ALLEN — After more than two hours of public comment and board conversation, the North Lyon County Board of Education voted to study more options in regard to balancing the district’s budget for the 2010-11 school year.
During their regular board meeting, school board members discussed proposals to address the budget shortfall. This came after Gov. Mark Parkinson late last year handed down more than $258 million in budget adjustments on last year — including $36 million in public school cuts — the North Lyon County school district will lose $206 per pupil as base state aide was taken down to 2006 levels, or $4,012.
The board ultimately voted on a motion to draw up a plan for combining classes at Reading and Admire with the elimination of a principal and other savings needed to balance the budget to reach the goals and meet the budget for 2010 -11; and the consolidation of Admire and Reading in one school building.
The board also voted to hold another work session at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at Americus to discuss the motion, which was presented by Wayne Symmonds.
More than 15 people spoke during the meeting. Some wanted clarification on the plan and others pleaded that the board not vote on the proposal until further study of options was done.
The debate began on Nov. 23 when Superintendent Mike Nulton brought the proposals to cut the current 2009-10 budget by $202,230.20. In addition, Nulton told the board then that the district could lose $593,622 in revenue for the 2010-11 school year, based on projections from the Kansas State Department of Education. In the Nov. 23 meeting in Reading, Nulton based his presentation around proposals that were originally developed by the district’s Futures study, which was completed in 2006, plus other options.
To read the complete story see the print edition or the online print edition.
meanmom (anonymous) says...
All this budget cutting by the evil non-feeling person who knows very little about the history surrounding all this hoopla in this school district is absolutely self serving. So, one proposal will only save close to $150,000 but that is without closing the stupid board office. With possible combining of classes there would be extra rooms at both Admire and Reading. I know they own the office, but they have to pay utilities and surely they have to pay to maintain the building and insurance premiums can't be cheap. Over 2 or 3 years, that would be a substantial saving. They could auction off the building giving the district a small amount of revenue. There would be no upkeep and utilities and I'm sure there would be a lot less liability insurance. Also by placing the highest paid administrator in an existing building with existing administration they could support and fill in for the other during times of absence. We still haven't talked about the horribly high salary the district "janitor" makes for driving around in his truck fixing his daughters house.
January 12, 2010 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
Meanmom, are you off your meds? Way to attack the superintendent just because he isn't from the area. It's that sort of insular thought that makes people like you look like paranoid hicks.
January 12, 2010 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
P.S. Is it me or does that rant sound inspired by "Harper Valley PTA"?
January 12, 2010 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
bobhornet, nicely said!!!!
meanmom, why must you start with the statement "history surrounding all this hoopla in this school district?" When will you get it in your head the board 'MUST CUT COST!!!! Sorry, but the name calling will not win you points! I truly feel sorry for the school board and the decision they must make. Saving Kleenex box tops for the next 10 years won't do it for we are speaking of MAJOR dollars that will AFFECT the ENTIRE district!!!! Those dollars MUST be allocated from a certain area, mandated by STATE law!!!!! They just can't take from one area (transportation and move to purchasing of books, example) Please, we as a district DO NOT need your example of the above. Times are tough and afraid they aren't going to get any easier, work with the school board, please.
January 12, 2010 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Also, meanmom, you say "2 or 3 years", sorry but we DON'T have that time to make up this money!!!! I know you are VERY frustrated but FACTS ARE FACTS!!!! How can this district come up with the amount needed and still stay afloat? Believe me I have lived in this district for a long time and it has been a good district. Have I in past years agreed with some things that were done, No, things that DID affect my children but in order to maintain order and proper respect, we followed what the school board said, please learn to do so.
January 12, 2010 at 10:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JRemmert (anonymous) says...
Despite the mean spiritedness of her post, 'meanmom' has an idea that should be considered.
January 13, 2010 at 12:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
JRemmert, sorry, but I truly don't see where she has a "good" idea. Selling off the board office?First, utilitites amount to approx. $4,000 ayear(per power point) What would we gain by selling the board office for the true value of that office would be VERY low in todays market. The space of the board office is VERY small plus we have plenty of empty buildings in Americus.
I know in Admire/Allen it has been nice having your grade school and High School at your back door but "times are achanging", welcome to the world of the REST of the district! I would like you to take what the district could save by closing Admire by the number of students served there, that is what this district has been paying for a number of years. Raise my taxes and the majority for a few, WHY? In truth, you have been "serviced" for a number of years, years that this district SHOULD HAVE done otherthings by going by the popularize, useage of buses, etc.This board is trying very hard to see that ALL are serviced in the district, again work with them and not against.
January 13, 2010 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...
Why not cut some sports. When I was in school you had football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, golf, tennis, and track to iclude cross country. And I always thought golf was kinda on the bubble in regards to whether or not it is a sport or a game. But now they have soccer, gymnastics, dance, swim, dive, badmitten (sp?), bowling, tiddlywinks, and everything else. I would guess each one costs a tidy sum. Take the ones with the worst athletic perfomance records or least interest/participation among student-atheletes and give them the axe until the the economy can once again support them. May not make up 200K to 600K but who knows.
January 13, 2010 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ewooderson (Eric Wooderson) says...
Dear Sandman. I do agree with you that I didn't see any of the "good" ideas either. I support our BOE and realize their decision is a tough one that will affect a lot of people but a decision has to be made. I am one that has children attending Admire that realize our school is probably the correct choice to close. I know and understand there has to be a large cut and this will help tremendously. However for you to say welcome to the world of the rest of the district is garbage and quite frankly pointing the finger at everyone in this part of the district as the problem causer. How untrue that statement is. There is a grade school in Americus that is at those patrons back door as well. Americus gets "SERVICED" also don't kid yourself. I grew up in Americus as a matter of fact, rode the bus to Northern Heights until I was old enough to drive. I've been at both ends of the spectrum. I now drive to Reading frequently to attend my childrens sporting events so don't say we've got everything at our back door.
I do agree if the district would of been able to do the right thing years ago we wouldn't be having this conversation. Unfortunately it takes people that stay active in the community and care about the progress of our children now and in the future when we don't have kids in school. I think it would be safe to say that 20 some years ago when there was an attempt to build a new school which would house all the district, that if the taxpayers would of thought to the future and what could possibly be the outcome that things would be very different in our district. By the way, what is your name since I can't determine it by the nickname that disguises you from everyone that you pointed at in the northern part of the district. Have a nice day
January 13, 2010 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Yes, Eric, nice reply BUT you also stated to the fact that you had to ride the bus from Americus to Hts., which is what I ment when I said "welcome to our world". No one WANTS THEIR child on a bus for a long period of time, but as you stated, sometimes it is necessary. I truly wasn't trying to put Admire/Allen down but was stating the above.
These are very sad times with our current economy and Yes, families are having to cut back, cities and state government, etc. I mainlly was trying to say, no matter what this school board does it will not win the popular vote but that they will need to come up with some major money. As far as my name, sorry will not disclose. Yes, people need to be involved no matter location, that is how we got the addition in Americus to the grade school many years ago, people involved, doesn't matter if we have children in school or not, we STILL pay taxes. Have a good day.
January 13, 2010 at 2:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
OutsiderJ, USD #251 doesnt offer wrestling, tennis, soccer, gymnastics, swim, dive, badmitten, bowling, nor tiddlywinks, it cannot afford them. Our District loses students to Emporia every year for those other sports and other extra curricular opportunities USD#253 offers. Per capita, I'd say the small schools probably have a higher percentage rate of participation than the larger schools do. The only way USD#251 can reach the amount the State has reduced the State contribution by is with the closing a building or by discharging staff. We can survive without a building, but we must have staff there to teach. We can teach, but we might have to go without new gadgets and accessories to do the teaching for them. We can still have kitchen staffs to provide meals, but we might have to use more generic products, drop the dietician services and have everyone buy what they eat. It's not likely the values of the properties in North Lyon Co are going to shoot up in value, nor is it likely a major real estate development is going to come along to save the day boosting revenues, this has been known for years. It's too bad we didn't spend the $5 million towards a consolidated District wide school several years ago instead of building a bunch of new gyms instead.
January 13, 2010 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MadMack (anonymous) says...
Did they discuss combining staff and schedule changes to reduce utilities? Sharing sports assets and fund raising events? Is there a model district that overcame this or a similar situation?
January 13, 2010 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Neighbor, nicely stated. Yes, when I spoke of the addition in Americus, I was speaking of the classroom addition not the gym. You spoke very true words. Sad to say our school board doesn't really have "chocies" that will bring the revenue that is needed, so therefore aren't given any "pie in the sky", they must deal with reality.
January 13, 2010 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Yes, they built on classrooms at the same time, but the gym had more square footage.
January 13, 2010 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...
neighbor, thank you for pointing that out to me. I misread the story and skipped over the North in North Lyon County. I thought the article was dealing with the Emporia district
January 13, 2010 at 11:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
State BASE aid per student down to $4,012.00 per student.
Add local taxes to that and what does it add up to? Kansas has over 300 school districts and only 105 counties. Think of the money saved if each county had only 1 school district. Education expenses in Kansas consumes over 50% of the state budget. There is room for more cuts.
January 14, 2010 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
neighbor, I was speaking of the classrooms that were added in
the '80's(first wing), not the ones put in the old gym.
January 14, 2010 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
It's well over 60% of ALL taxes collected Steve.
January 14, 2010 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cocacola (anonymous) says...
ok all have you all really been dropped on your heads? There are so many other ways to save money in this district. First and formost why do they need 4 principals plus a superintentendant? What is the need for a supervisor for the custodians? Why do they need a tech support person and whatever the job is called that Miss Clopton does? Yes I understand the district needs to close a school but why is it always either Reading or Admire but never Americus? Has anyone in this district realized that 251 is the only local district that has 4 schools in different towns or places? Everyone in that district needs to realize how lucky they have been and accept change is coming. As for this sandman person you really need to go back in your hole and shut up. If you truly cared about this district you would be presenting positive ideas instead of bashing cities and being so selfish. Dear 251 BOE don't make a rash decision just for your new superintendent and remember that you would not be in your position if it was not for the votes you got from your fellow neighbors.
January 16, 2010 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ijkYk...
January 16, 2010 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stretch (anonymous) says...
I went to school at Admire and I don't want to see it closed. As much as I'd like to see the school stay open, I can't see how it will be possible. I am also afraid of what the school closing will do to the cities of Admire and Allen. How many potential students will the district lose due to the fact that there won't be an elementary school in the northern part of the county? How many families won't chose Allen or Admire as a home, or decide to leave the area altogether when the school closes? There's a lot more a stake here than just a school!
January 17, 2010 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Who ya gonna call?
January 17, 2010 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
cocacola, First, do you live in the district or are you just trying to stir things up? No one in this district WANTS to close a school and I truly believe OUR school board is/has researched every available avenue. Instead of "bashing" PLEASE come up with some truly good ideas where the district can come up with approx. $650,000.00 in a short amount of time. Believe all ears are opened. You ask "why" always Admire or Reading. Sir, in response, where is the majority headcount? If we have a number of buses on the road currently, they don't nearly account for the number we would have if we closed Americus and transported those students to Admire/Reading. Also, look at the condition of the buildings for long term use. I truly believe this school board has looked at ALL of this and are trying to comeup with what is best for the district, will it be easy, NO!
stretch, very good statement. I am sure you have very fond memories of Admire Elem., and that is SUPER! Believe you also realize that this school board is doing everything in their power to raise the needed funds with as little change to the district as possible. We are not only facing 2010 but must be stable for the coming years.
January 18, 2010 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
threecs (anonymous) says...
I live in North Lyon County and participated in many school board discussions a decade ago when my kids were that age. The piece I am not seeing discussed (at least online) is the ever present situation with Americus and Reading both being located at the far ends of this sparsely populated area. Many times the parents of children in Reading or Americus grade schools choose to send their children to Lebo or Emporia for high school because of the longs miles to NHHS - and that has been a pattern for decades. Admire Grade School kids go to their closest high school which is Northern Heights. Without Admire in the center to keep filling the pipeline for Northern Heights......will we be seeing Heights numbers dwindling over the next decade? I think its a very realistic expectation that Heights won't be able to draw enough students either as families adjust to grade schools near the edges of other districts.
January 18, 2010 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
threeCs, I fully understand what you are saying and perhaps it was true. I, like you, was involved when our children were in school and I do remember, as you, that at that time, many of the children from the Admire/Reading area would go to either Council Grove, Lebo etc. and not Northern Heights because of various reasons. Your concern has reason, which it has in the past. What all must remember, is that this school board is doing their best and not everyone is going to agree with their final decision.
January 19, 2010 at 5:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
meanmom (anonymous) says...
So just redistrict---let Americus go to Emporia and let Reading go to Osage and Lebo Let Bushong, Allen, Admire and Miller support the Admire and Northern Heights schools. Too simple to work? That way there would be room at Heights to have a K-12, be able to take advantage of a combined teaching staff, combine classes if necessary and have no need of sooooooooooo much administrative personnel or sooooooooo many janitors(supervising janitors who work on their family projects during work hours).
January 19, 2010 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cocacola (anonymous) says...
Dear Sandman,
I think you really need to shut up and it really is not your business where I live but I certainly can tell you that I do know how many people who work in your district that should not have a job due to they do nothing. Ex. Meanmom Who obviously sees things that the district does not.
January 19, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
meanmom, You make it sound so very simple, Yes, maybe a hundred years ago but not into todays world. With what you have said above, first, there wouldn't be the funding from the state because you MUST follow state mandates. Please, you have downed me for what I stated but I TRULY did not select certain people to pass judgement as you have. You are frustrated and saddened, we ALL understand but it truly will not help the situation. We are a small district and truly are trying to hold onto any pride that we may have during this time of hardship knowing that we are not the only district going thru this same situation and in some cases, worse.
As I stated earlier, 2010 is just the beginning of the need to tighten our belts and your school board is trying to do so, not only for now but down the road.
January 19, 2010 at 6:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Dear cocacola, It is very evident that you are unaware of our national constitution and our ability to have "free speech". Sorry you feel I have no rights concerning the above, but I do pay taxes to this district and also know many super super people in the district. I asked where you lived concerning this fact, do you even pay taxes to this district? I have my doubts. Does it make you feel that you are a bigger person by telling someone to "shut-up"? How very rude you are for I even wouldn't say that to my children. You must have a problem with manners and we at times wonder about the "younger generation"!
January 19, 2010 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
meanmom (anonymous) says...
If you will notice,Americus feels Allen and Admire have had the advantage of having a grade school and a high school in their own back yard.Well, let me tell you what.Some of the kids who go to Admire are 10 miles away from their school.They are approximately the same distance from Heights as the City of Americus.There are kids on the eastern side of the district who have a USD #251 bus reach their house at 6:35 and a USD #420 (Osage City) bus reach their house at 7:05.If those grade school kids are on a bus already an hour and 20 minutes, tell me how that is having a school in their own backyard.This is a partial post from tonight in the South Lyon Co comment section.Please refer to the Tuesday comment section of that article to read the complete comment "I would suggest patrons of So Lyon Co talk to your neighbors in district 245 to see how consolidating schools was just the beginning of the demise of that school district. The high schools were consolidated and located in Leroy while the 5th-8th grades were consolidated and located in Gridley. Buses are required to run both ways to a mid way destination (for the purpose of exchanging students) twice a day in addition to their normal bus routes. This increased transportation costs (where's the savings?). This is also mirrored by bus service provided to transport students from sports practices and games. Again, increased cost (again, where's the savings?) After the first year 1 administrator was not renewed and the superintendent took on the addition of principal responsibility in the same town as the district office (may have saved ~$65K. This still left an administrator on the Gridley side of the district. A very small class in the Gridley elementary was combined with the next higher class and 1 teacher was eliminated (savings of ~$42K). This year the school board (on recommendation of the superintendent) decided to eliminate the administrator at the Middle School/Gridley elementary and the superintendent took on the additional responsibility of the second administrator. This left 1 administrator for four buildings located 16 miles apart. For doing this the board awarded the superintendent a 12.5% pay increase (~$9000 in deferred compensation to be paid at the end of his contract) plus paid 1 teacher on each side of the district $8000 each year to act as "lead teacher" in the absence of superintendent (savings of ~$23K). At the start of this semester the district implemented the 4-day school week. It appears the district is doing what they think is right but several of these changes have caused kids to transfer to other districts (12 this year alone). You take the revenue from losing those students plus the other changes implemented due to the consolidation and you're fighting a losing battle."
January 26, 2010 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )