meanmom (anonymous) says...

Well, I'm glad I'm not on the board. They had a hard decision to make and I know deep down inside they absolutely made the wrong one. Instead of cutting from the top down, we are punishing our kids. Now we are going to be paying unemployment compensation for non-contract employees who will loose their employment, we are going to be paying higher insurance premiums on an empty building rather than an occupied one, we're not going to have anything to draw a younger population to the north end of the district and we are going to transport kids 35 or 40 miles to school. We are going to loose an immense amount of state funding when all the students who leave take that money to other schools. I am deeply ashamed of the action taken by this board. I know they soul searched but I'm sure they are going to regret this decision. I regret the decision. I have absolutely no respect for the supertindent or the spineless board members who can't see past their own interests. I know the state started all this stuff, so it shouldn't all be on the board but that is what they signed on for. They will get theirs. What they dish out, they will get back. I hope they choke on their decision.

February 8, 2010 at 10:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

Now... close the board office. Sell the board office(whether at a loss or not) just get rid of it. Get rid of the part-time staff. Get rid of the glorified janitor. Get rid of all the fluff. The time has come for those who don't remember, Americus was not part of the original consolidation of USD #251. They were too good to be a part of our district. When no one else would take them when the fire marshal condemed their school, we were stupid enough to allow them in. Their building was fixed by our tax dollars. Now they are benefiting from every tax dollar they can suck out of the north end of the district, as if they weren't already doing that. There are also a number of students who will be closer to Emporia, Lebo, Osage City, Harveyville, and Council Grove than they are to the dreaded Americus. Why in heaven's name would any parent send their kids soooo far to go to school. If I had children in school, I would absolutely make sure they would never see the inside of that supposed educational institution.

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

katiemcfee (anonymous) says...

It was the Admire school 15 years ago, when everyone else got their buildings upgraded and extended, that the original contractor would not even look at the building because it was in such disrepair. I know several people that have worked there over the years that have been scared of the building.
The easiest way to save money for the 251 school district would be to close the district. Americus would go to Emporia or Council Grove, Reading would go to Osage or Lebo, Admire would go to Osage and the North of Americus would go to Council Grove.

February 8, 2010 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

allintogether (anonymous) says...

Hey meanmom. Got $600,000 to bail the district out? The legislature put our district in this mess and it is NOT relegated to #251. Our state and federal government can't handle their responsibility even with the taxes they take in from US. They are supposed to fix the roads, bridges, HELP run schools, post offices and other mandates enumerated in the constitution and our state constitution. They are constantly out kicking their coverage (favorite sports analogy) and need to be replaced.

You make it sound like the board members were jovial about closing Admire. In the board's interests? Do you think its a conspiracy? Our friends in Olpe and Hartford have hard decisions to make regarding who gets closed. If you are going to point fingers at least point them in the right direction. The state legislature needed to balance the budget and they are going to do it, no matter who they hurt.

At this rate, in 5-10 years it won't matter because we will have the Lyon County school district with everyone being bussed into Emporia everyday. I guess that is what the legislature wants. Should have been building the local, North end economy over the last 20 years like Burlington or even Alma did. Sorry folks. No money, no mission. Dependence on state and federal government will make sure money and mission are in short supply.

February 9, 2010 at 1:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

Go to Emporia? That would be closer than Americus. The North end of the district has improved. Has anyone checked to see where exactly the tax dollars have come from? Moot point. It doesn't matter now anyway. Resigned to letting go. Anger and hurt doesn't help. I'll tell the 14 kids from my area who will go elsewhere goodbye. I didn't know the county helped support the federal post office??? I agree there will be no USD # 251 so why all the hoopla. Just abandon all the buildings and disperse. No repairs-no maintaining-no pride. Just a welfare mentality. Support us because we deserve it(Americus). Just rambling. Gotta stop. Fluff Fluff Fluff

February 9, 2010 at 7:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

allintogether (anonymous) says...

I mentioned state and federal gubment regarding post offices in the same breath to save time on my rant. Sorry for any confusion. I understand your frustration and disappointment. I am a proud graduate of Admire Grade School.

February 9, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

All the rambling and complaining in the world is not going to change the fact that large scale unemployment across this nation has resulted in less federal and state withholding taxes. As a result, the availability of tax money to each state in order for that state to take care of its own responsibilities has been slashed to the bone.

meanmon, the county itself doesn't support the post office, but federal dollars do and it's all part of trickle down. Did you know that some states have begun considering cutting prisons and setting inmates free?

I feel sorry for the North Lyon Co. School Board. This had to have been a very difficult decision. Southern Lyon County board has some difficult decisions to make too and they may have to close a school, one that is in very good condition, and that makes it all the more gut-wrenching.

The more populated areas that have been more highly developed and able to produce more tax dollars via improvement will be less affected. Perhaps it would have been wise for each area to develop themselves into a niche community in order to attract families with children. I remember when a cow pasture in Olpe was turned into a subdivision.

I feel for all those who must suffer through this terrible predicament.

But is it really about the feds being unable to handle their responsibility? Can local people do this for themselves? With what? How? You can't even get people to buy a ticket for a taco supper, how you gonna get them to support a school by themselves? Don't you think there are those who will say, "Let the rich guys do it"? And who are they? Where do you draw the line? Might some of that stimulus money been available to save Admire School? That's a lot of money for only a few kids.

See how this becomes a spaghetti sandwich in a hurry?

February 9, 2010 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

alfalfa (anonymous) says...

I am certain no board member in North Lyon county wanted to close Admire. They were elected to make decisions for the district, sometimes those decisions are tough ones, often there is no good answer, as in this case.

I also feel you can't single out any one entity to blame. You can't just say the legislature wouldn't give them the money...the state coffers are empty too. You can't give what you don't have to give. Raising taxes is unacceptable to many, myself included. If things are really tight, get rid of some administrators, cut back on athletics, etc. Taxpayers in this state are making some tough decisions themselves, you can't solve our states economic problems by raising taxes right now. The financial problems will only be solved when the economy rebounds, and higher state and local taxes will not lead to that rebound. So, government is going to have to tighten its belt, just like the rest of us.

Does anyone know the status of things in South Lyon County? I had heard gossip that Olpe definitely was not going to see a school closed.

February 9, 2010 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yev_kassem (anonymous) says...

It's sad that it had to happen but the reality of the matter is it was the right decision. It saves a lot of money and for the time being the Admire kids will still get the small school education at Americus.

I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years more schools shut down and consolidate in Emporia. North and South Lyon county are hurting as well as Chase County. It is a sad scenario but maybe the best business decision.

February 9, 2010 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

create pretty much nailed it.

What are you going to do?

North Lyon County was the 1st. to take unpopular but necessary steps. Others will follow. As members of the various boards grapple with these decisions they have to remember that while their decisions may not win them a popularity contest they are a necessity.

February 9, 2010 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Nobody (anonymous) says...

I find it curious, to my knowledge, South Lyon County is the only district where administration and employees have taken pretty big paycuts, some voluntarily at the upper end. Why is this not happening in all school districts? I think this says alot about USD 252. Those people are good hearted people and truly look out for what's best overall, not just for themselves.

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

Tell (anonymous) says...

What a great message our legislators are sending our children. Education is important as long as it does'nt cost anything. They are creating thousands of jobs to be cut not to mention hurting higher education. Why would kids want to go to college in Emporia to be teachers when this is the message our government is sending? While our state spends two hundred million on remodeling our capital.

February 9, 2010 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Summer_Breeze (anonymous) says...

Many of these posted comments are right on target. I agree that closing the Admire Grade School was a most unfortunate necessity. I also believe that further consolidation is inevitable. I am most sorry for the kids, who will spend too much time on the road--never a good situation. But I have to say that EVERYONE has some responsibilities for this situation, including you, dear reader, and me.

We've been too territorial--wanting OUR school to be bigger and better than others; too invested in developing athletics programs--no matter how expensive they are, or whether the basics are well-funded first; too disengaged in the day-to-day issues of our schools (when is the last time anyone attended a meeting of the school board?); too blind--supporting all that infrastructure means someone has to pay, and the bottom line is that the "someone" is the local taxpayer.

There are no simple solutions to these problems that have been building for decades. The question is, will we continue to travel along this path that isn't going anywhere? As a society, we need to pay attention and be accountable for our own decisions and choices. We need to come up with creative ways to resolve this economic and educational crisis instead of criticizing the hard decisions the USD 251 Board had to make. I don't have the answer, but I believe that together our communities can find it.

February 9, 2010 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

madpoet (anonymous) says...

Last I heard, South Lyon County is going to try to make some more cuts and stay as is next school year. The Neosho Rapids grade school isn't even paid for yet, MY tax dollars will be going to pay off a vacant building. Great. They're still talking of making Hartford High a K-12 building. How that's going to work wasn't explained to me at the board meeting when I brought it up. We signed a petition the other day to keep the grade school open in Rapids. My kid will be in kindergarten next year. We would pay towards the upkeep of the building out of our own pockets and I bet other parents would too. IF we knew that is where the money would go, that is.

I feel for North Lyon County district. I know a teacher at Admire. She has several kids of her own to support and now she and her coworkers are going to be unemployed. How does putting more people out of work help the local economy? If the state consolidates a bunch of school districts, they may lay off 15,000 people. Yeah, that will help! We're in a deep hole and I don't know how we're going to get out of it. It's a sorry situation for everyone.

February 9, 2010 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

madpoet,

Just a question.
If the school board figured out it would cost an extra thousand dollars per student to keep your school open ,could, or would you pay it?
What about 2,000, 3,000, 5,000? Could you guarantee all the other parents of students would be willing to pay the extra out of pocket?
It is not just about the upkeep of a building, the costs of teachers and staff all must be figured in.
I'm not taking sides just wondering?

February 9, 2010 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

admireed (anonymous) says...

mad...we are in a hole because school taxes have been shifted from local to state and the state does not have money to support the bloated system any longer. If the districts had to rely on local property levies only, we probably would not have allowed the costs to grow into what they now are

Edward McKernan

February 9, 2010 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

uranidiot (anonymous) says...

March on the capital, take no prisoners.

February 9, 2010 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

madpoet (anonymous) says...

If it cost $1,000 to keep the school open, it would only be $20 a week and yes, I would pay that willingly. I'm just saying there are alternatives. My understanding is that they'll have to build onto Hartford to make room for all the new students anyway. How is that going to work? Pay on a building you're not using, spend who knows how much to expand another one at the same time plus extra transportation costs?

I agree the system is messed up. The schools have "use it or lose it" funds so waste money on stuff they don't need so when they do have a need they have the funding. How stupid is that? Emporia High with its what? 4 vice principals on high salaries blows my mind. I went to a 5A school with 1 principal and 1 vice principal and a couple of office staff. They need to cut out the fat all around. One parent complained that the kids were cleaning their classroom at Neosho Rapids since they let the janitor go. Wow, we cleaned our room in grade school, too. I'm not scarred for life. My kid loves to vacuum and I'd be surprised if the kids don't line up to do it. We all need to suck it up and decide what's important which is our kids' education. Not sports, not extra field trips, not a bunch of administrators.

February 9, 2010 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporiahelper (anonymous) says...

I agree with most the comments. The ones about sports thought kinda bothers me. I guess we can have all of our kids be fat and not have a life outside or school? Also I hope they don't send all of these ids to Emporia. Not enough room and it would cause more drama than there already is. These kids already don't get along with other towns so why put them together.

February 9, 2010 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmorrison62 (anonymous) says...

To the reader of this post, I have contacted the state school board for data on this district. According to the data comppiled by the state, North Lyon county has 95 students going out of district when this funding problem came up. Do any of you realize that 95 students at $4000 each which is less than the state pays per student is $380,000.00 more than enough to cover this years short fall and a sizeable chunk of next years shortfall.
This is my one and only post on this one as I have been branded as some that doesn't know anything. The ax has fallen on Admire and since everyone thinks its ok to kill a town, i guess i will join them and take my grandkids and my business somewhere where it will be appreciated cause it doesn't seem to be in Kansas anymore. When the state forces further consolidation and it is your town that has to go on the chopping block, I will feel for because I have been there. And let me tell you this, I feel for because it is not a good feeling. Now if you want to attack me like evryone did with the last article about closing the Admire school go ahead, cause I won't be reading it!

February 9, 2010 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Here is a helpful link with up to date information regarding Kansas School Finance. There is a list of sub topics.

http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabi...

February 9, 2010 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

admireed (anonymous) says...

create...thanks for this link

jmor...is the out of district info available on line? I would be interested in seeing similar data for other districts. Thanks

Edward McKernan

February 9, 2010 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Ladibug (anonymous) says...

First of all, I think the schoolboard should be commended for all their hard work, and I'm sure they lost alot of sleep over making their decision, no one could honestly say they could do a better job, if they can, I'll look forward to seeing their name on the ballet next vote. Does it really do any good to name call? Grow up. What a good example you are setting for your own children. The important part is that the children get a good education, that is the big picture, isn't it? I first hand, can say at Americus, Our children are getting Quality education, the teachers care about these kids, they know each of them, and they push them to do their best. We, in Americus, also have many decent, hard-working, respectful families that take pride in the community and volunteer to support the school every chance we get. We look forward to welcoming students from Reading, Allen and Admire. Hopefully, as we include these Jr. High students into our school they will be able to merge with our students to prepare for High School and grow into responsible teens, and not bring their parents hate and grudges with them, If you should choose to take your child to another district, becuse you THINK they will have it better, well, then, you have to do what is right for your CHILD, but Americus IS a great school, with good people in it, and it will be your loss.

February 9, 2010 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

In having lived in the Americus area for a number of years and knowing many of the school board members, I would like to say "Thank You" for doing a very tough job as well as anyone could have done but one that many of us wouldn't have wanted to "take on". In knowing many of you, I have no doubt that you tried to look at every angle and every idea and did your very best, THANK YOU! No one in this district wanted to see a school close but the district was put, as so many, with their backs against the wall and very few choices to come up with the amount needed.

We have a super district and in the past have been able to blend and work well together, let's hope this continues so that we may end up with an even stronger district.

February 9, 2010 at 7:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...

USD 251 has recently updated their web-site. If I remember correctly, the old web-site did not provide updated Board Minutes. Board Minutes are now being provided. I went back and read the Board Minutes from the November 23rd meeting, along with all of the other Board Minutes. The Board Minutes did discuss the PowerPoint. However, I am shocked that the Board Minutes failed to mention the possibility of closing Admire. The Gazette's article, which was posted on November 24th, and had the headline of Superintendent: Close Admire School, provided the details that should have been listed in the Board Minutes. Many readers will probably find my comments to be uninteresting, and that is fine. However, being a teacher, myself, I am shocked that something this BIG was left out of the Board Minutes.

Jmorrison62: WOW! The STATE Board of Education said that 95 students are going out of district. I am floored by this number, since that number conflicts with the number that people were told from 251's Board Office. People were being told a smaller number (as you are probably well aware of). I would hope that 251's Board Office would know the exact number, especially since they have to report a lot of data to the State Board of Education, and 95 was not the number they (251) were telling people. Thank you for taking the time and contacting the State Board of Education, and for reporting your results. I am happy that the State Board of Education was willing to help a concerned citizen. Ninety-five students-WOW! WOW! WOW!

February 9, 2010 at 7:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

munchkin91 (anonymous) says...

Excuse me 'meanmom' your wrong. You don't need to pay the insurance on that ramshackle lean to of a school. You would only have to transport them maybe 17-18 miles? I, for one credit the board on making the best decision that they possibly could. They were intelligent enough to realize that keeping 80% of the district where they belong and where they've been for a number of years and sending Admire and Reading to different builidings was a truthfully wise decision. No teacher is set for employment, not even Americus. The board does not favor anyone, except the children. They only care about them and their quality of education. The Americus building was condemned, but originally we were the district. We get the right amount of tax money for our number of students and for our test scores. I suppose it is your opinion about Americus and that 'supposed educational institution'. The statements your saying are all puffery, know and realize the facts before you start posting random things. In the end to a new begining, Americus will welcome all the students who would love to have a high quality education by great teachers, no matter what school they may come from in the district. Wonder also how many board meetings you attended to make your statements known to all, instead of hiding behind a computer screen??

February 9, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...

I'll try to make this concise. I feel that it would have been a better choice to combine Admire and Reading into a K-8 and leave Americus as is. This is kind of what I was thinking...

Sports - Admire and Reading have already combined their sports teams, which means they have already purchased uniforms for all of the student athletes. When Admire/Reading students are sent to Americus, the new uniforms will most likely be discarded and more Americus uniforms will need to be purchased for the incoming players. How much will that cost? Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading - the small costs are going to add up.

Affects on both towns - It sucks that Admire is closing in the first place. But it seems that Reading is being punished, too. People are going to pull their children from the district, and I can't blame them. And what would attract new families to Reading? Certainly not a K-5 school. The families living in Reading are going to be stuck there. This is affecting property value. To put it bluntly, Reading is getting screwed over, too.

Space - When all 6-8 students are combined at Americus, that will be 3/4 the size of Heights in the Junior High alone. When you add on the number of Americus students in K-5, there will be more students at Americus than at Heights. Does Americus have enough lockers and classroom space to accomodate all of those students? What about meals for breakfast and lunch?

Bus Routes - With the new plan, there will be buses going to and from Reading, to and from Admire, to and from Americus, and to and from Heights. If there were just the 2 K-8, Reading kids would only need to go to Heights, not to Americus. If I were an Admire parent with children in grades, say, 3rd and 6th, why would I send my 3rd grader to Reading and my 6th grader to Americus? Wouldn't it make more sense to send both children to Americus?

I am not looking for an argument, but if anyone can provide additional information or answer these questions, I would love to hear it.

February 9, 2010 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

828505 (anonymous) says...

Why are people applauding the USD 251 board? Yes, a tough decision had to made, a school may have had to close. However, junior high at Americus will hurt an already struggling district.

Compare course offerings with other area schools and one would find that USD 251 is behind!

Other districts, can offer more courses because they combine junior high and high schools to share teachers, resources, and faculties.

What benefit is there to ALL the students and families of USD 251 to have the junior high at Americus?

Please tell me the only benefit is NOT a short term money fix?

Admire is going to be empty. Why not move the junior high there temporary? Teachers and principals could be shared as Heights is only four miles away.

In better times, upgrade Northern Heights, to accommodate the junior high or build a more centralized building.

I guess……we all have one thing to look forward to in 5 years. The class 1A battles between Northern Heights (WAIT I MEAN) Americus High and Olpe are going to be epic.

Wait, Olpe already beats us in everything so………………nevermind :)

February 9, 2010 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

munchkin91 your wrong? Where did you go to school? I think you're wrong so I guess we're even. As for thinking students would only be bussed 17 or 18 miles you must be in la la land. A student traveling from 3405 Rd Z to Americus would, according to mapquest, travel 27.6 miles in approximately 41 minutes using $4.11 in fuel in a vehicle that gets 17 mpg. This travel would go straight west on Highway 56 then down the Americus Road. When you start bobbing and stopping and turning and stopping and bobbing I don't think that's going to diminish the distance to 17 or 18 miles.
When you say puffery do you know what that means? I looked it up and was very confused in your usage. I guess maybe fluff and puff could be close to the same if that's what you meant. What do you mean when you say the Americus building was condemned but they were originally the district. What district? I'm pretty sure Bushong, Allen, Admire, Miller and Reading had districts. I'm pretty sure that when unification happened in the late 1950's Americus was not the only school in existence. Let Americus welcome displaced students. Who in their right mind would want to go to Americus anyway? You notice I said right mind. I was also wondering if the rumor about volleyball and football being in Americus and basketball being in Reading was true. Since the board voted against 6-8 grades at Reading are they really going to bus all those kids back to Reading for basketball? The next thing you know Americus will need a new gym because, well, they deserve it and who better than them to know what is necessary for quality education. I understand there has been an abundance of inquiries at the BOE in USD #420 about possible enrollments of former Admire students. My understanding is that possibly 17 students are already history to USD #251. As for Melissa Garrison, YOU GO GIRL!!!! Great questions and I hope you get the answers you deserve.

February 9, 2010 at 11:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

To munchkin91 One more thing. I don't know why, but I am proud of my ramshackle lean to of a school. I'm thinking about how many great people grew up with no indoor plumbing, no electricity, no cars, no internet, no calculators, no conveniences of any kind and were considered great people. I'm sure the kids in the ramshackle lean to have done just as well and got just as good an education as those who attended the great AMERICUS. Watch out before you puff your chest out too far, because I'll bet there will come a time when you are part of the North Emporia School District.

February 10, 2010 at 12:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Why do they have to purchase new AMERICUS uniforms?? They don't need to keep the same mascots or colors. It might be the NLC Jr. Cats?.

I'm not sure why everybody is worried about how many kids are going to the Americus school........according to some people 40-60 kids are leaving the district. So there should be plenty of room then. See how things work themselves out? As far as 95 students being out-of-district students....does that include home schooled children? Why or how would USD 251 track these numbers? If Jmorrison62 took their kids/grandkids to another district how would the district officials know if you either A)moved and placed them in a new district B) didn't move and placed them in another district or C)had your kids taken away by the state? They also won't know if someone moves into the district unless they are registered at the school.

Oh and one more thing........ to the people are are taking their children out of district that will eventually cause Reading to close there is nobody to blame but "the rats" that are abandoning ship if that happens. Make sure you tell your neighbor that works at Reading school that YOU are responsible for them losing thier job because YOU took your child to another district. Now that action is truly killing a town.

February 10, 2010 at 2:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

jmorrison62, you speak of 95 students going out of district but fail to state how many students the district draws in? As in the past, we have drawn in many students from other districts, is this number by chance being subtracted from the outgoing number therefore creating a new number giving by the board office? In layman terms, this is the only number, generally speaking, Joe P. Public would have a need to know,
I'm just asking.

meanmom, we all wish you well and your children/grandchildren, but it would be so nice for you to realize the school board really didn't have any other options to raise the amount of money needed in a very short time. You like to "down" Americus and you say "I would absolutely make sure they would never see the inside of that supposed educational institution"when speaking of children/grandchildren. What type of thinking is this displaying? Negative! How can you judge without having first hand knowledge of the school? Now, I'm saying "first hand" and not hearsay, BIG difference!!!!! In Americus, they have human teachers just as they do in Admire and many are very caring and there for the students. Please don't judge when you, as displayed, have absolutely no knowledge what holds within those school walls of Americus.

February 10, 2010 at 5:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bowyerfan (anonymous) says...

And here I was hoping we could move forward with a positive approach. The Board had to make a tuff decision and they did the best they could. Leaving Reading a K-8 was not going to save enough money. My kids go to Americus and receive a great education and I'm sure this will continue. Is putting down Americus really helping the situation. I don't think that any of the teachers feel that their jobs are safe. I think that I have heard several times that they are going to keep the best teachers no matter what school they come from. I am sure that the sports teams will all become NLC Jr Cats, why would you think that we would stay Americus when that isn't going to incompass who we are. I still believe that if the parents remain positive about this transition that the kids will get along fine, but if the parents continue to fill the kids with their negativity then it will be harder for them to adjust. Come on people, this district is great let's work together to keep it that way!!!

February 10, 2010 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Who was it that said;

DAMNED IF YOU DO- DAMNED IF YOU DON'T ??????

February 10, 2010 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...

"I'm not sure why everybody is worried about how many kids are going to the Americus school........according to some people 40-60 kids are leaving the district. So there should be plenty of room then. See how things work themselves out?"

Maybe if Reading was staying a K-8, then the district would not be losing those kids. Of the comments that I have heard, people are pulling their children from 251 because their children would have to eventually transfer to Americus. I have nothing against Americus; I just feel it is an extremely inconvenient plan for parents and children at Reading and Admire.

Also, regardless of which colors/mascot the district takes on, one set of the uniforms/accessories are going to not going to be useful. If they change the Indians to the Jr. Cats, then Americus colors/uniforms are no longer valid; if the Jr. Cats change to Indians; then Reading/Admire colors/uniforms are no longer valid. It is not the point of *which* mascot they are picking - what I am saying is that it will cost money either way.

February 10, 2010 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...

*one set of the uniforms/accessories are not going to be useful.

Sorry, typo!

February 10, 2010 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Ladibug (anonymous) says...

Dear meanmom, I'm not sure what you have against Americus, but I am sure that no matter what decision the board would have made, you would have found a reason to complain. How about this, we could raise the enrollment fees, we could have pay to play sports, maybe you could volunteer your time at the school, I'm sure you have a college education... don't you? Because I am in my right mind, and I Do have a degree, and I am proud my child goes to Americus. And why all the concern about the sports, and the uniforms, and the gyms, our children are at school to learn and prepare for life, how many go on to play in the big leagues, why waste energy worrying about things the board hasn't even had time to discuss, let's put a stop to the rumors and work together to make this change a good one for all involved, whether we like it or not, It's done.

February 10, 2010 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...

Ladibug-People are concerned about sports because uniforms will have to be bought to acccomodate the change. Uniforms are costly, so people are concerned about the money. This is one of the many items that the Board will have to discuss. True, hardly any of the local players make it to the big leagues. However, it is sad, but it is true, to many people, sports rank above education. There are also many people who value a good education over sports. Growing up, I moved a lot, and most of the schools I attended were rural (many of the towns were close to USD 251). Sports ruled most of those towns. Raising enrollment fees and paying to play are good ideas and would help generate some money.

February 10, 2010 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

Now the truth comes out ..........It's not about the quality of education, per MelissaGarrison it's about convenience for the parents. Thats just dandy

February 10, 2010 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...

NLCPride, although I find your comment to be rather rude, and as I pointed out, I am not looking for an arguement - It is not a question about the quality of education. The schools are in the same district; they are all on the same level of quality of education. So yes, what is comes down to is a matter of convenience.

And by the way, I graduated from Reading in 2003 and Northern Heights in 2007, so I, too, have NLC Pride. :)

February 10, 2010 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

americusmom (anonymous) says...

Meanmom, maybe you should do as you said yesterday at 7:16am and quit "just rambling...gotta stop". Maybe attempting to look at the bright side of things would help you get over your anger and frustration. There really is good in all things. I am certain that the change will bring frustration and confusion for awhile for EVERYONE, but I am sure it will all work out and our children will still receive the great education we expect and they deserve.

February 10, 2010 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLCpride (anonymous) says...

When will USD 251 be next? Whats the spread in Vegas? I'll pick 2 years

Effective July 1, 2002, USD #280-Morland and USD #281-Hill City consolidated into USD #281 – Hill City.
● Effective July 1, 2003, USD #317-Herndon and USD #318-Atwood consolidated into USD #105 – Rawlins County.
● Effective July 1, 2004, USD #302-Ransom and USD #304-Bazine consolidated into USD #106 – Western Plains.
● Effective July 1, 2005, USD #301-NesTreLaGo dissolved with most of their students going to USD #106 – Western Plains.
● Effective July 1, 2006, USD #104-White Rock and USD #278-Mankato consolidated into USD #107 – Rock Hills.
● Effective July 1, 2006, USD #221-North Central and USD #222-Washington consolidated into USD #108 – Washington Co. Schs.
● Effective July 1, 2006, USD #427-Belleville and USD #455-Cuba consolidated into USD #109 – Republic Co.
● Effective July 1, 2006, USD #295-Prairie Heights dissolved with most of their students going to USD #412 – Hoxie.
● Effective July 1, 2008, USD #238-West Smith County and USD #324-Eastern Heights consolidated into USD #110 – Thunder Ridge.
● Effective July 1, 2009, USD #279-Jewell dissolved with their enrollment split between USD #107-Rock Hills and USD #273-Beloit.
● Effective July 1, 2009, USD #425-Highland and USD #433-Midway consolidated into USD #111 – Doniphan West Schools.

February 10, 2010 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...

And Ladibug - I understand what you're saying about the sports. I was just trying to point out that there are many small costs associated with accomodating the change, as esugrad pointed out as well. And you are right, how many of these kids will make it to the big leagues? For many, junior high and high school may be their only chance to be part of a team.

I was just curious as to how some of the changes would affect other things. I don't feel it's a waste of time to discuss this.

February 10, 2010 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

uranidiot (anonymous) says...

Doesn't matter what anyone thinks in 5 years all of Lyon county is going to be one district. That's what the state wants. And that is what the state will get.

February 10, 2010 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tammy_patterson (anonymous) says...

I have been vocal at the board meetings regarding my opinion on this issue. I wasn't going to read the comments associated with this article or any others because I didn't want to get upset. I am also not going to hide behind a username. All I would like to say to Americus citizens is I thank you for saying that you will welcome Admire/Reading students, but please be sensitive to the fact that many families are very upset about this decision and it is understandable that people may feel a little bitter about this. Please try to put yourselves in our shoes and ask yourselves what you would do if the tables were turned and the only K-8 was in Reading. This is all going to take a lot of getting used to and I certainly hope that I was wrong when I tried to convey to the board that many students will be going elsewhere for their education if there is not a JH in Reading. We personally have not made a definitive decision about what we will do with our children. I do hope that no one judges those families or blames them in any way for future budget issues because people have to do what is right for them and their families. I still don't feel that the enrollment issue was taken seriously enough.

February 10, 2010 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

meanmom (anonymous) says...

Okay, I'm almost done. I believe that uranidiot is correct. Lyon County will become one big district because that's what the state wants. They are just wearing everybody down so they can sneak something by us. By the time they pull their trickery, nobody will have any fight left. It will be a done deal. Sorry to everyone I ticked off, but if you don't keep going and exploring and fighting there will be nothing left. Absolutely nothing. No places to eat(except in Emporia), no gas stations(except in Emporia), no grocery stores(except in Emporia), no schools(at the rate they're going, none in Emporia either), no post offices(except in Emporia), no community pride. How can Emporia State keep going if nobody needs any teachers?

February 10, 2010 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

munchkin91 (anonymous) says...

The consolidating of the sports teams should not be that big of a deal..... dont forget that the NLC Wildcats is a combination of the schools, the boys play football together 7 yrs now instead of 4 in highschool. Yes there still is the volleyball, basketball and track, no answers here, sorry. It is very understandable that everyone is upset with the closing of Admire, but please remember that Americus did not ask for the 6-8, the decision was made for them. "Meanmom" your user name says it all, I truly feel if you really knew what you were talking about and not just "rambling" you could be a danger to society and yourself. Yes, there is no doubt that Admire, Reading and Americus have all produced wonderful people... many are the same ones sitting on the School Board.

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

create (anonymous) says...

Meanmom, ESU trains teachers who go all over the country to teach, not just local districts. Please don't haul them into the argument.

Also, many smaller communities have become "bedroom communities" of Emporia. That is not only true here, but it is true all over the country because people like to live in small cozy communities where nighbors all know each other and you can feel secure. But they recognize that they have to work and shop and do everything else in the larger area. Better highways have made that possible.

February 11, 2010 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

Americus is in fact just such a bedroom community.

February 11, 2010 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Blessings4u (anonymous) says...

Ok, I truly thank everyone for their insights and willingness to contribute to this topic. But from what has been said so far, I would have to guess the majority of you don't get it. That means you either were not at the mtgs, are not affected by the decisions, or aren't even part of the district. So I will try to clarify for all what you, and our Board, is missing.
By the time we got to the mtgs in Jan. the majority of us had already accepted that Admire was going to close. The real angst of what is left.is the move to make "Americus the only K-8. because I feel the district is now on a course for dissolvement. Its only a matter of time. What is there on the east side of the district to compell a family to want to move to the area, a K-5 in Reading?
Some would argue that it might make Americus more attractive. Remember it is a bedroom community. Lets see, they have always had a K-8 and now it will be a more crowded K-8. Lets talk money. It is something a little over 100K more in savings doing a 1 Jr High system. But just how many kids does the district have to lose before that savings is gone? And as I said before , I feel the board is not looking far enough down the road. busing is more expensive doing it this way, how much more expensive, did we look at that expense accrued over time? All this savings is short term, all the costs are long term. The benfits of keeping Reading a K-8 could reverse that formula. I heard the board say something about the Olpe/Hartford situation in one of the meetings, saying we should be glad we arent' dealing with the bickering that is goijng on down there. From what I have heard, while the situation is tough, the meetings have been cordial, and the transparency of what is going on from the information the board gives to the involvement allowed by patrons...hmmm Seems ok to me...Even better as far as openness to other ideas. Oh wait, our board likes our ideas so much, they are going to put them away, you know, for a rainy day, sort of like a "savings account" in case further cuts come. Well, if further cuts come, face it folks, its not just NLC, but all rural districts may be done, period. So why not do what it is needs to maintain a district that is viable not just next year but far into the future given the state fixes school funding.
I am all for unity folks, I want this district to succeed, I want all small districts, those little gems of public education that are left, providing a truly unique educational experience that can be found no where else, to succeed. The decision to close Admire may have been a no option left vote..But the decision to doom the Reading school was not. Not sure what can be done, I am all for unity and definitely do not want to create division, but if I am to be a Patriot to this district, I must continue to fight, so I will be looking into what it would take to reverse this decision, for the good of the district, others should join me.

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

MelissaGarrison (anonymous) says...

Blessings4u - I TOTALLY AGREE!! :)

February 11, 2010 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )