myself to school. Those kids are already riding the buses for hours at a time. The bottom line is USD 251 needs to figure out a way to save money and keep kids in the district. Parents and Patrons of the district need to stand up for what they want. They might not get their way but they need to voice their opinions.
Posted by bowyerfan (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I hear on here is negative comment & while I know that this is not a very pleasant situation that our kids are going to have to go through we as parents can make it as good as we possibly can. Something is going to have to be done & it is not going to be a pleasant task for anyone. Do you all want our district to survive or not? That is the question that you have to ask yourselves. They aren't going to be able to fix this problem with little cuts, they are going to have to make bigger ones and while I don't like the fact that a school is going to have to close it is better than the alternative of all of us having to go to another district. Please just try to be as positive for your children as possible, that way they can go into this change with an open attitude & not with their parents negative comments on their minds.
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People please stop and think! they need to make up 600,000 dollars. and when a school districts budget is over 80% payroll how do you think that they are going to make up the money? They have to cut, and with the amount they need to cut they are not going to make up that amount with nickle savings. And to the mayor and his fat statement, along with that question why not have one mayor for admire, reading, allen, and americus? There are cities with hundreds of thousands of people and they have one mayor so why not quit your job so we can cut fat, and put that money to education! One last thing, people are looking at this all wrong your city will not dry up because of a school closing, the town dieing resulted in the school closing. If your town was prospering there would not be school closings!
Posted by Bar_N_Bar (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bowyerfan - will your children be moving to a different school? Will your children have to be seperated from children they have been friends with since diapers? I agree little cuts won't fix the problem. But, a lot of little cuts can add up to more money than you may think. My main point is, that we are using out dated data (2006) but more importantly we were given no indication last night that any other number crunching had occured. In any business, you can not go in and say this is the ONLY option, if you have not investigated ALL cuts, big or small. If Mr. Nulton had investigated why would he not have brought that up lastnight?
Posted by asundber (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it would be So devastating to lose our school in Admire. I think NLC will lose many students to other schools. I know I don't want my children going to one school 20 miles one way and another school 20 miles another way. I would like to see k-8 still together. It was stated that Admire school cost more to operate, but it's BIGGER so of course it will cost more, but it also can "house" more students.
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bar_N_Bar - you must have been a different meeting then I was. He did give examples and figures for small cuts and they did not add up to a hell a beans.
Posted by esugrad_03 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dragyours2001-"Your city will not dry up because of a school closing, the town dieing resulted in the school closing." What? The city will not dry up, but yet it will die? "If your town was prospering there would not be school closings." Do you really think it is the people of Admire's fault?
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
asundber- If you really believe that Admire Elem. is suitable to house a larger amount of students, then you might ask the principal to give you a tour of the upstairs. It is hardly suitable as the storage area it is used for now. Although it is a larger school and I understand that it should naturally take more money to operate, the upstairs doesn't recieve any attention when it comes to utilities and such. Among other things, there is major updating that would have to be done in order for it to pass safety codes. There are reports of asbestos throughout the building. I really don't like the idea of Admire closing either, but with positive attitudes from parents, the children will adjust. After hearing from some of the Admire students, many of them are excited about the possibility of combining. However, with these same kids, they could lose their enthusiasm about the idea by listening to their parents/neighbors negative thoughts and hurtful comments. No matter what happens we need to support the decision and send our kids to our districts schools so that another school doesn't close in the near future.
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
esugrad- the town WILL not DIE after the school has closed because it HAS ALREADY died, thats why the school is closing
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also I never said that it was the peoples fault. What I'm saying is that at some point they have to realize that when a small town whithers away they will get to a point where they simply can't support a school in town. I think that it's great for students to have small class sizes and not have to travel as far but how far are people willing to sacrafice to fund the school? Would they accept a tax increase to fund what they want? If not then what?
Posted by Bar_N_Bar (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dragyours2001 - Dude, you have no clue. I can not even respond to that statement. Thanks.
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bar_N_Bar- That is fine that you have your opinion, and I have mine. You fight for what you think is right, and you should. But I hope that you can get over the transition if it does come to pass, for your childrens' sake. I'm not trying to be insensitive here I am just trying to look at the situation from a long term point of view. Those cuts mentioned are short term, what about long term? Why put it off and make all of these hard nickel savings cuts just to combine the schools two years down the road. do you just want your child to be out of the situation, what about future children that will have to deal with the same situation.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bdprotheroe, I don't mean to be rude, BUT where do you live? Are you paying taxes to THIS district??? Do you have children in this district????????? You have posted before and I for one feel you truly should have no "input"! Why is it important to you in WHAT this district does? Does it REALLY affect you? I would have to answer that question with "no"! Those that DO live here are VERY concerned and have a reason in being so, we LIVE it!!!
Posted by 828505 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My main concern is closing an attendance center that is better centralized, and has more students attend it than Reading.
Reading has a nice gym and newer classroom area. The problem is they are small, not a lot of classrooms, and they were built on the cheap. We all know how cheap the four additions were to each school.
Currently, closing Admire might save the most because of building upkeep. What about long term? How many students will be lost to Council Grove, Osage City, and Mission Valley?
Did anyone do a study to see how one could modify Admire school to save more money on upkeep? For example, closing a wing off, lowering ceilings, etc.
Some have said that closing Admire is best for the district long term. I disagree; I think it saves money now, but not longer term.
In Reading, the younger generation has already given up on their school. Forget high school, many grade school students are already going to Lebo. Maybe, the answer is Reading school should be part of the Lebo school district.
Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sandman, Hey girl I hope you got some sleep last night!
Your post was kinda short.
Take it easy on ole Brian. He did live here at one time in his life and it seems he likes to keep up on the local news on this site. I kind of enjoy some of his postings even though at times they are kind of liberal, but hey, he lives in California now. I know this issue is a tough one, and it will get worked out, and not everyone will be happy with the outcome. I am sure the school board will do what is best, (JUST LIKE OURS DID) :)
And Brian, just think of the laughs you would get if you pulled out your checkbook and wrote a check from the TIGHTWAD BANK OF READING.
Posted by create (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In addition to that, Brian's parents live here, pay taxes here, and are very supportive of local goings on. Besides, kids who move away to the big cities often end up developing more experienced and universal views and strategies that can very well help. Why not pick their brains and not their bones.
Posted by esugrad_03 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dragyours2001-Yes, if taxes need to be raised, then I am sure people in Admire would be willing to pay more if it means keeping the school. Why does it matter what the upstairs is like, because classes are not held up there. I have been up there recently, and the ceiling didn't cave in.
The town is not dead. It might not be a busy city, but there are things to do, not much, but some. Some people like living in the smaller towns instead of the cities. How many people in the Emporia area actually go and support small town businesses? Have you ever ate at the local restaurant? Have you ever bought stamps at the Post Office? Have you ever attended church there? What about Admire's Fall Festival? The local businesses and events get the support from Admire's residents, but I am not sure how many out-of-towners support this.
The main thing is: the district needs to re-think this. Like I have said before and like other posters have said, if they close Admire, the district will lose these students (not all of them) to Council Grove, Mission Valley, Osage City, and maybe Emporia. They will also lose the Reading families who chose to send their students to Lebo or Osage City for high school. This would leave the majority of the students to be Americus students, who also leave the district for Emporia.
This decision was made on a study conducted in 2006. There has not been any follow-up studies since then. On the bright side, the decision has not been finalized and whenever it is suggested that a school should close, the decision should not be made in a matter of months...it should be well-thought out.
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
esugrad- I say the upstairs because there are not any extra rooms in the building other then upstairs, and with the condition of the outside building they will have to do some major things, to accommodate the people. I understand that not all people want to live in a large town. It is very nice to be in a small community and know everyone in town. And the fall festival is very nice to have. I also know that there are still activities in Admire, when I say it is dead, that is purely from a business stand point, the district is shrinking in population to a point where the number of schools simply cannot survive. And about the 2006 study, that study was done with long term in mind they have done the first two steps over the course of the last two years and we are down to the third phase. Do you really think that the towns have changed that much in two years? Im not saying that closing Admire is the only choice, but I don't know what the other option would be without costing more money. And I dont see how we can do the small savings to get to the budget point. If we can find 120 ways to save 5000 dollars then maybe.
Posted by Farmersdaughter (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Being a graduate of the USD 251 this brings me so much sadness. I take great pride in coming from Americus and NHHS! My own children attended Admire for 2 years while we lived in the area and we LOVE the school, faculty and staff.
I recall talk of closing Reading when i was younger so this is nothing new to the district, it just seems a little more real now.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of our friends and family in the district that will be most directly effected by this. Just wish those thoughts and prayers could be translated into millions of dollars for the best District i've ever known!
Posted by ksunhhs (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please step back and realize this isn't the first, second, or even third consolidation that this district has gone through. Attend the meetings and talk with your respective board members. You elected them to represent you, so use them.
Posted by ewooderson (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I myself graduated from Americus Grade School years ago and was given a very fine education there. I'm not concerned about my children attending Americus at all as I am sure the faculty in Americus does a fine job as ours does in Admire. I am very concerned for the students that will leave our district and for the faculty at Admire that will lose their employment. Our kids have grown up with their friends to now be separated from some of them. Kids will survive this no doubt and probably make new friends however it is a huge inconvenience especially for parents that will have kids at both Reading and Americus. Imagine having a dentist appointment for both kids on the same day? Oh after a 100 miles of driving you're finally at the dentist office for a 1/2 hour to get right back in your car and take them back to school. I wonder how the faculty in Americus will be affected. Do some of our teachers get jobs in Americus? What happens to our principal? He no doubt is a damn good administrator and our district will suffer a tremendous loss if we do not find a way to retain him in some manner. It's pretty amazing to think that mediocrity in some areas of our district is acceptable and that we wouldn't do everything possible to retain such people as Mr. Idacavage. Maybe they are trying, I don't know, but if not shame on USD 251 for not doing their HOMEWORK on the people running our schools. All in all I am supporting whatever decision is made because there aren't many other options and if my children end up going to Americus I will be supportive of that as well. I just want USD 251 to make sure they do everything possible, even if it takes having interviews with all teachers that want to remain teaching in our district, to ensure we have the very best of educators and administrators that are available to us.
Posted by FinallyOUT (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What is really, really truly sad about this situation is that this is an amazing school, full of great kids and teachers who truly care about them. I've never went into a school and saw a more tight knit, close family.
I feel sad because these kids were being taught by teachers who educated there parents, uncles, aunts.. etc. That is a closeness that you can only find in a small town. That personal touch.
It's sad that it all had to come to this and Admire is going to come out with the shortest straw.
Theres alot of amazing things going on there. It's sad how much money makes the world go around.
Posted by threecs (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It might be important for Kansans to get a better understanding of what is happening with their taxes. Its not possible for residents of the Admire area to agree to pay more taxes to keep their school. Those rights are very limited because we now all pay into one giant pool in Topeka and then hope each year that we are blessed with enough coming back to keep our local school running.
Everyone talks about the base money per student, but there is little talk of all of the other categories where money comes back to local schools - like to help with underachieving students, or students in poverty, or special needs, or living in sparsely populated areas. Those in political power have whittled those dollars down to nothing and now everyone is trying to operate with only the base dollars per student. This was done very purposefully over the past decade. In larger population areas, this works out great and you can see that those districts have increased their assets and wealth. Areas like North Lyon County and Chase County become like the wonderful, uniquely American, mom and pop retail businesses that were thriving before the Walmarts and Targets took over. They just get squeezed out no matter how efficient or effective they were with their business. This change in direction has mostly been called "fiscal responsibility" by those in power.
The problem is we are educating unique and individual rural children, our greatest asset - not producing tires or dvd players. I don't want to hire the "lowest bid" type employee in the future.
Posted by b3bill (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe there are some additional options to consider in cost cutting for the Admire school. Not all are what you'd want, but may be of necessity if you want to try to keep the school. These should apply to all of Dist 251, not just Admire.
1. As at least one poster said, go to 4 day-a-week school instead of 5. That is approximately a 20% saving in fuel cost. Make all attendance days full days to achieve the required number of hours per year, and you'll likely cut out even more days per year of running the buses, saving lots of wear/tear on them per year. You'll also save on heating/cooling the buildings the days school is not in session.
2. Review the bus routes. Are they being done in the very most efficient routes possible?
3. The internet should provide lots of opportunity for additional learning. I'd have to believe, without checking for myself, that some types of online teaching programs are available. It could be for portions of classes, such as various topics in science or history, but might help keep from cutting academics and offer more educational opportunities. Other informational resources for various academic subjects should be available online and possibly implemented into the classes. This could help keep the number teaching staff reduced.
4. Are there some energy savings projects that could be done with the buildings? Review all heating/cooling programs for each building to confirm they are optimized. Maybe better programmable thermostats, more utilization of existing space and closing off some rooms, caulking around windows, attic insulation, etc.?
5. How much is spent per year on mowing and grounds upkeep? Could this be more economically done by getting hiring a local private business(es)? Ideally you'd find individuals/businesses within 251.
6. Review school book purchases. Are they all necessary, and if so, are they of the very best content available? I find it difficult to believe that many books need updating so frequently, as the content of the subject is not changing (ie. Math, English).
These are only a few suggestions. I hope the patrons of 251 will take the initiative to organize their own brain-storming meetings before and after the next school board meeting to come up with some cost cutting ideas and ways to keep the schools operating without resorting to higher taxes.
Posted by pizza (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
School consolidation has been going on a long time. Way back in the late 50's when Northern Heights was first built it was a means to keep the high school in the district but it meant losing other high schools within the district. It is always painful to have to close a school. I do think we need to keep in mind that we'd be much better off to be able to make the decisions within the district and not get into a disagreement that somehow led to the consolidation of the whole district with Emporia. The Emporia district would love to have our tax base and they would certainly have the school control as we have too few people to affect their school board much. Keeping the students in the district should be a priority as well. The money follows the student so each time a student goes to a different district we lose. There is more thinking that needs to be done over and above simply closing a school to get by one more year.
Posted by admireed (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We can think this issue to death but what is needed is a cut of one half million dollars to STAY EVEN, much less reduce the tax burden. Education in Kansas takes way too may dollars. Efficiency (fewer districts and buildings) is necessary
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is the link to the presentation. I think it answers a lot of questions. Click on "A Framework for Continued Success."
http://www.usd251.org/futures.htm
***make sure your speakers are on!
Posted by lcountyvictim (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also, if you are concerned about having accurate data with the cost of education in Kansas and how the money equates to student learning, please follow this link.
www.kasb.org/sems/FR09Voiceover.mpg
It's easy to be negative in this environment, but you may find yourself quite surprised by how well Kansas fairs with other state's and the quality of education we provide on a lot less $.
Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's too bad that a little common sense and foresight hadn't been used years ago when the writing was on the wall that rural population was on the decline. The District covers a large area with the majority of the students being served residing in the Southern half of the District. When NHHS was built, it's a shame that it wasn't built like Herington and Mission Valley was, consolidating all grade levels onto one centralized campus. Several years ago, our District spent millions on new gyms and upgraded some of the classrooms. Times were better then, but there was opposition to the plan, myself included, because it was not financially responsible to spend the money on aging facilities located in areas where the population continued to decline year after year. The lines were drawn in the sand back in 2006 when consolidation was discussed during the above mentioned study. People from each community came out demanding that their school be preserved, stating that the only changes they would support were ones that benefitted their situation best. The problem didn't go away. That study is just as valid today as it was three years ago, three years have been wasted arguing over the obvious. Cuts/changes have to be made. Moving the District Office into an existing building will save nothing. There is no market for Main Street Americus buildings, the majority of the block is vacant now with no interest shown in the buildings. It won't sell and we'd have to pay for the move and remodeling of another office. HS kids from Americus and Reading travel 30+ miles a day to go to school and back each day now, dentist and doctor visits are difficult and inconvienent indeed, but we have to think about the whole District, not just ourselves people.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Steve_Corbin, WELCOME to my world!!! Sleep, what the heck is that????? :-) Perhaps I was just a LITTLE bit harsh!!! Really doesn't matter which district , what matters is our children and what is truly best for them. Doesn't truly make any difference concerning rather you live in North Lyon County or Emporia, we truly have some very tuff decisions to make because of the economy and I only pray that those who make those will be very wise.
Yes, Steve, afraid Brian has posted some things on earlier sights and PERHAPS I was head hunting!!!! You think????
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Steve, Also, I DO pay taxes to Emporia, each and everytime I buy something, propane or other items (sales tax). Also pay county and state tax. But will admit I have no children in either district, at this time, but again, what is best for my neighbors children, whom I've gotten very fond concerning.
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there needs to be an additional board meeing held at Admire for only the community that sends their kids to Admire. This is affecting the Admire Allen community the hardest so why not have a special meeting to just let them talk? We are going to a meeting in Americus with tons of other patrons from Americus and REading who knows if we will get heard. I think the parents of children attending Admire need to write a letter to the board asking them to let us speak to them on our own!
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
neighbor- yes highschool kids drive and ride the bus 30 min every day. They are not 5,6, 7 year olds on a school bus for over 2 hours. They cannot drive themselves so they only have a 20 min drive. It is a big difference going to highschool on a 20 min drive rather than splitting siblings up 45 min apart and riding a bus for over 2 hours.
Posted by justaflushaway (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I found this article about how great westar is going to save Lyon county and NORTH LYON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Why is westar not doing what they said they would do. did they lie to someone??? The lie is in the fourth paragraph, no, most of the article is a westar lie
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Westar Energy’s request to re-zone land to build a power plant in Lyon County will be voted on during Thursday’s action session. It was discussed by Lyon County commissioners during today’s study session.
The proposed plant, if approved, will be off Road 200 near the company’s Lang substation, about six miles northeast of Emporia.
Following the last meeting, the Lyon County Planning and Appeals board recommended to Lyon County Commissioners 7-0 that the application to re-zone 160 acres of land for a peaking power plant be approved. The power plant would use natural gas to generate power during peak power needs such as heavy use summer days.
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""""Westar Energy announced in August its plans to build the plant, which would cost $333 million, in Lyon County. The plant would increase the county's assessed valuation by more than $50 million — 24 percent of the tax revenue. The North Lyon County school district would benefit from this revenue, according to Westar."""""
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Some of the concerns at the planning board meeting centered around noise levels. According to Westar, the plant will be designed and constructed to minimize noise. The noise level in the immediate neighborhood would be 50 to 70 decibels — ranging from the sound of a normal conversation to the noise of a busy street. The issue of lights also was discussed. The lights are expected to be parking-lot type lights and will be pointed downward. The lights are needed for security and safety.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Craze, sorry but some of your statements do not make sense. First, spliting sibbings?? Have we not done that for years??? When my children were in school, at one time having some at Americus Elem. and one at Northen Hts. 20 min drive????? Not from where I live to Hts., plus 56 Hwy which always scares me to death!!! When my daughter was in HS, it would be easy for me to put over hundred miles on the car in one evening. Go pick her up (25) after school for various reasons, go back for a school function (25), come home from function (25), go back when dance was over (25) come home, (25). That is 125 miles in one evening. We, as her parents, did this because we loved her, did we LIKE it?
No!
As far as only having Admire residence at a meeting, why? Are we not North Lyon County school district? Do not ALL pay district taxes? I'm not trying to give you a hard time, only stating facts.
Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Happy Thanksgiving Sandman !
I remember the old days when we road the family mule to school 12 miles each way. Once there the school district had the added benefit of free lawn care, (trimming and fertilizing).
Then the mule died and we had to start walking to school. Until then I didn't realize that it was uphill both ways and the snow was two feet deep all winter long. I'm glad the good ole days are over. =)
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
neighbor-yes i agree it stinks having kids split up between elementary school and highschool, but i personaly think it is different when you havd a a second grader and a sixth grader that far apart. If an emergency you have to decide as a single parent which one to go get first? It is easier to put a sixth grader on a bus for two hours rather than the poor kindegarden children 5 and 6 years old going to school for the first time on a bus 2 hours away. Are your children being affected by this? If they were maybe you would have different feelings. Admire school is getting hit the hardest so those parents have a right to be heard first! I high schooler can sit and wait for mom to come pick them up can a kindergardner? Also do you really think Reading kids are all going to go to Americus for middle school? A lot will go to Lebo. I'm just saying if the board doesn't watch it they will lose more children during this transaction and end up shutting another school down!
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry the previous comment is toward sandman
Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Craze, I had one child at school in Americus and the other at Heights for two years, welcome to our world. And your idea of an Admire only meeting with the board????? Do you really think that would change anything? Facts are facts, money is short and the only logical option is to combine the two smallest schools to reduce the costs by $500k that we wont have this year in USD #251. It stinks it has to be done, but private meetings with the board won't solve any thing. I would hate to live in Admire and hear of it closing as well, but it's the most obvious choice given it's age.
Posted by mjgranberry (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are there any combination classrooms in North Lyon County? Are we using our teachers effectively? Is every teacher in the district tenured?
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 3:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, b3bill, I would like to thank you for you helpful input. As to the rest of you, it is easy to stand back and say "It is for the best and we should accept the enevitable", but it is not your school at risk. To those that resist the idea of a special meeting in Admire, we are taxpayers as well as you, and our school is the one at risk don't you think we have a right to be heard???? Wouldn't you want the same consideration if it where your school on the chopping block?? Of course you would, but it is not your school on the block.
If North Lyon County has such a budget problem then why did they just spend $132,000 on 2 new buses, one with luggage storage underneath, Why did they just have all new carpet and furniture put in the school board office, and why are they buying new vehicles for the Superintendant and principals? Can anyone answer me those questions? Can anyone tell me why there was a need to hire Mr. Molach back as a consultant, we had already gotten rid of him once and they hired him back, Why?
What about the possible additional losses that will occur when these changes are made, because I know alot of parents that will send their children out of district both in Admire And Reading? This could add up to an additional $200,000 in lost revenue to the district! That is the amount if half of the kids were pulled from each school. What then, the distict would be looking at an $800,000 shortfall instead of $600,000. That's just like the government drop the axe before you check to see if your foot is out of the way, ends up you cut the wrong thing off.
Steve Corbin thanks for trying to lighten the mood with the uphill both ways school story. You have known my family for way to many years and with that said you know we won't go down without a fight.
Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Steve
When I was in school we walked 15 miles uphill both ways in snow that was three feet deep all year long.......and that was right here in Emporia. But my mother had it worse....she also had to carry here little brother and sister on her back through the year long snow.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Steve_Corbin, Sincerely hope you had a super Thanksgiving Day and was able to move away from the table in a graceful manner, I WASN'T!!!! Gee, don't know why this gal feels she needs to "clean" her plate!!!!!(then can't move!!!)
Steve, you had a mule!!!!!! (I'm jealous!!!) Gee, we didn't!!!! Had to walk to school "bare-footed" in all that snow!!!!! Never had the "luxury" of such a "fine" ride!!!! This gal would have loved it!!! :-) Yes, biscuitboy, it was uphill, not only going to school but coming back home. I always thought they "moved" the house!!! :-) Come to find out, this gal is VERY "directionally" challenged!!!! BUT I sure did see some pretty sights on my extended trips. Now they have "GPS", yippee!!! Must be alot of "me's" out there!!!! (Now THAT is scary!!!)
In all seriousness, we are in sad times and afraid it is going to get worse before we "reach" the top of that hill. I truly feel sorry for any community that loses its attendance center. Also, I wouldn't want to be on that school board at this given time. I do know that in the past, we in this district have had some very tough decisions to make and have been able to do so while also being able to maintain our "dignity", we will rise to meet this problem. NO solution is going to be easy, just as in the past, ALL "routes" must be researched and
the end result being what is best for the children of this district, what will allow us to continue offering the quality education that we have done in the past.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh! Steve, no sleep last night at all, kids all here and then we went to "Black Friday", left the house at 4:00 AM. This gal is lucky to even have my eyes opened!!!!! Hope the above made sense.
Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Other than my one attempt at humor I have stayed out of this thread because I have no vested interest in it.......don't live in the district and certainly have no school age family in the district.
But, as another poster wrote, I fear unless some magical way can be found to reverse population trends, the hand writing is on the wall. Consolidation is probably inevitable soon....the only trick left is figuring out how to best accomplish it.
Posted by Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I certainly think consolidation is a possibility. What about a Lyon County School District with attendance centers a key locations throughout the district?
Posted by admireed (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Beo...which locations? That is what this is all about, which locations?
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all of you who say i have one child at americus and one at northern heights and that it is the same thing as we are going to experience having our children split...you are wrong. Say you live in Americus try putting one elementary child not (high school) at Admire and then put your middle school child at Councl Grove school. One of my children are not staying at Admire and the other one going to Americus, I live at Admire and one is in Reading and one is Americus. Totally Different!!!! Also Northern Heights is Central for everybody, Reading and Americus are two different directions.
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on November 27, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Northern Heights is central for everybody." That's a laugh.
Nobody *wants* Admire to close, probably just like nobody wanted the high schools in Miller, Reading, etc., to close when we had to consolidate to form Northern Heights. The times they are a-changin......
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MelissaGarrison~ Have you actually put pen to paper and checked out the central position of the district?? Probably not because the central point of the district is 2 miles south of Admire, so Northern Hieghts is pretty close to centralized. And when it was built it was the center between the schools that went together to build it (Bushong, Allen, Admire, and Miller).
Craze~ if you are sending a child out of district to attend school then you are part of the problem with this district. If I am misunderstanding your post then I will apologize for my comment now. I am taking it that you are sending one child to Admire and one to Council Grove, unless there are extreme circumstances I have to ask why are you sending a child out of district and then complaining about the closure?
Over past several years, our school board has used some (for a lack of a better term) creative maintanance practices. What I mean by this is they withhold maintanance on one building to make it look less expensive to operate, while pouring funds into another to make it look more expensive to operate in order to support their position for closure. The fact is the numbers can be altered to support any position the school board wants, after all they are the ones providing the numbers. They did this a few years ago to make Admire look like a money pit and Reading as the golden child. We all know that all of the additions built in the mid 90's was done as cheaply as possible, this includes the Reading building.
Next question goes to population, what happens if there is a population growth in the District (this is not an imposibility, look at the construction that has happened along 99 highway and the Americus road in the last 10 years). With Admire closed and Reading not able to handle it, what then? I can tell you what then, the board will want to build a new school. More money we can't afford to spend. This is the ultimate goal of the school board, one by one eliminate the arguements against the new school proposal that has been struck down before. If you want something bad enough and the headon approach doesn't work, then you take an alternative route that will reach that ultimate goal. This is much like a child that wants a cookie but mom says no. The child then does something good so mom will give him/her the cookie as a treat. Same goal realized, just gained through an alternate route.
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison62-I do not want admire school to close and i will put up the biggest fight ever. I don't plan on sending my kids out of district but i don't plan either on sending one to reading and the other to americus. they are too far apart. If it comes down to it i will fight for them to both go to americus and if that won't work i will think about going out of district. one thing for sure the district and the admire/allen community needs to give the school board a fight!
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Craze~ fair enough, then i did misunderstand your post and I apologize. With all that is going on, I misread your meaning and I fully understand your position. We intend to fight this but due to finances we wil pull the kids from school and home school them. This is not our first choice nor is it a choice taken lightly, we simply cannot afford the extra driving that this closure will cause. We fully support Admire and Northern Hieghts, but we can only do so much.
When it comes right down to the absolute facts of this decision will only hurt the kids and especially the low income kids as it will make it so their families are left out of the education process. I feel for the families that are having their input into their childrens education ripped away from them because this school board is spend happy. Yes, I said spend happy, because I just found out that they are planning to recarpet Americus Grade School over Christmas break. Why are they recarpeting when there are more important matters at hand unless they have already made a decision and are spending their money before it is in hand.
Again Craze~ I apologize if I offended you, that was an angry response to a misunderstanding.
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand jmorrison, i think this move is only going to hurt the district in the ling run. I can't see families sending their kids two different directions and i feel really bad for the reading kids who have to go clear to americus. i think that a lot of them will choose to go to lebo which is must closer. the district is going to lose many kids and families over this and will end up having to shut down another school
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CRAZE, sorry to have to explain to you, but sometimes things happen we "don't want" to happen. Unless you can come up with the needed money for the district and all other avenues have been researched, doesn't sound as if we have a "choice", unless you can come up with a "money" tree!! (if so, please let me know where you found)
From what I understand, Americus, a number of years ago, didn't want their High School shut down and their elementary school torn down and then "busing" the kids to what the kids refer to as "cow pattie High". That always saddened me when I heard that. Sometimes we just don't have any other options and the money "ain't" there!
Also, jmorrison, as you state, depends who is doing the "figuring". Central? To admire??? Surely not Reading or Americus. Which community actually "sends" in the numbers? We have bussed the majority of students for years into Hts. Numbers???????
Again, unless someone can come up with the much needed dollars, life is what it is!!!! Let's make the best of it.
Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The geographic center of the district is just South of Allen, not Admire. How many students reside North of 56? VERY few. If you were to consider student population location, the center would be alot further South. The entire district will be affected by any decision made. The whole district will be negatively affected if the proper action hasn't taken place before the actual budget cuts hit home. I'm not insensitive to the changes and problems this closure would cause for the parents in Admire, but the threats of students being sent outside the district and being pulled out for home schooling is a stretch to say the least and quite frankly contradicts the claims of inconvienence.
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand there is nothing we ca do about shutting it down, i get that part! It doesn't mean we HAVE to send our kids to Reading and Americus though. If we choose to home school, or take out of district that is our decesion. If your kids went to Americus and you were told the school is closing and they have to get bused to Reading you would probably have second thoughts too as to maybe taking them to emporia instead. I know it is impossible to come up with the money i am just saying the district will lose more kids because they will go outside the district that, is our decesion.
Posted by CRAZE (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
YY4U- very good point. The reason I live in this community is because my kids go to school here. When the school closes, my kids may end up going to emporia. I work there so why not relocate and save on gas! Many other parents may only live in this area so their kids can be close to their school.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
neighbor~ there is no implied threat to the statement that alot of parents will pull their students. I have spoken to several that will send them to Mission Valley, Osage or Council Grove. And no there is no contradictions, the fact is My daughter is a stay at home mom so how is that an inconvience. We can purchase the exact same learning materials as used by Admire teachers now, for very little money.
As for the geographic center Admire and Allen are 4 miles apart so if it is south of Allen, it is still south of Admire. So what if it is a little east. The point was made.
Sandman~ Americus does send alot of students to NHHS but it also sends alot of students to Emporia, as Reading sends students to Lebo and Osage City. We rarely sned anyone out of district.
I realized just now that no one bothered to mention the wasteful spending of our school board in a time of short fall. The only thing that has been done is to show that my geograghy is a little off and then I am being told to deal with it!!! I, at least have offered information about wasteful spending and b3bill offered some alternatives to save money as have a few others but the majority of the responses have been mainly happy that it wasn't their town getting axed or condolences to Admire. Plain and simply, we don't want your sympathy, we need constuctive input that will allow us to keep our school open.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison62, Plain and simple, unless it is possible to come up with the needed money something will need to be done. The fact that they are carpeting Americus Elem., get real! That is a drop in the bucket as to what is needed to keep this district in tact. I have seen the carpet in Americus Elem. and in all reality, it needed carpet five years ago.
I was trying to point out that there are times we don't "want" something and yes, you are correct there will be "changes" made for as it has been pointed out, it is our individual choice. BUT for the district to comeup with the needed funding, it just can't "sit" because no one wants to make that tough decision. No time is good and will affect people in the district.
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"...They withhold maintanance on one building to make it look less expensive to operate, while pouring funds into another to make it look more expensive to operate in order to support their position for closure. The fact is the numbers can be altered to support any position the school board wants, after all they are the ones providing the numbers. They did this a few years ago to make Admire look like a money pit and Reading as the golden child."
What?
So, you are saying that years ago the school board altered the numbers in a conspiracy plot against Admire, because somehow they just knew that the country would be in a fiancial crisis due to a collapsed economy. Now that makes sense......Give me a flippin break.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sandman~ the carpet may be a drop in the bucket but with every drop that is kept in the bucket, sooner or later the bucket will fill up. What this board has done with the funds that they are alotted and knowing this cuts were coming (and if you had read the board meeting minutes since July) and they knew they were coming wouldn't it have been wise to sit on those funds and make wise decisions with those funds. You say the carpet in Americus needed to be done for five years then why wasn't it done when they had funds from the lawsuit instead of now. Why are they spending money on new carpet for the board office and the new furniture. These people are not acting like reponsible people that are $500,000 short.
You can defend these people til you are blue in the face and you won't convince me that what they are doing is right!
And there again my point is proven, very few are actually putting forth viable ideas to help, mostly because they are resigned to being helpless in the face of a government decision, you know Don't buck the man.
I am not attacking anyone, I am just saying the longer we act like sheep the more they will herd us around.
You know instead of telling me to accept the inevitable, try think of ways to make the necessary cuts. Cause I got a pretty good feeling this is not the last closing, and you might think I am nuts but I still think they are planning more closures and a new school in the near future. And when it happens I will feel for you and I won't even tell you "I told you so", at least not more than once or twice.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 1:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Melissa~ No, I didn't say they knew of the short fall years ago, but they have been planning to close Admire for several years. So why not take advantage of a prime situation to close this facility? Go to the school board and get the maintanance records for the last several years, check it out for yourself before you attack me. Instead of attacking me try proving me wrong with facts. The fact is it happened!
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison, please go back and reread what you have written. If it is so concerning maintenance, then WHY didn't they carpet Americus Elem.when the wear started to show? "Trying to keep the maintenance down" so cost of building is down, PLEASE, that really doesn't even make sense. You let something deteriate just so you can say "Oh! I didn't spend a dime", get real!!!! When was Admire building built??? I believe in the early 1900's. Yes, it is a shame to see it close but also really don't see how the district can continue to afford keeping it going. Just in heat and cooling, remember the principle of science, heat rises. So even if you have the second floor shut off, heat still rises upward. How much maintenance are we, the taxpayers, expected to carry before we say "enough"
You say, let's not be "sheep" and allow them to "herd" us.
I believe we are trying to be "independent" and stating our view point and if it goes WITH the school board, that is because that is how we feel. Giving sympathy??? Truly don't feel we are doing so, only stating that we ALL wish the needed funds were there but they are not. jmorrison, what do you propose the school board do??? Close Reading??? Now in all common sense, does that really make sense??? Close Americus??? You are really reaching!!!!!!
Posted by esugrad_03 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those of you who are nitpicking jmorrison62, have you stopped and considered that maybe he/she has inside sources and that maybe what he/she is saying about maintenance is true? I have actually heard what jmorrison62 is saying with my own ears, and no, it wasn't from jmorrison62, because I do not know him or her.
Have you worked in a school district before? If so, you would know that there are shady practices, including shady maintenance practices. It is sad, but it is true. The politics within a school district is horrible.
Yes, putting in new carpet is a drop in the budget. However, the drop in the bucket ticket items do add up. Is the entire school getting new carpet, or is it just the junior high side or just the elementary side? If it is the entire school, it is a nice size school, so it will really add up. One has to stop and ask himself/herself if the carpet is really a high priority ticket item. I have worked in a couple of elementary schools. None of my classrooms have had new carpet. I learned to deal with stains and yucky carpet. There are more important items that need to be purchased, eliminated, or put on the back burner.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sandman~ Americus has never been in question at any point. Only the spending habits of the board are in question. It has always been Admire or Reading in Question as to which will be closed.
And yes, if what I believe is true that the ulimate goal of the school board is a new centralized school, then at some point Americus and Reading will both be closed. Admire is just the first step toward that goal.
Admire was built in 1942 and has been upgraded many times, including a new boiler just a few years ago.
I have not suggested closing any school, what I want to see is a school board that is financially responsible in a time of budget cuts.
I guess it is easier to twist my words instead of accepting the possibility that I just might be right.
Sandman~ you have the right to side with the board and believe everything they are saying, as I have the right to believe that they are herding everyone around like a flock of sheep. That is the beauty of living in America, we still have rights.
It is funny to watch this arguement progress. We have been through stage 1: Consoling- at this point everyone says I'm sorry this is happening to you. Stage 2: Convincing- this is where you try to prove your position is correct. Stage 3: Defend- defend your position. Stage 4: Attack- attack your opponents facts if that doesn't work, twist those facts to fit your position. Stage 5: Personal attack- This is where your attacking the integrity of your opponent to put them on the defensive.
We have been through 4 of these stages, I will not stoop to stage 5, what I have stated comes from the school board minutes and personal knowledge of what has been going on for the last 24 years (the length of time that I have lived here).
As for wishing the funds were there, try coming up with ways to cut the fat out of the budget, cause it is there. Look for new inovations that will reduce costs as b3bill has done. If you actually want the schools to stay open and have the jobs saved, then be proactive and stop trying to convince me that this is the only option. Stop twisting my words to support your position on the closing. By agruing with me and me letting this go on for so long WE have wasted valuable time that could have been spent more productively finding a solution to the problem at hand.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
esugrad_03~Thank you for your support. And yes these fact are true. I wish they weren't but they are. If nitpicking me is all the argument they have, Oh well, I have broad shoulders and a ducks back, if you know what I mean. So I can shoulder it and what I can't shoulder will be like water on a ducks back and slide right off. 03, you said that you graduated from Admire in 95 and Hieghts in 99, then if you stop and think about it for a while, you will know who I am because you graduated with my daughter.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison62, no "twist" of words, stated as they were stated. I know you feel very strong concerning where you stand and that is understandable. What I've tried to do is ask, what is best for the district and its children? I just don't believe that the board can come up with the over $500,000. that is needed by the "drops in the bucket" but that MAJOR action is warranted. That is needed SOON, but as I stated earlier, we haven't reached the top of the hill yet!!! I also understand what you are saying concerning the carpet but AGAIN, that truly is a drop in the bucket. You state concerning the board office, again, have you looked at that space??? AGAIN, a VERY small drop for that area isn't that big even with new furniture. What are we talking about here, maybe a couple thousand? That doesn't reach very far when the state states concerning the cut backs. They are talking some major bucks and from what I've seen and heard, even without doing so, it wouldn't have gone far that something else would need to be done.
I do agree with you concerning discussing this, at this time, some are not "logical" because of the possible affect and that is understandable. I just don't feel that by "cutting back" as you have said will come up with the amount of dollars that will be needed. And YES, I have worked in the schools!!!
Posted by 828505 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have also heard similar news about the maintenance upkeep (or the lack of upkeep).
I was raised in the 251 school district. At this point, the Admire and Reading residents need to work together. If one school closes, it will never be reopened.
How can the Admire and Reading residents work together? Here is a suggestion: fight for K-5 to be retained at both schools. This will eliminate the long bus rides for the small children. Junior high (6-8) can be held in one of the buildings. Maybe if they are in the same building for junior high, friendships can be made, and maybe the majority the students will stay and attend Northern Heights. Basketball can be played at Reading, just like it is now. The district would save money by closing one junior high. Principal positions can also be combined, which would save the district even more money.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sandman~ Do you remember what ole Ben Franklin said, "A penny saved is a penny earned". Thousands of dollars in carpet, furniture, buses, consultant fees, and new vehicles for the Super add up to nearly half of the shortfall from the budget cuts. Those are FACTS from the school board minutes and other sources. How can you say that those are a drop in the bucket.
This is the visible fat, what about looking at some of the wages that are being paid out. A voluntary wage cut is an option to save jobs. Many companies in this day and age are implementing wage cuts as manditory. After all, even the board claims they are in the business of educating our children.
Stop paying teachers based on the amount of education they have and start paying on performance. I know alot of people that hold Phd.s that are the nicest ,smartest people I know but they couldn't teach their way out of a paper bag. So why pay for what they know instead of what they can teach. Don't get me wrong, WE in North Lyon County have the best teachers around and I want to keep them all. The ones we will lose and (if you paid attention to the presentation) the ones that Reading and Americus will lose as well. Tenure will decide who has a job and who doesn't, not what you or I want.
There are teachers retiring after this year, that will reduce payroll. Why not buy out the contracts of the teachers that are close to retirement, and before you go there the initial expenditure will be high but will be out weighed by the overall savings.
Take advantage of online resources, online classes can teach for lower cost and a class monitor would be cheaper than having a teacher in every classroom. Math, History, and English are classes that could be taught in this manor. We live in the technology age let's use it to the advantage of our children. Approach corporations for sponsorship or partnerships in education.
These are the types of cost saving ideas that could save large amounts of money, and I am talking sizeable amounts. These are ideas that should have been looked at before there was any budget short falls not after the fact. Yes, there are internet courses offered not but they are not utilized to the internet to its maximum capabilities. Emporia State uses computers to teach Algebra with a teacher to help but the classes are much larger meaning that the overall cost per student is lower.
sandman~yes, I am very passionate about education and what is best for our children. This closing does not benefit the children nor does it benefit their education.
Posted by dragyours2001 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Many of you have mentioned maintenance money being spent and how this could save or go towards the money lost...but, this comes from a different fund. We are legally not allowed to get into this fund for any other reason than building maintenance. If we do not spend it, then we lose more each year; possibly a year when we really need the money to repair things.
Also, I like the idea of combining junior highs in Admire and Reading. If it comes down to still closing a school, I hope that Reading can at least be a K-8 school.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Anybody who is concerned, a friend of mine just received an email from Mr. Nolton that the school board meetint scheduled for December 2nd has been moved from Americus to Northern Heights High School. Same time different place.
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dragyours2001~ Did I say take away from the maintanance fund, I don't believe I did, but spend the money more wisely. I talk about the creative maintanance program that has been utilized in the past to make one school look better than another as far as the cost of maintaining them.
Posted by know_your_stuff (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand emotions are high but please remember that everyone is still just guessing what is going to happen. The school board is made up of good people who are trying to do their best for the district. Not everyone will be happy but they are trying to do what is for the greater good. Closing a school is never easy and alot of these decisions should have been made years ago. To stay united and POSITIVE about the school district would be a good start.
Everyone is already saying they are sending their kids somewhere else. Remember the grass is not always greener and sending them someplace else does nothing to help keep this district open. You are only adding to the problem. 251 is a great district and needs your support. Every district has it's issues and you will only be buying other problems. As far as I'm concerned everyone needs to go their home district and school districts should not take out of district students. Please remember to try to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.
Things change and it may not seem to be for the better right now but in the long run, 251 will be a stronger district. I applaud the school board for doing their homework and listening to the people. They do not have an easy job ahead of them and some people are already being downright nasty to them. The ballots weren't exactly running over with names at the last election. Many of the board members also have children in the district that any decision that is made will affect their children also. They don't get paid the big bucks but ultimately the decision is going to have to be theirs. They didn't cut the funding at the state or federal level, they are only trying to help everyone get through it and survive. Please keep that in mind and go at this with a positive attitude. They are trying to make decisions that will be best for everyone.
Yes, I live in the district and will continue to send my children to 251 because it is a good school district and I believe in it. The closing will affect my children also but I know I want them in the smaller school district. We are happy here and will weather the storm.
Alot of what you see on here is rumors that someone has heard or someone hasn't thought something through or doesn't know exactly how things have to work. One example is the maintance is from a seperate fund and must be used as such. There is no way around that. Everyone do as much homework as you can and present some educated options to the board. Let's work together to come out on the other side as a community known as North Lyon County.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
know_you_stuff, SUPER POST!!!!
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison, see you tonight??? Do you have your 'FACTS"???I do!!!! You have been so very WRONG in some of your posting, hope you have done your "leg" work!!!!!!!! (and not guessing!!!!)
Posted by jmorrison62 (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sandman~I have yet to see you prove me wrong. I will be there. Hopefully, you can bring more than you have so far!!!
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison, sorry, but what I have found out, you are so VERY wrong on most everything!!! Would take more time then I have! If you HAD looked at the "power-point" it alone proves you wrong on so many things!!!! AGAIN! we live in sad times and something will need to be done so that this district can stay alive. Sorry you aren't willing to assist in that endeavor but are willing to drag the district down.
Posted by lcountyvictim (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jmorrison - I have been sitting by reading your rants based on an incorrect assesment of what is happening, and been going on, yet I feel it's time for you time to become enlightened....
For now, may I suggest that you google the word "capital outlay", prior to you making a fool of yourself this evening".
Posted by 828505 (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whether or not all of the facts are right, it sounds as if jmorrison62 supports Admire. You accused jmorrison62 of dragging the district down, but yet you sound like you were going to the meeting excited to close a school. That sort of attitude is what is dragging the district down.
You still believe that all of the information in the PowerPoint is factual. However, there are flaws. For example, according to the PowerPoint, much of the classroom space is located outside the building in temporary buildings (Admire). There are at least 11 classrooms in the main building and 4 classrooms in the temporary units. Four classrooms is the majority? I think not. How can one know how long the electricity, plumbing, etc. will last without major repairs? Things break all the time. Reading had already been mud jacked once. There are other flaws, but why argue with you? You believe everything you are told.
I hope that the Board Members came to the meeting tonight with an open mind.
Posted by 828505 (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The above was for sandman.
Posted by sandman (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
828505, your statement really doesn't make sense concerning argueing with me, if it was true, WHY do you think I have disagreed with jmorrision62? Main point was: get FACTS!!! (not untrue statements!!!)
Very good meeting and as with so many others, very impressed as to how various people conducted themselves. BUT as I've said before, we in NLC have been on the firing line before and have been able to come out with our dignity in tact.
Sad you are so very willing to judge me and not know me, but that is YOUR right and believe me I will defend that right!!!!
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