HARTFORD — The Southern Lyon County school board should combine all high school students at Hartford High School, residents of Hartford told board members during a town hall meeting on Wednesday night. Nearly 300 people turned out for the meeting.
Like many districts in the county, Southern Lyon County is facing a budget shortfall in the wake of state cuts. Southern Lyon County has three options on the table to balance the budget:
• Option No. 1 proposes that the number of attendance centers be reduced from three to two, which would close Neosho Rapids and send those elementary students to Hartford.
• Option No. 2 proposes that all three attendance centers — in Neosho Rapids, Hartford and Olpe — remain open.
• Option No. 3 proposes that three attendance centers stay open but the high schools are combined. Option 3A, which was the most popular with Hartford patrons Wednesday evening, proposes that Olpe students be combined with Hartford students at Hartford High School.
Pat Weiderholt moderated the meeting Wednesday evening. He said the meeting was called to provide patrons with the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and opinions with the school board and administration. Two board members, Kent Grieder and Kenneth Hamman, along with Superintendent Mike Argabright, attended the meeting.
Weiderholt said the state is in financial trouble.
“It’s no secret that our state is in a financial crisis,” he said.
Weiderholt said the bottom line is the district has to make cuts to survive.
“We’ve got a real problem,” he said. “There has to be cuts whether we like it or not ...”
Kevin Wellnitz stood up first to speak. He spoke in favor of Option 3A, as all but one patron did during the evening.
“Option 1, it scares me,” Wellnitz said. “It involves closing a turn-key facility. All you have to do to operate it is put some teachers and students in it and it’s good to go.”
Wellnitz said the district should present itself in a way that attracts students.
“I think it’s important to retain and attract,” he said. “I don’t think Option 1 does those things. Option 1 is academically irresponsible.”
Patron after patron stood up and echoed Wellnitz’s support of Option 3. Shirley Hogan expanded on that and commented on a poll that was given to patrons at a January board meeting.
“Every time the poll was given, it revealed that academic offerings was the No. 1 most important issue that you guys put on the top of the priority list,” Hogan said.
Hogan said she doesn’t see Option No. 1 or No. 2 as preserving the educational offerings of the district.
“Option 3A is the only way to preserve academic offerings,” she said.
Many patrons voiced concerns about Option No. 1 and the elementary students being sent to Hartford and mingling with the high school students. Christy Schmitz, who teaches at Northern Heights High School in the North Lyon County district, said that a K-12 building is not a good thing.
“Little kids will see things that they shouldn’t see,” Schmitz said. “It’s not going to provide a good education there. I think there’s going to be more problems in the long run.”
Schmitz said the district has to compete with other districts or else it’ll have nothing.
“You need a well-rounded education to make it successful,” she said.
Schmitz commented on consolidation.
“Yes, it will be different at first,” she said. “But in the end you will have a top school in this district by consolidating.”
Hartford High School freshman Brianna Zweimiller weighed in on the conversation.
“Not only am I a student, but I’m a student of Generation X,” Zweimiller said. “We all are a group of kids growing up in a world that is changing every day.”
Zweimiller said her generation will be taking care of the current generation.
“We are the ones that will care for you when you can’t take care of yourselves,” she said. “You are relying on us.”
Zweimiller said she anticipates more cuts on the way, but education is not the way to do it.
“By cutting education, Generation X will be cut off at the knees,” she said. “If education is put on the back burner we might perish and when we care for you, you might perish, too.”
Grieder spoke at the end of the meeting.
“There are things we have to do as a school board,” he said. “We have to work as a team.”
Grieder emphasized the importance of not making a rash decision.
“If we make a rash decision it’s very hard to go back,” he said. “It could be very expensive to go back.”
Argabright spoke last and asked patrons to contact their legislators regarding the issues the schools are facing.
“Elected people at any level need to hear from all of you,” Argabright said. “They are tired of hearing from superintendents. They need to hear from patrons.”
Argabright shared some good news at the end of his comments. The district, after applying for four years, received a Technology Rich Grant, which will relieve the general fund some, he said.
Tell (anonymous) says...
Olpe has a K-12 why is Hartford so against it ? Seems like thats the only way to save that district.
March 5, 2010 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phiber101 (anonymous) says...
I moved from Emporia to Lebo at the end of my freshman year (back in 1995) and the school there served K-12. It was a shock to me at first, but the way they had their school set up it wasn't even an issue. I think that Hartford is scared of becoming a ghost town.......but in this day and age, so should Emporia!
March 5, 2010 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
army11brat (anonymous) says...
People need to visit Hartford's school to see what the fuss is all about. We will NOT have a separate wing for elementary students like Olpe and Lebo do. We will have them mixed in with high schoolers. The 7-9 science room will be right next to an elementary classroom. The junior and sophomore hallways will have the kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders classrooms. Our weight room will be the Early Start room. Guess where these Early Start kids will be going to the restroom? The high school locker rooms. I just hope a little kindergartener isn't out in the hallway when the bell rings to change classes. Yikes!
Plus, we are literally going to divide our existing computer lab and library to cram the elementary's in. Doesn't make much sense to spend all this money making a highschool building into an elementary one when we already have an elementary building.
We have a fabulous building or separate "wing" for Elementary students already. It is 7 miles down the road in Neosho Rapids. It doesn't take a lot of money to run either. So please let us keep it!
We are not ready to mix our elementary students in with our high school students. If Olpe would volunteer to shut down their Elementary wing and put their elementary students in with their high schoolers, we might be more willing to cooperate.
March 5, 2010 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
It is important that EVERYONE weighs in on these decisions.
That is why I found the comments from the student Brianna Zweimiller interesting.
"Hartford High School freshman Brianna Zweimiller weighed in on the conversation.
“Not only am I a student, but I’m a student of Generation X,” Zweimiller said. “We all are a group of kids growing up in a world that is changing every day.”
Zweimiller said her generation will be taking care of the current generation.
“We are the ones that will care for you when you can’t take care of yourselves,” she said. “You are relying on us.”
Zweimiller said she anticipates more cuts on the way, but education is not the way to do it.
“By cutting education, Generation X will be cut off at the knees,” she said. “If education is put on the back burner we might perish and when we care for you, you might perish, too.”
The problem with her comments are 2 fold;
No one is talking about cutting off the knees of a generation, just necessary and nasty budget cuts.
The idea of taking care of our generation in the future is a nice thought.
Has she ever considered that this process is part of that?
We want our children to grow up without having to pay 80% of their future income in taxes, so they can take care of us if we need it. You know that outdated concept of "La Familia"
We the people have overspent ourselves into debt that cannot be overcome without some hard choices.
And we are passing it on to students like Brianna, and on to her children.
One of the best lessons we can teach young people like Brianna and the rest of her generation is:
YOU CAN'T SPEND IT IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT.
I don't want Brianna or my grandchildren to pay for our spending, because we didn't have the guts to stop it.
March 5, 2010 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justamom2 (anonymous) says...
It is understandable why you would not want elementary kids "co-mingled" with high school kids. Maybe this should have been considered when the building was remodeled. However, this appears to be the only workable solution. If the board votes to consolidate the high schools at Hartford, you won't need to worry about co-mingling anyone because all schools will close in all 3 of the towns due to loss of students (aka loss of money). Surely everyone can understand how important it is to keep as many students in the district as possible.
March 5, 2010 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tkirk (anonymous) says...
My name is Tell Kirk and I am a sixth grade teacher in the Emporia school district. I would again like to reiterate, as I have in the past, the individual posting under the pseudonym "Tell" is NOT me and in no way reflects or is represenative of my personal views or opinions.
March 5, 2010 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eaglefan (anonymous) says...
It is really hard to keep emotions out of a decision like this. All three towns do not want to lose their schools, because sometimes when the schools are gone, the community soon follows and you end up with towns with very few appealing houses and even fewer residents. We need to remember the district needs to be run as a business. Financially if that means closing Neosho Rapids, then so be it, or if that means busing high school students to either Olpe or Hartford, then so be it.
Olpe is very competitive right now in their sports activities, however, some fat could be cut from the budget in that area. Our children graduated Olpe, got a good education and went on to college, however, the traveling got old fast. For example, if Olpe chooses to stay 11 man football, then the parents of the players need to pay for some travel expenses if they are going to be traveling to all corners of the state.
The need to urge our older teachers retire is a must. I have never agreed with tenure. Teaching is the only job you are guaranteed a job, even if you don't do it well. Do an evaluation, using all the facts, get rid of the teachers there only for a paycheck and keep the good ones. Bring in new enthusiastic blood to the district at a smaller cost, even if that means not hiring someone who graduated from either Olpe or Hartford.
I am just saying look hard at what can be done before drastic measures are taken, Sometimes those decisions cannot be reversed later no matter how much we would like them to be. Remember life will go on after this decision is made, whether we like the choices made or not. Contact the board member for your area and let them know your opinion. Keep in mind that it is our children and grandchildren's education that should be considered very heavily. The learning environment around a child can make a big difference.
March 5, 2010 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fudgesickle (anonymous) says...
Yeah, that really makes sense. Hartford cannot handle that many extra students. Olpe really can't handle that many extra students, but they at least have them divided up. In 4 years, Olpe will have almost twice as many students as Hartford does in 7-12. (200 vs. 100). Let's be honest here. Of the three towns, Olpe is the only one showing growth. Does it really make sense to ship 2/3 of the kids to another town? Is this a ploy by Hartford to try and revitalize their city, while killing the growth in Olpe? How much academic growth do you think you are keeping stuffing all of those kids into one building in Hartford? Where are all the teachers going to fit? It's not like they are expanding. Think about logistics before you make pleas to stuff a bunch of kids into a cereal box that is resting in a dying town.
March 5, 2010 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tzkmom (anonymous) says...
If you had asked me last month, I would say to save the district, I would lose my elementary building and go with a k-12. Within the last two weeks the people of Hartford have had multiple teachers fired and told that next years k-12 building will not have shop classes, art classes, home ec classes or elective pe classes. Our kids are down to only core classes?! I am not sure of the cuts at Olpe only to know they lost art because she was a shared teacher already. I would rather consolidate the schools and have a choice in classes or move my kids to a school that does. That is why now the parents at HHS/NRJH are backed into the corner of consolidation. If the mixing of students weren't bad enough now our older kids have nothing but core classes, and the math teacher is even going to be part-time? Sincerely, Jo Anne Kuhens mother of three, 13, 11 and 8.
March 5, 2010 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MathStud (anonymous) says...
tzkmom,
How do you know that shop classes and elective pe classes will not be offered next year? Have you seen a schedule for next year? NO ONE HAS SEEN A SCHEDULE FOR NEXT YEAR. Even a schedule for 2 K-12 buildings has not been shown to anyone other than administrators. Until the board makes a decision of what direction they are going, no one will know what the schedule is. Everyone, even teachers, are guessing what will happen next and need to stop so RUMORS don't get started.
March 5, 2010 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tzkmom (anonymous) says...
Tell the people that got cut last week that it is only a rumor. They were told they were cut by Argebright. It was not on a schedule it was straight firings.
March 5, 2010 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MathStud (anonymous) says...
So because these people were cut, then those classes go away? There are no other teachers in the DISTRICT able to teach those elective classes? Many of the teachers in the district have multiple endorsements on their certificate. I understand people have lost their jobs, but other teachers can fill in the gaps.
March 5, 2010 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tzkmom (anonymous) says...
We are down to four or five full timers at the high school, jr high level. For them to teach the core classes, there is not time for them to teach the elective courses. The only way we will get those classes is if we share a teacher with Olpe for those classes, then they would be taught every other day with the schedule. I haven't heard, like I said, if Olpe was being cut or if they would be sharing with us. With teacher count at now, there will be no electives. Are you saying you feel Olpe will be sending over teachers?
March 5, 2010 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
c3 (anonymous) says...
My questions are:
Why does Hartford get the ax more Olpe?
Why does Olpe have at least 2 teachers in every subject and Hartford barely has 1?
Why has nobody questioned the actions of the Superintendent on any of his decisions hes made on spending like the $48000 high jump and pole vault pits put in at Olpe or like his raise he gave this last year when everyother district in the state froze salaries?
Seems to me that the Superintendent has favorites with schools and he doesn't care an awful lot about Hartford.
Just food for thought.
March 5, 2010 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MathStud (anonymous) says...
Yes, tzkmom, I believe teachers will be shared and after the state cuts the budget even more teachers will be shared.
c3, what are the class sizes in Hartford? The reason for one section in Hartford, I see, is that if Olpe had one section of each class then the class sizes would be 25-30 students. Does Hartford have any classes of 25-30 students?
As for the high jump and pole vault pits, Hartford got their own high jump pit last year also, so Argabright wasn't playing favorites. As for the pole vault pits, the reason they are in Olpe is because the DISTRICT pole vault coach coaches in Olpe. The Hartford athletes come over to Olpe to jump along with the Olpe athletes. Both sets of pits were paid out of Capital Outlay money that CAN ONLY BE USED FOR BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT. This money cannot be used for other things ( ie. payroll, utilities, etc ).
March 5, 2010 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bystander (anonymous) says...
Maybe C3 needs to get the facts before they post. I just went to each of the schools websites and counted teachers at each High School. Hartford has 21 and Olpe has 22. If my math is correct I'm not sure this is a 2 to 1 ratio.
March 5, 2010 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momof4 (anonymous) says...
bystander,
Maybe you should have clicked on the links to those names on the Hartford website and you would of found out that all of them are not teachers. That list includes other staff in the building. One is the school psychologist and five are paras. The math on that is 15 Teachers.
March 5, 2010 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justacomment (anonymous) says...
I think bystander needs to go back to math class.
March 5, 2010 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
It always amazes me how Olpe always migrates to Atheletics. Someone actually complained that combining the schools would put them in the wrong class in sports. I played all sports in High School and I'm not knocking Atheletics, but I thought the purpose if sending our children to school was for a good education. What good does it do to have a great Atheletics program if our children don't excel in academics? If the choice is between reading, writing and math or Atheletics? The choice should be clear.
March 5, 2010 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gma1 (anonymous) says...
I think that maybe bystander needs to make sure he or she knows what they are counting. Hartford HS has 11 Teachers on A day and 14 Teachers on B day. While Opie HS has 19 Teachers on A day and 18 Teachers on B day. When you go to the 252 web site make sure you are not counting all staff . some of the staff are Para's so you need to go to class schedules to count. As far as putting the Elementary children in with our High School kids. you are not able to share classrooms with the younger kids, where as putting High school with High school there is not a problem with putting them together in the same room
March 5, 2010 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justacomment (anonymous) says...
I agree with some of the things eaglefan is saying. I do not agree with tenure some teachers are there for a paycheck and that is all. I also agree that the fat has to be cut. I think it is great that kids go out for athletics but how many of the kids that go out actually get to play in games or get to practice. There should be cuts so that we are not taking extra buses to get everybody to the games. I know people really don't want to consolidate but when there are not enough teachers to give our kids a good education then something needs to be done. The students should have the option of taking elective classes plus higher education classes. It sounds like some of these classes will not be offered next year in the schools and that is sad. Education needs to come first then athletics (and I am a huge sports fan and 4 sport player in high school) so I do not want to see athletics not offered but if there is something that needs to be cut so that the kids can get a good education then it might have to happen. If the two schools did consolidate they would be able to keep athletics plus have enough teachers to give the students a good education.
I know there has been threats that if the High school is in Hartford then Olpe residents said they will send their kids to another school. I can understand some of them because the children will be on the bus way too long but for some they are just being hard headed. I come from a school that went through a consolidation. The town that lost their school did the same thing, they threatened to send their kids to another town and some did for 1 year some for 2 years. After the two years they were all going to the school that they said they would never go to. The kids did not have a problem it was the parents. Sure the kids did not want to lose their high school but both towns made the best of it and all get along fine. I think kids from both of these schools have friends on both sides and would get along fine. Who knows in a few years both schools may be going to Emporia High. I hope everybody in these two towns no matter what decision the school board makes will think about the kids and their education.
March 5, 2010 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
Option 2 is clearly the best of the 3 choices. While it is far from perfect, it allows all schools to remain open.
March 5, 2010 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
If Olpe residents choose to send their children to Emporia or Madison, it will be due to proximity, road condition and education. Not to mention that St. Joseph could reopen a high school, giving the residents a local option. Closing any of the schools is a bad idea.
March 5, 2010 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momof4 (anonymous) says...
Tell,
Have you looked at the layout of HHS if they move the Elementary to Hartford? Would you like your young child being squeezed into rooms that are not quality rooms or the environment like they currently have? Maybe you would see this in a different light if the tables were turned. Tell me what is Olpe losing in Option 1 or Option 2? In the last three weeks how many Olpe teachers have you lost due to budget cuts? Hartford has lost a .5 Shop teacher, 1 FACS teacher, .25 art teacher and 1 counselor . Olpe has lost a .25 art teacher and .5 FACS teacher. This is not even close to being equal.
Did you know that the classes offered at Hartford High and Olpe High are not the same? How fair is this to any of the students? You would think since they are in the same district they would be offered the same or similar classes.
March 5, 2010 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...
MathStud: How many certified FACS and shop teachers do you know? There are not very many around, because not very many colleges offer these fields. I am a certified elementary teacher (and no, I am not part of this district), so would it be ok for me to teach shop? Is it ok for a gym teacher, art teacher, or maybe even a music teacher to teach shop? As teacher candidates, we get trained in the area that we want to teach, so no, there are not any extra teachers (within the district) who can teach FACS or shop.
March 5, 2010 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
getsakick (anonymous) says...
Ok I have held this long enough. You can have a wreck on ANY FREAKING ROAD ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!! This is just an excuse............
March 5, 2010 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
Of course you can have a wreck on any road, but one is more likely when you are driving 15 miles to Hartford as opposed to a 10 mile straight shot to Madison.
Furthermore, I would choose the education at Emporia High over Hartford High if I were going to travel 15 miles.
Let's face it, if you close any of the 3 schools you are going to lose students. Losing students does not solve the budget problem. All 3 schools should stay open.
March 5, 2010 at 6:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gus (anonymous) says...
Yes you can have a wreck on any road. This particular road is in very poor condition, is heavily traveled and has no shoulder...that seems like a dangerous combination in my opinion. I hear this very valid concern from many Olpe residents, is it not a concern for Hartford residents, or do Hartford residents just assume consolidation will happen in Hartford? As for "excuses" there are plenty of those coming from those supporting option 3a. Any option will have negative effects, that is unavoidable given the current economic situation. Any option will have negative consequences, but what needs to be considered is not only short term but long term effects for the district. What is the best business decision for the district as a whole? What will be the least disruptive option for the most amount of people? Option 3 will be the end of USD 252 all together!
March 5, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
All I keep seeing from the option 3 lovers that its all about fair this isn"t about fair no one wants to see any school close . But if its all about fair I say again Olpe is K-12 why isn't Hartford? It would keep families together and save both High Schools. Maybe we should close Neosho Rapids move them to Hartford and you can send your high school kids to Olpe after all they get everything. Both schools will be losing teachers truely ashame. Argabright didn't do this the school board didn't do it. The next time someone is running for office and they say they are all for education hold them to it. Please don't make this us against them we all will be taking our kids elsewhere. It is possible to add a wing every school I see has some temporary class rooms added on maybe we could do that for a couple of years while the wing is put on. This is not the time for us against them lets come together to save the schools. And yes I'm not Tell Kirk.....................
March 5, 2010 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
What is the current bond situation in USD 252? Upon how many bonds is the district still paying? Could these be consolidated and refinanced, thereby lowering what is being paid out of the annual budget?
March 5, 2010 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
getsakick (anonymous) says...
I also don't agree with all the us and them. Hartford--Neosho Rapids--Olpe are all one USD252
I am not real for sure but years ago people of all 3 towns voted on the remodel of Hartford high and it was in the plan then to make the school big enough in case years down the road they had to consolidate. Dont quote me on this cause I did not get ahold of the court house
March 5, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"Ok I have held this long enough. You can have a wreck on ANY FREAKING ROAD ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!! This is just an excuse............"
Sure you can. But you can reduce your risk to have an accident by driving less, you think this is not a valid point, educate yourself please. It's like saying you can drown anywhere, but swimming way out into lake does not increase the danger.
March 5, 2010 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
To be blunt, if they close a school they will more than likely start the process of killing the town and that is what people are really scared of. Logically Olpe is more viable as a town than Hartford, people will most likely not like that statement but a simple look at the business and economic activity in each town tells the tale. The decisions made need to reflect the long term viability and feasibility of the investment into the communities. If someone wants to argue logically that Hartford is more economically viable than Olpe I love to hear the reasoning, and would do so with an open mind if it makes sense.
March 5, 2010 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
getsakick (anonymous) says...
ok goodoleboy... I don't think I need to educate myself. That is just another goodole excuse. Kids will be riding a bus to and from school, as for the driving laws have changed and I am pretty sure that kids will have to be 17 to drive without an adult. As for swimming? That has nothing to do with all of this, and heck you can drown in a inch of water...... I can't believe I am stooping to your level.
March 5, 2010 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
musiclady (anonymous) says...
After reading some of the comments made about staffing, I must say this. Olpe did have the FACS program cut and lost the art teacher. Olpe also has lost 2 social studies teachers and a counselor due to retirements and as of right now, none of those positions are being filled. If the 2 high schools remain open and I think they should, several teachers will be shared between the 2 schools. This is not the best situation, but at least the students will have human contact instead of telenet, which one board member has suggested. As far as licensing of teachers, you need to check the new guidelines for obtaining licensure in any subject area. If the people at Hartford are so concerned about interaction between elementary and secondary students, they shouldn't be riding the buses together everyday.
At Olpe, many of the high school upper classmen are mentors in the elementary and this is a win-win situaton.
March 5, 2010 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
getsakick,
My level? Fine forget the analogy, statistically and logically speaking the more you drive the chance for one to have an accident increases. Want to deny that one? Common sense and reason drives my statements, can you say the same?
March 5, 2010 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justakid (anonymous) says...
Of course Hartford wants Olpe to combine at their school! They have everything to gain and nothing to lose. If option three passes and Olpe is moved to Hartford our classmates, who have gone to school with each other their whole lives will be split between three different schools right before they graduate. Most of our teachers, if they aren't cut, probably won't be able to commute to Hartford everyday due to expenses. Gas prices are still high, which would add extra expense to Olpe families (only two of which said they would send their kids to Hartford if we combined there), and adding that many more drivers,let alone teenage drivers, on that road is asking for trouble. I have many more points along the lines of how Olpe businesses and out of district students are the only reason why Hartford and Neosho are keeping their heads above water, but I don't see the need in listing obvious facts that those that are pro option 3 are overlooking. I do have one question though, and maybe I am just missing the boat on this idea, but if option 3 passes, how are we preserving our quality of education by increasing class sizes? On another note, athletics are very important in high school, that is how I, and several other classmates of mine are planning on paying for our higher educations.
March 5, 2010 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
I am mad that they spent how many hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a new addition to NR Elementary that we will still be paying for if the building is empty, then they will likely have to spend a couple hundred thousand more to accomodate the new students at Hartford. Paying for it two fold the way I see it.
March 5, 2010 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"On another note, athletics are very important in high school, that is how I, and several other classmates of mine are planning on paying for our higher educations."
Hit the books or get a part time job if funds are the problem, 1 injury can seriously hinder or end your athletic ambitions. There is always the military option too.
March 5, 2010 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
emporian,
I am not defending them, but at the time they had no clue what the future held, and try making the decisions being made now without the present urgency, GOOD LUCK with that one! I saw a statement the other day by an elected official that said the one good thing to come of all this that it would result in consolidation that was overdue or inevitable. I realize that some of my statements made here might sound callous, but that does not make them untrue. How long should the taxpayers subsidize dying communities? Perhaps the real $64,000 question is that how as a primarily conservative state did we facilitate investments into communities(not just the local ones here) that will not be here in 20 years. Here is to hoping that logic and common sense win out in the decisions, but based on the past I am skeptical to say the least.
March 5, 2010 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leowalker (anonymous) says...
Unreal!!!
Hartford just held a town meeting with about 300 people in attendance with discussion for 2 plus hours and not ONE derogatory statement was made about Olpe, it's residents, it's school etc...
This is an EDUCATION issue people!! Nothing more!! Hartford is not trying to steel anything away from Olpe by supporting Option 3a. On the contrary, we feel by consolidating the possibilities of academic offerings would be so beneficial to all the students in this district. Look, if our district can not afford full time teachers to be in our buildings available to our students everyday then it's time to do something different.
Isn't the education of our youth more important than the locale in which they go to get it? I would drive my child 30 miles away to get them the best quality education than to keep them in an environment in which they can only receive a mediocre one as status quo.
The ridiculous statements that are made that Hartford is a dying town are very offensive to me. Hartford is not dying, we have maintained a population of 500 for the last 30 years, are we busting at the seams with new homes, no kinda hard to do with a wild life refuge on 3 sides. Our community is not made up of just the residents in town, we are so lucky to be affiliated with the wonderful people of Neosho Rapids and our outstanding rural neighbors. This is a very caring community made up of people truly commited to the children in this district. So I would hope that these biased and bigoted opinions of our town stop!!!
Back to the Education issue, I realize that by consolidating this will not work for everyone and yes we will lose some students. I believe for every student we lose we may attract more by being a district that is enticing to others with the classes that could be offered.
It's time to make U.S.D 252 Southern Lyon County High School a window of opportunity to our youth.
March 5, 2010 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momof4 (anonymous) says...
leowalker,
Great comment. Thanks.
Your right. People will drive their children miles to get a great education. I live 5 miles from Northern Heights High School, but where do my children go to school? I have one in Neosho Rapids Elementary, one in Neosho Rapids Junior High and one at Hartford High School. We have great schools, two great communities and a ton of great people!!!!
March 5, 2010 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
252guy (anonymous) says...
leowalker, You nailed it. About losing students because of consolidation. What people say in the heat of emotion and what they do 3 months later are not always the same. Yes, we may lose a few students because of the proximity to another school but not many like pessimists predict. I transferred to another school in the 7th grade and then went through the Hartford- Neosho Rapids consolidation in the late 60's. Two of the best things that ever happened to me. Painless.
March 5, 2010 at 10:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gus (anonymous) says...
leowalker,
I completely agree with education being the most important issue. That being said, in your comment you are referring to option 3a. I hate to keep harping on this point, but again I am confused about why the assumption is to have the high school at Hartford if consolidation occurs.
There is absolutely nothing in writing anywhere about Hartford being built with the intention of it being the District high school. If there was even a thought of that occuring, why would they put all that money into their current facilities instead of using that money to build ONE consolidated facility that was more centrally located?
Again I ask: If Hartford residents are so supportive of consolidation AND minimize the dangers of the Olpe/Hartford road, are they OK with consolidation if the High School were located in Olpe??? If I recall the options correctly, I believe the consolidation option that saved the most money was the one that had the high school being located in Olpe?? If Hartford residents really want to look at option 3 and discuss consolidation we must look at all the options and weigh all the factors.
March 5, 2010 at 10:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grace1 (anonymous) says...
Leowalker, if this is simply an EDUCATION issue, then why aren't we be open-minded about where the high school would be located if they go with Option 3? The community population is not the concern here, it's the STUDENT population. According to the district website, Olpe K-12 has maintained a pretty steady enrollment over the years, gaining 23 students since 1992. The enrollment numbers at Hartford/Rapids have dropped by 123 students since 1992.
If you want a consolidated high school, it makes sense to have it at Olpe. Why? Olpe is where the majority of students are, and where there is greater potential for continued growth. It involves busing a smaller number of students. Hartford students wouldn't be driving into the sun every morning, unlike Olpe students headed east. There would be fewer students lost to other districts. You could completely shut down and sell a building. Can't do that at Olpe - it's attached to the elementary. Hartford parents are only concerned about the quality of education , not about the damage to a community.
Personally, I AM concerned about the effects on the communities of Hartford and Olpe. It's when a community loses its HIGH SCHOOL that it suffers decline. The damage to Rapids was done back in the 1960s. We can't fix that, and what businesses in Rapids will be effected by closure of the elementary school? We need to give Hartford and Olpe a chance to survive. Option 1 does that.
If I were a student at Hartford High School I would be offended about the image of HHS that the adults are putting out there. You have some great kids! I can't imagine what they are doing in the hallways that is so offensive. I agree that the high school classes and elementary classes should be arranged so that they are in separate hallways if possible. And if we need to build a couple of classrooms to solve the problem, let's use some capital outlay money to take care of it.
Stop making it us vs. them. There are no winners here. Both communities are losing great teachers, and the kids are upset. Don't make it worse with all the drama. Let's work on a solution that allows the district to survive!
March 5, 2010 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
I don't have a dog in this fight, I am not from any of the communities involved but I am familiar with them. I doubt it helps, but more than likely most of the area schools are going to go through something like Southern Lyon county is going through before things "get better" whenever that may be. You folks in 252 are going to get the pain over with before many of the rest of us have to endure it.
As a former school board member, I hope everyone involved realizes that as hard as it may be to believe or accept, your board members honestly are trying to do what is best....and that no matter what they do, a lot of folks are going to be unhappy. The money pile is only so big...they have nothing to do with most of the factors that have led up to this point, but they have to deal with the situation all the same. It is very easy to blame the 7 folks on the BOE who have volunteered to serve the community. Before assigning blame, it might be good to consider they did not create a bad national economy, they just have to handle the monetary shortfall it has created. There are no good or easy answers.
March 5, 2010 at 11:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leowalker (anonymous) says...
I can see this topic will never be agreed upon, to many people have closed minds.
You have nothing to fear but fear its self. I am praying for our school board members and the heavy burden they bear to vote for the best option to move this district forward. I hope they can see past all the threats and ignorance.
3a would leave an open facility in every community. That's all I have to say.
March 6, 2010 at 6:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
"3a would leave an open facility in every community. That's all I have to say."
And option 2 leaves every facility open. I don't see why people can't get behind that option. Closing any of the 3 schools will have significant long-term effects.
March 6, 2010 at 7:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
To those who say that Olpe has a K-12 and that Hartford does not:
Hartford and Neosho Rapids consolidated in the 60's. It was decided after a couple years that Hartford would have the High School and Neosho Rapids would have the Jr. High. That is why Hartford is not a K-12.
There was a comment about expanding the High School, this can not be done because Hartford High is built on one city block.
Shutting down Neosho Rapids Elementary would save $20,000, why put children in an unsafe and non-educational situation for $20,000?
Olpe High school is not as efficient as Hartford High. Olpe's oldest section is run on a boiler. How is that more efficient than the new Hartford High or Neosho Rapids Elementary?
Cost Savings: Olpe had two counselors, Hartford had one. One of Olpe's counselors retired and came back with stipulations and Hartford's was fired.
To those who say that the Olpe students will leave. Those who are close to Madison or Emporia, I understand. However for everyone else, why? If the Olpe students leave, the residents of Olpe will still be paying Taxes to U.S.D 252. Their money will go to Hartford and Neosho Rapids. If a vote comes up about Olpe leaving U.S.D. 252, where will Olpe join? You will have to join Madison or Emporia. As for the rest of us, we could see about joining Lebo. Or we will fail, everything for the past 40 years will be lost, the pride and the traditions. We will all be in school together at Emporia or Madison.
Hartford is ready for the inevitable consolidation. Olpe seems to want only the HHS/NR side of the district to suffer. I've heard things like "we lost Harmony Hill." No you didn't. It was moved into Olpe. From what I understand, the students there had to hold up their feet in the lunch room when it rained so they wouldn't get wet. Is that a school you take pride in and have a tradition?
The pole vault or high jump pit put in a Olpe. Yeah big deal, doesn't matter what town it is in. If we want to be fair then the District should buy land between Olpe and Hartford and place it there. What is bothering is that the Board of Education authorized the Superintendent to spend $12,000. Then at the board meeting, he advised them he spent $20,000 more. Why? The Superintendent can not make a purchase like that. He has poorly ran the district. Did the district need three new cars? Does the district have to pay for his and the principals cell phones?
I've rambled on long enough. Who knows, it could be too long for anyone to read. We'll see!
March 6, 2010 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
getsakick (anonymous) says...
Hellllloooo grace1 I am not for sure but there are not alot of houses east of Hartford as for the refuge is there. I know LOTS of Hartford Kids that for many years have had to drive into the sun going to school! So it is just not the kids on the olpe side that would be driving towards the sun. Good grief
March 6, 2010 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kbtmom31 (anonymous) says...
Someone please explain to me how Olpe would make room for the Hartford Jr/Sr High students? It has been said that if St Joe closes, there would be an issue on how to accomodate them in the Olpe school building.
March 6, 2010 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Sweet shot you don't have one fact right people like you are the problem. You can build onto Hartford closing Neosho Rapids would save far more then 20,000. Olpe does no longer have two counselors. What was done in the sixtys can be changed Neosho Rapids already has one vacate grade school building. Gas will be at four dollars a gallon again how can anyone expect either side to bear all of that burden. Extended days for either sides children is terrible. Lets find a solution together I can't figure out what option 3 people want bigger school to house their kids, we can do that together. But it really sounds like its ok to change just not in my backyard.
March 6, 2010 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
252guy (anonymous) says...
The Hartford educational facility is a new facility. They demolished the old one except for the gym and built a new educational facility and new gym. The school has two gyms now. As for a new central facility, our district is an L shape and includes from approximately Thorndale, south and east into Coffey County then south to 5 miles south of Hartford then west to west of Olpe. That puts Hartford close to the center of the district. In the years past, we have tried to consolidate Olpe & Hartford into a new facility west of Hartford 2 miles. I think thats true district center. You know how that went.
Why consider a high school in Olpe? They can barely house the kids they have now and may have 30+ more from St. Joe. You can ask the tax payers to build a 6-8 million dollar facility in the far west corner of the district even though we have a first rate facility in Hartford. I'm NOT going to.
March 6, 2010 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shyquiettype (anonymous) says...
Wow! Just started reading this mess. So let me get up to date, I need to quit my job a Wolf Creek because I might die on my way to work because the sun is in my eyes, You all are going to share teachers, but how in the world are they going to make it back and forth on a road without shoulders until they all get killed, and then who is going to teach? Is that why Argabrite drives a school car so much so he doesn't crash his own, or is it because the storage building in Hartford is better than his own garage to park his car in. Let's all band together and save a life! Lets get rid Of Mr. Simons in Hartford so he don't get killed driving into the sun on his way to and from work everyday. Well enough for now at least I have now figured out why there is no eastbound traffic on I35 in the morning, and no west Bound in the evening
March 6, 2010 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zippy (anonymous) says...
SweetShot32 said "Shutting down NRE would save $20,000, why put children in an unsafe and noneducational situation for $20,000?" Does that mean the whole building has only $20,000 expenses? By placing the students at Hartford is unsafe and noneducational?? What are you saying?
I think all the schools are pretty safe and the children are all pretty decent. As in any school, you have some kids that have problems and issues, but overall all the communities involved have good families and work hard to make a living.
None of the buildings were rebuilt or remodeled to accommodate or consolidate the students into one school. They were built/remodeled to help each school improve or add to their site for students, teachers and patrons of the community.
Let us all work together. We have to find a way to cut back and continue to educate the children without holding grudges that started way back when, way before I moved into the communities.
March 6, 2010 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
"Someone please explain to me how Olpe would make room for the Hartford Jr/Sr High students? It has been said that if St Joe closes, there would be an issue on how to accomodate them in the Olpe school building."
The St Joe kids are grade school and would be in the grade school building. I'm assuming Hartford's Jr/Sr high students would not be in the grade school. DUH
March 6, 2010 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ej (anonymous) says...
Board meeting Feb 9 2009
FACILITIES
Superintendent Argabright explained the Rotation Plan contained plans for two District roofs to be repaired this summer and he would like to see the District fix at least one of those roofs.
Olpe buildings have had a lot of heating problems and that the 1996 Addition’s Heating Units life span was approximately 15 years and we are experiencing more problems with the units as they age. That is from a board meeting.Olpe roof did not get totally fixed.Because that was the roof that was in more of need the roof at the hartford was only over the old gym.
So here is one reason why to move high school to hartford has new building then olpe.Olpe building is deteriorating
As for buildings age there will be more problems.Hartford has the new building. If you add high school to Hartford all you will be doing is adding 10 kids per class will not have to change anything .It will save more money then adding Elem kids to the high school because you will have to make changes for the elem school kids. Out of district students it is a lot easier to get on the bus at Thorndale than the Airport. If you look at the School numbers olpe is counting St Joes kids and have 75 % of the out of district students in there schools, so if you look at it this way Hartford has more kids that live in the district and get more funding for, because the St.joe kids you are using for your false numbers usd 252 don't get total funding for those kids. Also looking at cuts of teachers the money that usd 252 is in the red are the teachers at olpe because olpe has been over staffed for years Hartford and rapids been sharing P.E and music teacher for a few years now and olpe has not.It would of been just as easy for olpe to share music and P.E teachers too because it is the same building. I wished that they would make a decision so the people of Usd 252 can go on with there life and not let "olpes Superintendent Argabright" I say that because he is not for Hartford or rapids in my eyes make all the decision on staff cuts this is the buildings principal not his decision.The school principal knows what teachers are the best ones for his school he evaluates them .Mr .Argabright is an employee of the board they tell him what direction to go not him telling them.
March 6, 2010 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leowalker (anonymous) says...
Ok can't let this go with out saying this. Every High School in the State of Kansas was called and asked if they had Elementary kids in their buildings, over 250 plus highschools all said no, 25 high schools said yes, when asked if they had a seperation like a gym, office, lunch rooms etc all said yes, the elementary kids did NOT cross paths with high school kids during the day! NOT ONE high school had elementary age students mixed into their school. NOT ONE!!
So I'm asking, doesn't this speak volumes as to why this is a bad idea??? Do we really have to be the only school to make such a ridiculous move to appease a few??? Do the people of Olpe really care about the Neosho Rapids Elementary kids and the Hartford kids???
The savings from closing the Elementary "they say" would come from utilities, hmmm I'm thinking these kids are still going to use water and the bathrooms and need heat and air just like they do in Neosho Rapids. The teachers are still going to have to teach these kids.
Can't see where this move is going to SAVE the district.
March 6, 2010 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
To Tell: Please point out my incorrect facts for me!
Am I incorrect with saying that the Olpe High isn't as efficient as Hartford High?
Am I incorrect with saying that you can not build onto the Hartford High school. I would really love for you to point out where you would house our elementary students? Please do Tell.
Yes, shutting down NRE would save more than $20,000, but did you compare it to what it would cost to house the elementary at Hartford? Not a big difference. So there Tell, why would you close a school down to save around $20,000 when it is all said and done?
And if Olpe lost a counselor, wouldn't what we save from him/her being gone be enough to operate NRE?
March 6, 2010 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
Please go to the Facebook group U.S.D. 252. There you can view a map of how they want to put NRE in HHS.
March 6, 2010 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
To Tell:
Where did you get that fuel will be at $4.00/gal?
I filled up today and it was only $2.47/gal
Also, am I incorrect that the Superintendent spent more than he was authorized to?
March 6, 2010 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eucharistandcannabis (anonymous) says...
Dust in the wind.
March 6, 2010 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
To Tell:
I'm looking at what the Superintendent showed as the cost of utilities for NRE, HHS, & OHS.
NRE is operating at: $36,499.06
HHS is operating at: $55,205.23
OHS is operating at: $78,633.97
Now, HHS - NRE = $18,706.17
Now that seems closer to my $20,000.00 than to your "more than $20,000.00."
So either I'm wrong or you're wrong. This is what the Superintendent says, so you Tell me.
March 6, 2010 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
If this simply comes down to dollars, then Hartford loses. The largest savings is to close Hartford and send their kids to Olpe. ($685,672)
However, that is not in Hartford nor their students' best interest. You MUST keep all three facilities open.
March 6, 2010 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
SweetShot32
Why would you subtract NR utilities from Hartford's utilities to calculate savings? That makes no sense.
According to the Board, closing NR would save $200,000.
March 6, 2010 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
I did not go to school in the 252 district and have never truly understood the "rivalry" between the two schools. Seemed at little strange to me when it was all one district. Never the less that was just the way it was around here. Now we are facing a time when the money is no longer there to provide the proper education to all the students. I have seen the map of the way they want to put the classrooms for the K-6 and it is really sad. I would not want my child to have to endure that. If I were new to the district, I would choose Olpe because of it's K-6 separation or a different district all together. So to me option 1 is a no go, never mind that we are all still paying for Neosho Rapids, and makes no sense closing a turn key physicality. I also believe the savings of 20,000 or 30,000 is not worth it if children are shoved in classes like the map shows. If it were to close, you loose the opportunity to draw in more students from the I-35 corridor. If the option were to close Olpe, I would disagree for the same reason of being able to draw in from that side.
Option 2 keeps all the schools open, and if the funds were there, we could continue as we have all these years, but it's not. Option 2 gives our children nothing but the core courses they need to graduate. No options for electives that they need to decide the direction they want to go on in life. If I were looking at 252 right now and that was all that was being offered, my child would not attend. Half time teachers, I mean really! We don't pay our teachers near enough as it is, and now we want them to drive from town to town to teach? How is this fair for the teachers or the students? Option 2 is doing nothing but putting a band aid on an open wound.
This leads us to some form of option 3, consolidation. What would be in the best interest of the students, while providing them a top notch education, and leaving the doors open for growth at both ends? I would think more that just core courses, no electives, and half time teachers. I would be curious to know if the figures we have been given are correct. A simple explanation of where these figures came from would be helpful. If Olpe is going to end up adding the catholic school what a great opportunity for all those students and the room would be there to add them if the consolidation was to Hartford. This option also leaves all three schools open and removes the problems of core courses, half time teachers etc. I think the main thing here is to give our children the best opportunities we can, the more things that are offered, the more students you will gain, having less than that is a sure way to loose a district. Running a district is a business and the business is education. Now show us some figures, explain where they came from and lets us see a real picture of where it is best to consolidate financially to give the type of education we ALL want our children to have, sometimes the cheapest it's not always the best.
March 6, 2010 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gma1 (anonymous) says...
To JustMyThoughts
I couldn't have said it better my self!
March 6, 2010 at 6:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
Big Red:
Because you are going to have to add more cost to run Hartford High. Plus add the cost to maintain NRE grounds.
After it is all said and done, it would be around $20,000.00
I think that $200,000.00 is counting the teachers and other staff like secretary and custodian. You will need a K-6 secretary and another custodian at Hartford. So that figure would be incorrect. Unless I'm looking at the wrong thing!
March 6, 2010 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
252guy
If you think Hartford is the center of the district, you need to take a map reading class.
Thorndale is Rd 175
Coffey Co. line Rd.Z
South end of distrct Rd. 30
West side (probably) Rd. A
North to Rd 120
East to P ( I think)
Then north back to 170
If the district was square the center would be Rd 100 & M which is would put it 11 miles west of the south end of Hartford and approximately 3/4 of a mile east and 2 3/4 north of the center of Olpe.
To be fair (jeez I hate that word(fair)) and allow for the L shape you could move the center to Twin Mound Church.
That would be Rd. 90 & R or you could put it down on 75 & R5 on the Olpe/Hartford Rd. Which IMO is where the school should have been since 1967, but then the parents could never get along back then any better than they can now, even if the kids can.
Of course you can say that Northern Heights did that and they have problems, but they are at least argueing about only grade schools not all the schools. The same could be said for them also (should have built 1 school).
But alas the tail light always burns brighter after dark.
March 6, 2010 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
The total amount in option 1 is $522,386. I think the majority of that is for cuts across the board, but $200K would be through not having to pay utilities, scheduled repairs and shared teachers with Hartford.
Of all the closures it still nets the least amount and makes very little sense.
March 6, 2010 at 8:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
252guy (anonymous) says...
TBluma,
The east line of 252 is not Road Z. It extends into Coffey county to Dobbin. Look at a population map not a topographical map. Not many people West of Olpe for miles.
March 6, 2010 at 9:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
252guy
One more and I think I'll get out of this.
So we move the middle to the corner west of the curves.
That takes 5 miles of of the west side of dist. Rd.F and add 3 to the east side. Olpe probably doesn't lose many kids that way and Hartford doesn't gain much more either.
I've said for years that there should have been one school (said that when I was going to school there) and I've told that to you guys at Hart. and Olpe both.
I'm out of this.
I hope it doesn't get to ugly.
Good luck
March 6, 2010 at 9:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
252guy (anonymous) says...
tbluma
Now you and I agree within a mile.
March 6, 2010 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leowalker (anonymous) says...
to 252 guy
should a, could a, would a, all to late..... got a move forward.
March 7, 2010 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zippy (anonymous) says...
There are lots of families that live west of Olpe. Just for the record.
March 7, 2010 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
Big Red:
The cost of the NRE utilities is $36,499.06
NRE doesn't share any teachers with HHS except the counselor, art teacher, librarian, and the music teacher. So even if you close NRE, you will still need them at HHS. That doesn't save any money.
There is no way that repairs, etc. cost $164,000
March 7, 2010 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10049 (anonymous) says...
I live west of Olpe and drive the dreded Olpe Hartford road to HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL to go to school. I have not died yet. Now carrying on about the road. Correct me if im wrong but havent there been at least two accidents on 99 highway this winter alone. One of which was a rollover accident right in town. When was the last time someone had a roll over accident on the Olpe Hartford road? Once you get past Olpe 99 highway dosen't have sholders either.
The road is only as dangerous as the driver makes it.
March 7, 2010 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
When will this question be decided, does anyone know?
March 7, 2010 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
They should decide this with a football game, a standardized test for students AND teachers, a volleyball game, a forensics competition, a writing essay, a basketball game, a track meet, a math competition, and a band competition. Overall loser loses the school.
March 7, 2010 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
inquiringminds (anonymous) says...
Good one mslater! To close out the competition, have a Closing Ceremony with podiums and raised school flags and the school fight song over the loud speakers. I'm sure Michael Phelps would be able to pop in and help announce the results! :)
March 7, 2010 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Ohh! And a curling competition!
March 7, 2010 at 9:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justhinking (anonymous) says...
I know that all the people concerned about this matter do not really want a decision that will negatively impact anyone's child, and desperately want what is best for their own children
History teaches us about the mistakes of the past so they are not repeated. We know that in the past consolidation was talked about and now we are in a position to decide on that option again. The legislators are putting economic pressure on districts to consolidate, but is also intent on making it look like the districts are making their own decisions. Ok, what happens if we go status quo? Well in 2 or 3 years the legislature will come back again and put the pressure on to close districts that are barely making it. Just ask Peggy Long what she wants. We will then not have a choice. Yes, we may lose students no matter what option is chosen because none of the choices are popular with everyone. At least it will be OUR decision and not some legislator that doesn't care about your family and only cares about getting reelected. Closing NR will give us a solution that will work for a year or two at the most. Then what will we do when it is inevitable that the High Schools will need to consolidate? Clearly the logical thing to do, and the most cost effective, is to put 7-12 in the central location, and superior facility and leave elementary schools as they are.
March 7, 2010 at 11:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JaguarMom (anonymous) says...
I have read some very good comments from about 3 people on here. There is only a couple things I would like to say. One is to the person who keeps saying that Hartford could add on. Well if have ever been to Hartford and looked at the location of our school you would see that it already takes up one whole city block, there is no room for "adding on". The other is to the person asking how Olpe's hundred and some kids would fit in the Hartford facility. I believe at the January BOE meeting Mr Argabright stated that Hartford could facilitate 800+ students (not that we would want that many). And one more thing, if we're going to look at this from a business standpoint. If any kind of business had to shut down one of its buildings, do you think they would shut down one that is brand new, more effiecient and well equipped to handle the extras from the building that is closing? Or would they close down the older, less efficient one that is or will be in need of more repairs, and is not big enough to handle the influx of the other closed building?
March 8, 2010 at 1:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
Judgement Day
First Meeting at 5:30p.m.
Second Meeting at 7:00p.m.
March 8, 2010 at 5:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
We all know how HHS was made to accomodate extra students, and we all know why they have so much room. Lets get realistic if we are going to look at Option 3 proposals, pick the one that has the greatest savings for the district. This way if the Kansas legislature dictates more cuts we will be ahead of the game. This would also give us a surplus and not just meet the needs of the present. As far as the comment about the recent accident in Olpe, I wouldn't start throwing that stone since some of the accidents around Hartford and Rapids have been more tragic in the past.
March 8, 2010 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
SweetShot32
I was referring to additional sharing of teachers between the kids if they were all located in Hartford, as opposed to Hartford and NR.
I am very sorry it has come to this. Best of luck to all 3 towns and all the students.
March 8, 2010 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
10049 if you live west of Olpe, why are you going all the way to Hartford to go to High School?? Also if you are not aware there have been several serious accidents on the Olpe/Hartford road Rd 75/80 right at the curve where 75 goes to 80. I know of several who have lost it on that curve and been hurt.
March 8, 2010 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
You’ll see, I’ll show you, that when the chips are down, these uh… civilized people, they’ll eat each other. -Joker "The Dark Knight"
March 8, 2010 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
Big Red:
I don't believe we would be able to share that many teachers between the High School and Elementary. The music, counselors, and library is all we could share. You need either Elementary education or Secondary Education in College. And if you have both, it would not be wise to split a teacher between Elementary and High School as it would be unfair to both. There would be that nagging problem of proper education for the student.
March 8, 2010 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bystander (anonymous) says...
Just some numbers and facts to look at:
Enrollment numbers given at the Jan. 20th Board meeting
NR - K/6 - 106
Hartford Jr/Sr High - 109
Olpe - K/6 - 123 (not 100% sure, but I don't think this includes St. Joe kids)
Olpe Jr/Sr High - 153
Option 3a displaces the most students with the least amount of savings in any of the options in Option 3 as we know.
The numbers given at the Jan. 20th Board meeting indicate the attendance centers at either Olpe or Hartford would have plenty of room to house the current students we have in the district. (including the St. Joe kids) These numbers are in the Jan. 20th Board meeting minutes posted on the USD 252 website.
I cannot find the numbers quickly at this time, but the student/teacher ratio on both sides of the district are pretty much even. As someone said earlier it is not a 2 to 1 ratio.
With the following numbers, wouldn't the $78,633.97 amount at Olpe be for both the Jr/Sr. High and Elementary.
If it is maybe it should be posted as
East side is operating at $91,704.29
West side is operating at $78,633.97
or
NRE is operating at: $36,499.06
HHS is operating at: $55,205.23
OHS and OE is operating at: $78,633.97
March 8, 2010 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ej (anonymous) says...
Hartford High School was recognized for one of the top 43 schools in Kansas according to U.S. News World Report.
http://www.usnews.com/listings/high-s...
March 8, 2010 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amused (anonymous) says...
Just curious. How many of those Olpe Jr/Sr High students are out of district kids? I know of at least 5 off the top of my head that should be in Emporia or Madison but are probaby in Olpe for sports reasons. So you could probably knock them out of the Olpe count because they probably won't go to Hartford to school, if in fact that is where the high schoolers end up going.
March 8, 2010 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
genxer (anonymous) says...
I'm watching this very closely as my oldest child is getting ready to enter elementary school, hopefully at Olpe. If the High Schools get consolidated at Hartford I will have to rethink that. When they get to high school age I can tell you there is NO way that my children will be going to Hartford high school. I have driven both of the paved roads to work in the Burlington area every day for several years and can tell you that both routes are dangerous. A lot of curves, poor maintenance during winter weather, and constant deer hazard.
If that is a level of risk that some parents are willing to take then that is their choice. However, I would not recommend it. The reverse is also true of Hartford kids driving to Olpe though.
I would personally bet that if the high schools are combined at either location that the student losses from said consolidation would almost wipe out any savings.
Option 1 seems like the best option to me. The people of Hartford and Neosho Rapids need to bite the bullet and combine those centers instead of asking another community to make all of the sacrifices and give up the life blood of any small town community.
Just my two cents worth.
March 8, 2010 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zippy (anonymous) says...
Thanks bystander for the facts. That is what we need, straight facts and not all the emotional made up figures.
March 8, 2010 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ej (anonymous) says...
Olpe out of district numbers 50 at elem 32 at high school
Hartford/N.R Elem 10 high school 12 these are in the jan 2010 meetings. Olpe enrollment is stable,” he said. “Hartford and Neosho Rapids’ enrollment is decreasing. It has declined 39 percent in the last 10 years. That demographic information is available on the Web site (www.usd252.org).” but look at it this way. subtract the out of district student in the elem schools N.R 106 - 10 =96 in district olpe elem 123 -50 =73 in district so N.R has 96 in district olpe has 73 .So I don't think hartford/N.R is decreasing because the out of district students cannot count intil they show up that first day of school.The elem schools numbers show the future.
March 8, 2010 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ddf77 (anonymous) says...
“Little kids will see things that they shouldn’t see,” Schmitz said. “It’s not going to provide a good education there. I think there’s going to be more problems in the long run.”
Is this referring to a discipline problem at Hartford? Is this a factor in not wanting the little kids to be around the big kids? If it is then CLEAN IT UP, make the kids responsible for their actions and shape them into role models for the young eyes watching them.
March 8, 2010 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
To ddf77
No this had nothing to do with discipline problems at Hartford. There are no more discipline problems in Hartford than there are in Olpe.These are all good kids for the best part so to say one side has more problems than the other is just flat unfair to the students. It has to do with the fact that NOT ONE Single school in the state of Kansas has the K-6 mixed in with the 7-12, they are ALL separated by a lunch room, gym or etc. Every school in the state of kansas was called.
March 8, 2010 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eaglefan (anonymous) says...
You know the old saying, "If its not broken, don't fix it." Currently Olpe is mixing Elementary with High School students. Obviously, they are not in the same classrooms, but they see each other in the hall ways. Olpe also has an excellent mentoring program where the High Schoolers work with the Elementary Students. It is working....don't mess with it. These kids are developing some wonderful relationships. The Olpe High Schoolers are being role models to the younger students. I see no reason a program like this couldn't be developed at Hartford. The kids are mixed on the buses to and from school so you already have some co-mingling.
I also think that these kids we want to protect already see and hear things in public or at home on the TV that is the same or worse than what will happen in the hallways at school. Doesn't make it right, but I don't think it can be said that it doesn't happen. Just an observation.
March 8, 2010 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
eaglefan:
Your K-6 are separated, they are not in classes right by lockers used by your high school. We too have students who mentor and work with the younger students and build relationdships with them so don't make it sound like the kids on this side have no respect for each other or look out for one another.
March 8, 2010 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...
Genxer: Wow! "The people of Hartford and Neosho Rapids need to bite the bullet and combine those centers instead of asking another community to make all of the sacrifices and give up the life blood of any small town community." So, please correct me, if I am reading your post wrong, what you are saying is: It is totally ok for Hartford and Neosho Rapids to make all of the sacrifices, but not Olpe. It is totally ok for Hartford and Neosho Rapids to give up the life blood of the small community, but not Olpe? In this situation, emotions run high, and the entire school district, the patrons, etc. need to work together. However, it is comments like yours that get Hartford and Neosho Rapids people all worked up (and even people not in this district, like myself worked up)...Olpe is NOT superior. The people of Hartford and Neosho Rapids should NOT have to make all of the sacrifices and give up the blood of their small town communities. I have lived in Lyon County and Greenwood County. I never even considered living in Olpe, because I could never see what makes Olpe so special.
March 8, 2010 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ddf77 (anonymous) says...
Could there be two different bell systems, one for the high school and the other for elementary, to eliminate or decrease the amount of sharing of the hallways?
March 8, 2010 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eaglefan (anonymous) says...
Here is the problem....I suggested if the mentoring was working at Olpe, develop a similar program at Hartford. You immediately assumed I was degrading the Hartford students. Wrong. Why so defensive so fast? I am merely suggesting using what is working as a model then put it to good use. If Hartford has a mentoring program, then that is great. I hope it is working as good at Hartford as it is at Olpe.
Unfortunately, in the next 10 - 15 years, I don't think it is going to matter how good of programs Olpe or Hartford have, I believe the state is going to force all the students in the county into 1 school, Emporia.
March 8, 2010 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justacomment (anonymous) says...
One town does not want to lose their elementary school. One town does not want to lose their high school.
One school is proud of their sports and one is proud of their academics. One school makes it to state in their sports. One makes it to state in scholars bowl and was picked by the US news this last year to be one of the best schools. Nobody wants to give up something that is so important to them. I don't blame them. One town has two elementary schools one is a Catholic elementary and one is a public elementary. What if the students from the Catholic elementary would go to the public school? I don’t know how many students this would be but if we said 20 students take that times $4,000.00 for each kid that would be an extra $80,000.00 a year. Don’t get me wrong I think it is great to have a school where students can get an education in religion and academics. I wish we could put religion back into the schools. When you talk about closing one elementary school because that is the only way to go, I don’t think that is right. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you would want your kids being taught in this type of circumstance and that you fully believe that they would get a great education. You would not want that.
They want to move the elementary to the high school and put the students all around the building and in storage rooms, coaches rooms, a stage ect. that are small. Why would anybody want this? You hear about this back in the 90's about making classrooms out of storage rooms. I couldn't imagine anybody thinking this would give these kids a good education. My understanding is we send our children to school to get an EDUCATION.
Correct me if I am wrong, the Superintendent for all three schools brought to the school board what he thought is the right choices and that was to close the elementary school in Neosho Rapids and move to put the students into small class rooms all around the high school. I am sure he was a teacher before he became a Superintendent would he had wanted to teach the students in this kind of atmosphere. Isn’t he supposed to be a Superintendent for all three schools so why would he even make this kind of choice. Choice number 2 was Option 2 he says to cut teachers. It looks like both schools had some teachers retire and some let go. I hear there are not enough teachers to teach the students anything but core classes next year. I am not sure if there is a schedule of next years classes for everybody to look at, maybe that would answer some questions and stop some rumors if the people could see the schedules for next year. Third is Option 3 with an A, B and C. One town wants the Option 3A that would combine the High Schools. The high school would be in the newest facility that could hold extra students in each classroom. If they consolidated they would be able to have Art, FACS, and advanced classes to help them prepare for college.
Continued........
March 8, 2010 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justacomment (anonymous) says...
For the drive between both schools, it is 15 miles just between towns. That is a ways to have to drive to school every day. I have heard that buses will run between the towns. I understand high school kids do not like to ride the bus. Heck I wouldn’t so I would be one of those driving my own vehicle the 15 miles. I don’t blame the people that do not want their children driving 15-20 miles to school everyday. I am not sure but I think the new law of driving a lot of students will not be able to drive. Where I came from we had several towns that came to our school and some of them where driving over 20 miles plus. A couple of the towns combined back in the 60’s so when I was in school we never heard the kids or parents complaining about the drive. It was just something they had to do. All but one school did not have the luxury of going to another town. A friend of my brothers lived over 35 miles away and he would stay with us after away games so he wouldn’t have to drive home late at night. They did not run an activity bus after games or practices. I am not sure if they would be running an activity bus or not.
Does USD 252 give up education so students don’t have to drive or do they make students drive so they don’t give up a good education.
Before you are closed minded about all the options everybody needs to think of the whole picture. You can understand why some people don’t want to drive and why some don’t want kids learning in small classrooms all over the school. Both sides have their reason. You must look at the future and I am sure that is what the school board will have to decide. If the school board goes with Option 1 part of them will be hated and some will be heroes. If they go with Option 3A some of them will be hated and some will be heroes. I guess I shouldn’t say hated because God says we should not hate. No matter what the school board decides they will all lose friendships and that is sad. Maybe one day those friendships will bond again.
March 8, 2010 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
eaglefan:
We are in 100% agreement in your final statement.
Justacomment:
I could not have said it better myself and have said the exact same thing just in a different way, I am just afraid the education and opportunities that a combined school would bring will be overlooked and the students will suffer in the long run.
March 8, 2010 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bystander (anonymous) says...
As I read the Options on the USD 252 website, Options 1, 2 and 3 all state the following:
Share minimum 7-12 core classes (required) and programs at each secondary building: reading, math, social studies, science, PE.
Share minimum elective programs and classes: Industrial Technology (Woods/Shop), Business, Music, Counseling, and Elective PE.
Unless I'm missing it, I do not see anywhere where it says additional offerings will be made if option 3 is selected. I'm not sure we can assume this will happen.
March 8, 2010 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
bystander
We don't know for sure what if any electives will be offered. Having half time teachers in the schools is not fair for either side of the district, if combined you would have a teacher in the building at all times and it would open up the CHANCE to have more electives for the students. Having to share teachers at 2 different schools does not offer that option. Option 3 leaves all 3 schools open and the chance for growth at both ends of the district, closing EITHER end would not be good for growth, and the future also needs to be considered.
March 8, 2010 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bystander (anonymous) says...
Its not 3 schools its 4.
Any option in Option 3 closes a High School, and closing either High School in the district will not be good for growth. Just as you say we need growth at both ends of the district and yes the future needs to be considered.
March 8, 2010 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
I thought it was about the best education for ALL students and sharing teachers in two different towns does not do that in my opinion.
March 8, 2010 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bystander (anonymous) says...
Unless we all are going to become parents again, growth has come from out of district students and/or having a viable community in which someone would want to move to. Is a community with a High School more viable then a community without. I tend to think so.
March 8, 2010 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
been_there (anonymous) says...
So here’s some figures to think about:
Olpe has 82 out of district students; if JR/SR High is moved to Hartford and these 82 return to their districts, Olpe is left with 194 students in the public school. Let’s say 50% of those pull out and move to a different district, leaving 97 total students. Sure, we’ll save a little on salaries, obviously we’ll have to cut some positions. We’ll also save a little on transportation. But….
82 x $4000 = $328,000
97 x $4000 = $388,000
Total $716,000
(This figure does not include the St Joe students who might never enter public school in USD 252 or the potential loss is even greater)
And on the Hartford side; if the JR/SR High is moved to Olpe and their 22 out of district students return to their district, Hartford is left with 215 students. Let’s pull out that 50% who theoretically could move to a different district also, leaving 107.5 total students. Again, we’ll save a little on salaries and transportation, but……
22 x $4000 = $ 88,000
107.5 x $4000 = $430,000
Total $518,000
Either way, we will LOSE!!! Will we survive this in the end??? How long can we keep all three facilities operating if we do lose these students? Unfortunately, I can see more Olpe residents moving their children to Madison or Emporia because for many, it’s just as far of a commute or they are already coming into Emporia to work. I agree we will have to work together but we also have to do what will keep the ENTIRE district viable and growing!!
March 8, 2010 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
After reading tonights paper I feel that Bob Davis may have the best solution at this time, please read it, if this solution would eliminate the loss of a school, take care of half time teachers, and provide more options for electives, then I think we finally have a winner, I know I would donate.
March 8, 2010 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
If they start combining schools we won't be able to have Underwater Basket Weaving classes and our students will never be able to succeed in life. They should just do away with Math, English, Science. Nobody has ever used any skills from these classes to do anything. Math, who needs it if you have a calculator. English is only for those that write books. Science is for nerds anyways. We need more electives so that our kids are entertained. That is the job of the school. Not fundamentals.
March 8, 2010 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grace1 (anonymous) says...
been_there,
You could nearly double those numbers. I think the school district gets close to $8,000 per student when you figure in low enrollment weighting, etc.
And, if you close a high school, the home valuations in that community will plummet. And you will lose local businesses. So, to add to the pain, the tax base would be eroded.
March 8, 2010 at 10:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justhinking (anonymous) says...
Has anyone thought that maybe the biggest savings would be closing both elementary schools and put them both in the high schools? It seems that both high schools have plenty of extra room. WOW something we can agree on!! Cramming kids in a high school when there is a perfectly good elementary school to put them in is CRAZY!
March 8, 2010 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
genxer (anonymous) says...
esugrad,
I did not say Olpe was superior. But the people of Hartford are in favor of Olpe losing their high school over all other options. In that situation Olpe loses a high school and Hartford loses nothing. If Hartford and Neosho Rapids combines elementary and high school then they don't lose anything. They do have to make a transition that will not be easy but at least they aren't completely losing out. It just seems selfish to me that the people of Hartford and Neosho Rapids would rather kill olpe than make a lesser sacrifice themselves.
I'm not from Olpe and I don't live in Olpe although I was planning on sending my kids to either the Catholic or Elementary school there. Have not decided which yet if at all depending on the outcome of the school board decision.
March 9, 2010 at 6:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...
Genxer-I am still confused. How can you say that if Hartford and Neosho Rapids combines elementary and high school then they don't lose anything? How about Neosho Rapids? If the elementary school closes, then they DO lose something.
No, you did not say Olpe is superior, but I am sick and tired of people thinking Olpe is.
March 9, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
koalemos (anonymous) says...
Another option would be to close Hartford, Neosho Rapids and Olpe and bus them all to Emporia. That would save much more money and in the long run, that's what will happen anyway.
March 9, 2010 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigRed (anonymous) says...
I found an interesting site called Great Schools. I ran a search on high schools in Lyon county. Both Hartford and Olpe were rated a 7, Emporia a 5 and Northern Heights a 4. On test scores Hartford was first, Olpe second, Emporia third and NH was fourth.
What a shame it would be to close either of the top two rated high schools in the county.
March 9, 2010 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
koalemos (anonymous) says...
All that says is Hartford, Olpe, Northern Heights and Olpe runs off people who are not white and people with disabilities. Private schools boast their high ratings too. Of course they are selective of their students too. Minorities are sent to Emporia because of the racism inside the rural communities that keeps those schools bright white and handicapped free. Talk about shame.
March 9, 2010 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SweetShot32 (anonymous) says...
It could very well come down to both High Schools closing and the Jr. High and High School students going to Emporia, unless they choose to go to Madison or Lebo or Burlington depending which town they live in. If that were to happen I would think the best choice would be to have an elementary in Neosho Rapids and Olpe. Children could get a good education in both towns K-6 while staying close to home and then their parents could decided where to send them to Jr/Sr High.
March 9, 2010 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gma1 (anonymous) says...
Genxer- I am sick of hearing about poor Opie and how much they would have to sacrifice if their high school was moved to Hartford. You would rather punish little elementary children by putting them in tiny rooms and combining their classes such as first and second, third and fourth ect. Not to mention play ground room. Also the high school and junior high would be loosing 9 rooms that they need for themselves. Or would neede if they have any electives left when it is all said and done. This is not about having to get use to combining our elementary with our high school. That would not be a problem if we had adequate facilities which would give everyone equal rights to a decent education. We are not afraid of how our older children would treat our younger children. Also why do people from Olpie think it will kill their town to lose their High school? They still have their grade school. I have heard people argue that if Hartford High school has room for Olpie High school then we have room for Neosho Rapids elementary school. That is not a fact. the High school students would share rooms and the elementary has to have their own rooms.
March 9, 2010 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gma1 (anonymous) says...
Koalemos- that is just an ignorant statement
March 9, 2010 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Despite all the good reasons brought forth by all sides to support their various positions....there is one irreconcilable bottom line. Which ever town loses its high school loses much of its soul and its future. Both camps know this which is why emotions are running so strong.
I feel sorry for the town that loses and even sorrier for the board member hat has to cast the deciding vote. Rather than continuing to seek the winner take all position...is there any possible way to stay the course until the economy has a chance to improve?
March 9, 2010 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
I wonder what would be involved to split the South Lyon county district into an Olpe district and a Hartford district. It doesn't appear they are saving much other than sharing a Superintendent now, and I suppose they still could do that. Since emotions are running so high, it might be just as well to let both communities attempt to save their schools themselves, if it works fine, if not obviously there will be more consolidation, but it eliminates finger pointing at each other.
I can't blame any community for not wanting to lose a school.
March 9, 2010 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"Koalemos- that is just an ignorant statement"
Possibly, but I bet that not all that long people would have said the same about the current reality.
March 9, 2010 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I know some Latino kids that live and go to school in Olpe.
Myth busted.
March 9, 2010 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
koalemos
Could you tell me where the signs are in these three towns that say "no minorities". I must have missed it somewhere. All three of our towns are equal opportunity communities. Granted there are probably a few people that are racist but they are not the majority. There are also plenty of racist in Emporia but the last time I checked there was plenty of people of different races living and thriving there. I'm real sick and tired of people stating that such and such town is full of racist just because there isn't a large community of whatever ethnicity living there. If I moved my family to Harlem I would, by far, be the minority but I wouldn't go around shouting racism every time I went some were and I didn't see another white person. So give it up. It's 2010, not every person is a racist. Towns today don't run people out because of the color of there skin.
March 9, 2010 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
koalemos
Also after a little fact checking Emporia tends to send there Autistic children to Neosho Rapids. Why would that be? Might have something to do with the fact that we have a teacher that specializes in this field. There is a child in a wheel chair attending school also. So what disabled children did 252 send to Emporia. I would just like to check to see if these discriminatory practices are really occurring.
Your out right lies are the type of thing that keep this country rooted in old backwards ways. Just because you tell yourself something enough times doesn't make it true. If you would like to debate this with me come to the table with some actually facts of discrimination happening in these communities. Until then keep your trap shut unless you have something constructive to say. And before you go and blast me for denying your right to free speech I want to point out that free speech is only possible because of the truth and wisdom of our founding fathers. Key word is Truth, not lies.
March 9, 2010 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
uranidiot,
You fell for a koalemos trick. They post the most outrageous bull and hope to stir the pot. On another post they said they were leaving the forums, so their post was probably just a parting shot.
March 9, 2010 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
uranidiot,
What fact checking are you doing? I know that there is a program for autistic children at the Timmerman facility. They have teachers who specialize in this field and paras were recruited for this program.
As for the minority remark, it isn't entirely off base. I went to school in one of these small rural communities nearby. Every time somone from another race, other than white came to our community, they were snubbed, ignored, talked about behind their backs, and overall frowned upon. Most of the time no one would even speak to them. I befriended some, as they were actually very nice. Problem is, they never stayed, and growing up, it didn't take a genius mentality to figure out why.
Was there a sign up? No, there didn't need to be, most people can tell when they are not wanted.
March 9, 2010 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
Akamai
Well I think I will have to contact USA Today and see were they got their figures from. Currently there are at least 3 African American students attending Neosho Rapids and several Hispanic. I haven't seen any American Indian or Asian's on the playground but that could be contributed to the fact that there are few in our area. And yes special needs students do fall under the Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative. That is why we have the program that we do in Neosho Rapids. And that is also why Emporia has recommended several students to our school.
Akamai I do have a clue when it happens to me. I'm White and my wife is Hispanic. We do not go out to eat anymore at certain Mexican restaurants in Emporia because of the way I was treated. My spanish is not the greatest but I know enough swear words to know when a derogatory term is being used towards me.
I believe that Steve was right and I feel foolish for falling for koelamos's stupidity.
Giggles you are right on that new students in a school often feel alienated. It is easy to just assume that teenagers are treating you the way the do because of your skin color. The harder path to look at is how long have my classmates been around each other. After you spend 10 years of your life dealing with the same people it is often hard to get use to others.
These communities are not bigoted hate mongers. They welcome all and wish the best for any that join there tight knit group. Remember some that are living here are the minority and get along great with everyone.
March 9, 2010 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
That is very sad and I feel for his family. That still does not give him the right to claim that three wonderful communities are full of racist and bigots. Thank you and have a wonderfull day.
March 9, 2010 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
gam 1 you are the one making stupid biased statements, and if you went on the tour last night you would realize that.
10049- I appologize, I didn't want my answer to sound snippy, but the truth is if Hartford wants to pursue option 3, then 3b or 3c saves more money, not 3a as has been reported by the Hartford area.
March 9, 2010 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
I am from the Hartford area and I don't recall anyone saying that it saved the most money.
March 9, 2010 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eucharistandcannabis (anonymous) says...
It would be a good use of the school district's energy to use these current meetings to not only plan for the consolidation of the schools within USD 252, but the eventual consolidation of all three school districts of Lyon County into one.
March 9, 2010 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Just a word to those of you that don't frequent these forums too often.
Kaolemos and a couple of others like to stir the pot.
It is very obvious by the fact that, even though he doesn't have a dog in this hunt, he says something stupid like he did in the post above.
March 9, 2010 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
All I can say is it is a SAD DAY when a student stands up in tears and begs to the board to not cut her short on her education. I am NOT saying it is the board fault. I felt for the board having to witness it, and I would hope the one thing we can agree on is something is terribly WRONG here.
March 9, 2010 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Yes we have no money to run the school, contact your legislator it has nothing to do with the board or the superintendent. These people have, and do work very hard for not much reward take time and thank them ALL for their efforts. Please don't verbally attack them we can dissagree but do so with respect. If we focused on finding answers to the problem instead of just complaining we could all win somehow. Clearly alot of passion lets find answers and ideas.
March 9, 2010 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustMythoughts (anonymous) says...
Tell:
Your speaking to whom?
March 9, 2010 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esugrad_03 (anonymous) says...
Tell: I think you just opened a whole new can of worms. Yes, the State's budget plays a major factor with the school budget crisis. However, the superintendents and school board members are also factors. Money has been spent on silly things, like new gravel for the parking lots. Who voted to pay for the silly things; not the State. Every school district in the State is being impacted by the budget crisis. The districts with the strong superintendents who know how to handle money will be the ones who survive this mess and do very little damage to their districts. Being a school board member right now would be horrible. I would be willing to thank my board members if I knew that they had the right intentions for every single student within my district in mind.
March 9, 2010 at 6:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gma1 (anonymous) says...
Wichitawings I WAS THERE FOR THE WALK THRU AND ALSO THE MEETING. My remarks are accurate.
March 9, 2010 at 7:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
People want to blame the board, blame this and blame that... Makes for good entertainment, in reality the people to blame are the ones in the mirror, pay more attention to who you vote for and the policies they support and enact. The fact of the matter is that we as voters put ourselves in this position by not paying attention to the candidates we put in office at all levels.
The silver lining in this is the wake up call this nation needs.
March 9, 2010 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grace1 (anonymous) says...
I just noticed that the course offerings are now listed on the district webpage: www.usd252.org. They seem fair to me.
March 9, 2010 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tzkmom (anonymous) says...
That is pre enrollment offerings. That is kinda like a survey. They sent out a sheet to the kids to rank those classes 1-8 then they see where the votes are and what of the top vote getters they can offer. It isn't a guarantee of any of those classes. Parents make sure you sign yours and get it back in it is due March 11th. This is a time to tell what classes are important and your vote counts.
March 10, 2010 at 6:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
The title of this article made me think of this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IB3tL...
"How much for the children?"
'enry
March 17, 2010 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
It erks me that our Politicians will spend Billions to bail out the banks, but will let our children's education suffer! All this while they still get their automatic Raises. Sad! Shame on them! All they can talk about is the need to raise taxes instead of cutting to the bone in a recession and Emporia will not be the only Ghost town. They keep raising taxes and the cost of basic services like water, there will be a mass exit from Kansas!
March 19, 2010 at 6:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
And rabblerouser...where do you suppose they will go when they leave Kansas? To someplace else that has raised taxes and rates for basic necessities like water? There is no free lunch.....no free water...and no cheap education.
If you want to have a dance....you have to pay the band.
March 19, 2010 at 7:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )