Rumor Watch
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Rumor Watch Sharing of Facts/Opinions |
USD 417 is committed to open and honest communication with patrons, parents, students and staff. Truthful, reliable information is the foundation of this commitment.
The purpose of this website is twofold. One, we take rumors seriously as they can be damaging and create feelings of anxiety, ruin morale and diminish the level of confidence that our community members have in our public schools.
Second, it can provide our patrons an opportunity to share facts or opinions about our school system. These opinions or suggestions could help us in creating more efficient procedures in our schools. This website will allow for input from our patrons.
Have you heard of something that needs to be addressed or have an opinion that needs to be shared? Send us what you have by clicking on the rumor watch button or send to rumorwatch@cgrove417.org. We will address the rumors, share the facts and opinions and post it on this page.
Keep in mind that submissions will be screened and/or edited prior to postings. Questions or comments must have your name and legitimate e-mail address to be considered. However, names of those persons posing the questions/opinion will not be included on the posting. In order to protect USD 417 employees, submissions that identify personnel and/or positions will not be posted.
April 2, 2012
Question: Is it not the schools responsibility to report to the parent right away if their child becomes injured at school and to access if that child needs medical attention?
Fact: Schools do have a responsibility to notify parents if a child is injured. However, there is a difference between a child being injured and a child being hurt. Our teachers and staff deal with many scrapes and bruises throughout the school year. Between recess, physical education classes, hallway traffic and etc., accidents do happen. When a child is hurt our staff renders aid to the child, evaluates the “injury” and ascertains what treatment is needed. Most of the time the only treatment that is needed is a bandage and a hug. At the upper grade levels, many times students just need a little time to walk it off.
If a staff member is unsure as to the extent of an injury, we also have our nurse available to evaluate the child. We do not call home on minor injuries, but rely on the child to communicate the incident. However, if we are uncertain to the extent of an injury, we will notify parents and rely on them to make a decision about taking their child to the doctor. If a parent is unavailable, then we will take them to receive medical attention.
Obviously if an injury is life threatening or major, we will notify medical personnel and then notify parents.
March 29, 2012
FACT: I need to reiterate that anonymous inquiries to rumor watch will not be addressed. The inquiries need to be from a legitimate e-mail account, regular mail with a valid return address or a phone call in which we can ascertain who the person is that is making the inquiry.
March 26, 2012
Question: Is it right for a teacher who may have certain diseases that can be transmitted to other staff or students to keep it to themselves for should they tell the right people on what’s going on?
Fact: All teachers prior to employment are required to pass a physical that includes testing for certain types of communicable diseases. Teachers and staff are allotted sick days each year. We depend upon them to make decisions in regards to their health on coming to work. They make the decision in regards to short term illness (flu, colds, etc.) on coming to work or staying at home.
However, in regards to a teacher who is afflicted with a communicable disease (i.e. whooping cough, hepatitis, etc.) there is a duty to report. Upon that report school districts have established procedures to follow to provide safety for students and personnel and to contain the disease.
July 25, 2011
Question: Could you please clarify to the rumor watch post on July 11, 2011. The comment was the "PH needs the other towns to have athletic teams." This is the general idea most patrons have about PH. The truth is that PH didn't have enough boys to field a football team. Yes, we did loose our league but we did just fine last year with finding games and even participated in a tournament in Wakefield, that our girls basketball team WON and boys placed 2nd!! The whole athletics situation at PH has been blown way out of proportion. With the exception of football, PH has enough players to have all other sports! Has the school board considered withdrawling the decision on combining MS sports?
Fact: Other than football, Prairie Heights Middle School had enough students indicate interest in participating activities to field teams.
Our Board of Education is currently not considering withdrawing the decision on combining Middle School sports.
Updated July 11, 2011
Question: Could you explain why the district would choose to bus 35 girls to AV rather than bring 7-8 down from PHMS? It is my understanding that the four PH football players are going to ride down with a coach. Why not do the same thing with the girls (as I understand one of the volleyball coaches is from PH)?
Why would we spend money to fix a gym, when the district already has a facility (CGMS) that requires no expense. It is my understanding that we have to combine the middle school sports because PH does not have enough to have a team (4 boys, 7-8 girls). I think that is fine that we combine, but it seems that the Council Grove, Wilsey, and Dunlap areas are the ones losing in this situation. PH needs the other towns to have athletic teams, but CGMS is the one that is going to feel the loss. Doesn't seem fair.
Need to take into consideration that CG is centrally located for all USD 417 students. There will be some CGMS athletes that will be having a very long bus ride after athletic practices. Practicing in CG would make a more equal situation.
Fact: The BOE decision to combine middle school sports was an attempt to save costs while maintaining the current attendance centers. It was not based solely on the number of participants at Prairie Heights. We anticipate 12 girls participating in middle school volleyball and four boys participating in middle school football from the PHMS attendance center this fall. Thus, a van would not accommodate all of the anticipated volleyball girls from PHMS.
Our administration and staff are trying to keep our schools strong and attractive while our communities work toward bringing people back to our area. Philosophically, we are attempting to do this so that contributions are shared throughout all the communities, not just one community bearing the bulk of contributions.
Below is a summary of the plan for middle school sports practices and home event locations for the 2011-12 school year:
Football
- Practices in Council Grove
- Home games in Council Grove
Volleyball
- Practices in Alta Vista
- Home games in Council Grove
Cross Country (new sport)
- Practices in Council Grove
- Home meet at Council Grove Reservoir
Wrestling
- Practices in Council Grove
- Home matches in Council Grove
Girls' Basketball
- Practices in Council Grove, Alta Vista or Dwight
- Home games in Council Grove, Alta Vista or Dwight
Boys' Basketball
- Practices in Council Grove, Alta Vista or Dwight
- Home games in Council Grove, Alta Vista or Dwight
Track
- Practices in Council Grove
- Home meets in Council Grove
June 16, 2011
Question: I understand that as a district, we are in a budget crises. In order to relieve some of the money burdens, the school district opted to combine middle school sports to save approximately $30,000.00. However, in the past week, *I have heard that it is going to be proposed to the Board that all MS volleyball practices be held at AV or Dwight. In addition, I heard that in order for this to be possible, our district will have to spend approximately $13,000.00 to prepare the gym for such practices as well as spending an additional $4,000.00 to bus the girls to and from AV or Dwight for those practices. It seems to me that we would be spending over 1/2 of the "savings" of combining MS sports. *Why change how those sports have been handled in the past, if we are not going to save the money? Also, has full consideration been taken as to practice time for volleyball? If the girls leave CG at 3:30 to go to AV/Dwight, they will have to be back by 5:30 in order to catch the activity bus. That means, with travel time & locker room time included, the girls will only get approximately *1 hour of practice. One hour of practice is not much time considering there will be 35 +/- girls out for volleyball. Also, why spend the money fixing up a gym, when there is a gym in CG that is ready to handle the volleyball practices? I would ask that you confirm whether these rumors are true, as well as explain the rationale for this proposal?
Fact: The estimate of saving $30,000 by combining middle school sport activities was based upon the middle schools becoming one attendance center. The cost to prepare the facility at Alta Vista for volleyball practice is about $2,200, which includes increasing the number of volleyball practice courts in the PHMS gym to two. All volleyball competitions will be required to be at Council Grove High School because the CGMS and PHMS gyms will not allow for bleachers to be available when both courts are being used. At least two volleyball courts will be necessary for contests.
Transportation costs for middle school volleyball practices are nearly the same, regardless of practice location. Volleyball practice time will be affected by bussing. Administration and our bus transportation director have reviewed the schedule, and student-athletes will have 1 ½ hours of practice time. Administration feels that if practices are appropriately planned, this is adequate time for middle school athletes.
Since transportation costs include volleyball as well as football, I should add that all football practices and all football contests will be in Council Grove. The football facility in Dwight is set for 8-man football (shorter and more narrow field), and renovating it to meet 11-man standards would be an additional expense. Also, all district football practice equipment (blocking sleds, running back sleds etc.) can be kept in one location at Council Grove. The school district will provide a van so that coaches can bring PHMS student-athletes to practice and return them home after practice.
In planning for combining middle school sports, our administration is attempting to spread the contributions made by individuals (which could include students, staff, parents and patrons) so that all hardships are not carried by one group within the school community. We all need to share in the burden in meeting this fiscal challenge.
April 28, 2011
Question: Have MS coaches been hired for the combined athletic programs?
Fact: From USD 417 Athletic/Activities Director Mr. Dave Watkins Administration is currently in the process of conducting interviews with prospective candidates within the district. District personnel will have the first opportunity for placement within the coaching staff, however, USD 417 will work to fill those positions with the most qualified individuals that will best serve the student athletes, the vision of USD 417 and what is in the best interest of the entire athletics program.
4/28/11
Question: 1. Is it true that there will be NO games(possibilities don't count) held at PHMS? If true, do you understand why there may be animosity? The simple fact is, this is NOT fair! There is not equal opportunity! There is NOT equal burden of the budget crisis district wide!
2. One result from the school meetings is that All towns(schools) need to market themselves to bring families/student to our district. Do you agree? Sport activities are part and can be a HUGE part of the marketing process, right? The plan for PHMS/ES is to draw from the growth of Manhattan and Junction City/Ft. Riley area. Other than the academic acheviement of PHMS/ES, how do we market our sport activities??!! See chart attached regarding the inconvience on all patrons. Please place chart on rumor watch.
I challenge, I mean really challenge, our school board members and CG families to put themselves in the shoes of PHMS/ES parents and students. Who'll be there to help dry the tears of our children when they can't play sports at the school they attend? This is not stretching the truth, I've already had to do this and it breaks my heart!
FACT: Once again, at this time building administrators are studying schedules for both practice and games. This includes investigating having activities at PHMS or PHES and ascertaining costs for making those facilities (and transportation) ready for the number of participants and activity needs.
As to the other questions issued in this correspondence, I will try to answer indirectly through a summary.
Our board of education has made a decision based on faith to a three to five year commitment to our communities that we can prevent the loss of what is obviously our most valuable resource: people. Our Board is very much aware of the contributions from all aspects of our community, including our school employees, which will be necessary to make this work. It was not an easy decision for them, as it will require giving.
Our Board has acknowledged the contributions made by our teachers, staff and administration. They have acknowledged the giving of parents who have to drive for their child to participate in activities and as well as the contribution of the hardships put on our larger population attendance centers to support the smaller attendance centers (see rumor watch - Town Hall Questions February 25, 2011). Tracking and incessantly focusing on sacrifices will do nothing toward a positive end.
I am a newcomer to this community but the animosity that has continued over decisions made in the past (closing buildings, dropping electives, reducing staff etc.) is obvious as people choose to maintain ill will over disagreement of those decisions.
The history of our state shows that since the Industrial Revolution, the population in rural communities has been declining. Schools with smaller populations merge together or merge with larger populations when they lose their ability to fiscally support their schools.
It is time to get behind our Board’s decision and work together to make it successful. Philosophically, we cannot continually point out the sacrifices made by communities or groups of people toward what they have to give up. If we are to continually “keep score” of sacrifices then it will feed animosity, as it has here for decades. A direction has been given.
I am putting on rumor watch the chart as requested. I would suggest to patrons that in the future, utilize the rumor watch as to how contributions can be made to make our Board’s directive work rather than as a source to continually object or track sacrifices.
April 19, 2011
Question: I heard that at the last BOE meeting it was stated that the district is in fact not actually going to save $30,000 by combining PH and CG middle school sports as the cost of busing had not been accounted for when that figure was presented to the public. I would like to know what the exact dollar amount of savings really is, with all "hidden costs" accounted for and shown. Otherwise, as a patron I feel a bit misled, and question whether this was really the right thing to do as it comes at a fair amount of inconvenience for parents.
Fact: The estimated $30,000 in savings number was based upon Scenario 3, in which all students were housed at one location. Since this item was added to Scenario 1, it has to be modified for students still being in two locations. Currently, building administrators have been meeting to address the needs of our students in combined activities. The $30,000 was based on supplemental salaries, travel to events, entry fees, cost of officials and etc.
Our administrators are hoping to add services in an attempt to give all students a chance to participate in games. This adds more games, more travel and more supplemental salaries. They will present our Board with options. Until then, an exact dollar amount is not feasible until they have completed their options.
Bussing students to and from PHMS and CGMS for practice reduces the cost savings. Again, until we can study the different options for transporting students and costs there of; providing you with an exact dollar amount is not possible. An example of an estimated cost for bussing would be if all practices for middle school activities were in Council Grove, a shuttle bus with a coach driving, would cost approximately $4,000 for the year. The approximate savings then, without adding extra competitions or coaches would be approximately $26,000. Administrators are also addressing having practices at both locations (example volleyball at PHMS and football at CGHS). This may require two shuttle buses. Please understand that our administrators are student-driven. They want to provide as much for our students as they can.
Also, in my mind, I do not believe that budget was the only item our Board was considering in addressing this issue. I do believe for many of our Board members, due to the fracture of our school community, they were hoping that by getting students together at an earlier age it would help alleviate animosities between attendance area adults.
April 19, 2011
Question: I see from a chart off Rumor Watch that USD 417 is currently spending $8,284.32 per student at PHMS where as they are only spending $5,818.73 per student at the CGMS. Could someone please enlighten me as to why a Prairie Heights kid gets $2,465.59 (42%) more support or money spent on him or her than does my kid at CGMS?
Fact: The cost of providing a quality and equitable education is higher at schools with smaller populations. This is recognized at the state level as school districts with low enrollment receive more funding per pupil then do the schools with large enrollments. It just costs more.
The cost per student for PHMS will reduce next year as middle school sports combine and they will be working with one less teacher. This would reduce the per-pupil cost by approximately $1,349 per student ($6,935 per student for next year using this year’s numbers).
The cost per pupil at CGES/MS will reduce even though middle school sports are being combined at CGMS. They will also be reducing one teacher and perhaps one classified worker (approximately reduction of $118/student or $5,700/student for next year using this year’s numbers).
As a school community we want to maintain parity for our students. There is compromise that has to be made in order to provide parity, or equitable service. Although the cost per child is higher in one area, many sacrifices (or a better term is “contributions”) from that are due to the distances they have to travel or loss of activities in their community for older children.
Question: Why was the decision made to purchase 25 I-Pads for the high school science dept? I own an I-pad that cost roughly $1000. If 25 are purchased then that totals $25,000. An I-pad does NOT come with programs. Application may be bought and there are a few free applications but nothing that will be used in a science class.
Ok, now we're suppose to save $30,000 by combining our middle school sports. Logically this is absurd to buy 25 I-pads because we're obviously not in a "budget crisis" USD 417 has led all patron to believe. If the money being used is from capital outlay, USD 417 should use to purchase high speed, high function computers or similar. I-pads are limited to what they can do and is a waste of school funds.
Again, explain to me and everyone who is affected by the combining of middle school sports why USD 417 feels we need I-pads?
Fact: We are in a budget crisis. It has hit hard especially in these last two years. Adding to that, for several years USD 417 has been experiencing yearly budget difficulties due to a steady declining enrollment (double digits).
Please understand that small schools districts across Kansas are struggling just to survive. Six school districts in the last two years have failed fiscally, and have combined with other districts.
Schools are not just about buying pencils and paper or about teaching children for seven hours and sending them home; although that is the perception our state assessments convey. Schools are now held accountable for the care of children that go way beyond the classroom.
Our Board is committed to having a strong and attractive school system that cares for each child. If you think in those terms, a specific senior in high school will only be a senior once in their life and we need to provide them with the best opportunity to ready themselves for life. We have 2nd graders that will only be 2nd graders once, who need to be able to adapt to an ever-changing world. Having current technology and updated resources is essential to being strong and attractive.
The iPads proposed (not purchased) at the last BOE meeting are actually in lieu of purchasing new textbooks for Biology and we are also not purchasing textbooks for Chemistry and Earth/Space (6 classes at an approximate cost of $16,800). The iPads will cost approximately $18,700 (along with lab equipment for the high school). This covers the cost of programs added and they will utilize free, on-line textbooks to enhance student learning.
History has shown that businesses and governments that can stay strong during times of crisis will be doubly strong when the crisis ends. If USD 417 can move forward and maintain and enhance its care for students during this fiscal crisis, I believe we will be even stronger when our economy turns around.
We are in a budget crisis. Although we are not in as bad of shape as some around us, we will be if our enrollment continues to decline. Declining enrollment had a large influence in our Board’s decision. They understand the partnership with our communities and believe we need to provide the best opportunity to give our communities time to reverse our enrollment decline and start to grow. Our most valued resource is people and as our population declines, so does our most valuable resource.
A major factor for families to move to an area is having a strong school system to service their students. That is why we are continuing to move forward to maintain and build our schools.
Question: Will the BOE absolutely have to raise the mill levy to support their decision for Scenario 1?
Fact: Is it an absolute necessity? No. Will it be necessary to raise the mill for the school district to stay strong and attractive? In my mind, yes.
There is also a philosophical point of view to consider. In these tough economic times USD 417 has made cuts in spending and cuts to staff (11.5 positions thus far) and possibly to some programs in the future. Our employees have reduced their medical benefits and some have made other contributions. Financing schools require local community support and assistance and this directly benefits the children of our neighborhoods. This burden should be shared across the community by having all patrons contributing to help. Not raising the mill puts the entire burden of keeping our schools strong and attractive entirely on the backs of our school employees (about 125 people).
Question: Why is busing not set up for those students participating in sports when it is required for them to practice at another location (off site)?
Many students are not of legal driving age. Many students whom are of legal driving age can't have a fellow teammate ride with them because of the new Kansas laws. To have equal opportunity for students and those wanting to participate, bus transportation to off site practices would be appreciated. To add, the weather is an issue when it's 20 degrees walking from the HS to CGMS with book bag, gym bag, and maybe more.
Fact: We have transportation available for all students practicing off site from their main campus. There is a shuttle bus at CGMS that transports middle school students practicing at the high school. Some students opt to walk rather than ride the shuttle bus.
There is also bussing available for high school students practicing at CGMS or at the ball diamonds. Transportation needs for after school practice is communicated to our transportation director through the athletic director, which results in students being assigned to the proper route bus that goes by their practice site.
Question: What is the amount of local taxes generated to support USD 417 school district in Morris County? Please compare rural contribution to city residence contribution.
Fact: 2010 Property Taxes Generated for USD 417 in Morris County by City and Township
Prepared by the Morris County Clerk’s Office:
|
CITIES |
|
VALUATION |
TAX |
|
Council Grove |
|
13,187,140 |
650,124 |
|
Dunlap |
|
116,103 |
5,452 |
|
Dwight |
|
1,051,697 |
49,375 |
|
Parkerville |
|
25,531 |
1,140 |
|
Wilsey |
|
446,230 |
20,117 |
|
CG City Lake |
|
6,870,267 |
344,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from cities |
|
21,696,968 |
1,070,373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOWNSHIPS |
|
|
|
|
One |
south & east of CG |
7,789,740 |
395,879 |
|
Two |
north & east of CG (excludes city lake) |
9,075,234 |
465,313 |
|
Three |
rural Dwight area |
3,133,425 |
160,678 |
|
Four |
rural Parkerville area |
1,938,511 |
99,690 |
|
Seven |
Delavan area |
1,282,690 |
65,043 |
|
Eight |
Burdick area |
175,009 |
8,705 |
|
Nine |
rural Wilsey area |
2,170,761 |
110,647 |
|
Highland |
small area south of White City |
10,670 |
559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Townships |
25,576,040 |
1,306,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total 2010 Tax & |
|
47,273,008 |
2,376,887 |
|
Valuation for USD 417 |
|
|
|
|
(Morris County Only) |
|
|
|
Question: I am concerned about the information presented on Rumor Watch for the dollars allocated to each sports program. It shows $20,000 allocated annually for uniforms.
Fact: The $20,000 listed on Rumor Watch is not just for uniforms and does not mean it is an annual amount budgeted each year. Uniforms for our programs were on a 6-year replacement schedule. Meaning that every six years, a sport would expect to purchase new uniforms. The cost for replacing uniforms over that 6-year period can run over $30,000. Maintaining equipment (football pads, WR gear, track utensils, balls etc.) can run just as high or higher, depending upon what needs to be replaced. The maintenance schedule for purchasing uniforms has been interrupted due to cuts being made over the last few years.
This year we initiated having building budgets for each campus and allocated $20,000 to three line items (Student Activity, Uniforms, and Equipment) at CGHS to give our AD a start (a balance). All activity costs at CGHS including non-sports (except salaries and transportation) is run through these three accounts. It is expected through student fees, gate receipts (limited due to giving away many free activity passes), donations and volunteer labor at events (12 sport activities, 10+ non sport activities) that they are to stay under the $20,000 allocated budget. There is also an expectation to have money left over to roll into next year.
Mr. Watkins and Mr. McDiffett are surviving off volunteer labor and donations. Just to give you and idea how volunteers help the sports program, winter sports extra duty work (gate supervision, etc.) rough total this year was $3,378 (non-volunteers). It would have cost our sports program over an additional $800 without people volunteering to cover assignments.
Just in football, volunteers ran the gate (local adult social clubs), chain gang and referee's host (8 people). Those people represent a savings of $80/hour for a four-hour night, saving us $320. Five home games means we save $1500 plus. We also have occasional volunteers for running the clock, scorebook, statistical tracking and announcing.
We budgeted quite a bit of monies for uniforms this year due to our not staying on our uniform purchasing rotation schedule. It is common practice for schools to skip years in maintenance schedules to save money. At USD 417, we have also not bought a bus or vehicle for three years, nor done a book adoption for three years etc., but at some point in time not reinstating the maintenance practice will come back to haunt you. We are reinstating our uniform purchasing schedule. I know some people will have issue with that but not purchasing for another year would not be prudent. Especially for those uniforms not scheduled for replacement at the end of the rotation.
In other words, the AD's $20,000 (with the revenues) is to run all activities at the high school for one year with the expectation to be able to roll a reasonable amount of monies into next year. It is not just for uniforms.
Question: What is the cost of each individual sports activity?
Fact: Uniforms are not included in the numbers reflected but are listed on the side. Also, these numbers do not include money generated through our booster clubs. Please click on the link below to show the cost of each sport.
March 10, 2010
Question: From Dr. Ford: clarification needed…
Fact: I want to convey that on an earlier question in regards to the daycare program at Prairie Heights Elementary School, I had written that it was my understanding that the daycare was initially started to help the Dwight community, as there was not a daycare available then. I have since received a couple of e-mails that indicated they believed the day-care was created to help teenage mothers (to keep them in school) and USD 417 staff since daycare was not readily available. Once that need was met, the program was opened to patrons to enroll their children.
Researching BOE minutes the record shows as to when the day care was opened (2005) but does not indicate the reasons behind the decision.
Also, I reported to our Board that last year the daycare program ended the school year in 2009-10 with a shortfall of $8,871. Using that data I estimated an $8,000 shortfall this year. The program at the end of January was $4,369 in the red. With four months left in the program, a more accurate estimate would be ending the year with a $6,311 shortfall (4/9ths estimate).
Town Hall Questions (February 25, 2011)
Question: What percentage of the school budget does the $250,000 to $500,000 represent?
Answer:
|
|
Total Fund |
$250,000 |
$500,000 |
|
General Fund |
$5,690,621 |
4.4% |
8.8% |
|
Supplemental Fund (LOB) |
$1,763,000 |
3.4% |
6.8% |
|
Total Funds |
$12,267,703 |
2.0% |
4.1% |
Question: What is the cost per pupil for Prairie Heights Elementary School, Prairie Heights Middle School and Council Grove Elementary/Middle School?
Answer: The numbers reflected below do not include busing and substitute teachers. Cooks’ salaries are included in the “Per Budget Report” category. Please note these numbers are from SY 2009-10.
|
FY2010 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENDITURES |
CGE/MS |
PHMS |
PHES |
|
Per Budget Report |
$385,157.24 |
$90,127.95 |
$81,558.08 |
|
Admin Salary |
$82,444.42 |
$37,870.37 |
$37,870.37 |
|
Certified Salaries |
$1,715,115.25 |
$311,754.79 |
$257,320.91 |
|
Rule 10 salaries |
$15,603.35 |
$5,278.71 |
$- |
|
Custodian |
$96,166.73 |
$32,973.99 |
$33,381.26 |
|
Aides (inc ASP,DC) |
$129,150.86 |
$16,390.91 |
$66,874.91 |
|
Secretary |
$43,504.15 |
$27,515.47 |
$24,439.90 |
|
Cooks |
$- |
$- |
$- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$2,467,142.00 |
$521,912.19 |
$501,445.43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21-May-10 |
|
|
|
|
HEADCOUNT |
424 |
63 |
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST PER PUPIL |
$5,818.73 |
$8,284.32 |
$6,512.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
Town Hall Questions (February 23, 2011)
Question: Is it possible for the city of Dwight to maintain and use the elementary school building w/o purchasing the building, then if needed due to growth, reopen?
Answer: Yes. We have not entered into discussions about this option.
Question: On the colored map of our district (overhead) how many kids live in each attendance zone? Where are the buildings located on the map?
Answer: We are close to having the capability to show student locations by utilizing our new bus transportation software. We are not quite ready to make that available. The school buildings are on the map.
Question: Are statistics available which show average costs of schooling per child in USD 417 versus area schools or similar schools?
Answer: Below is a chart showing costs/pupil of a few area schools. Please know that it includes bond and interest costs (payments for new construction).
|
District |
2008/09 Actual Expenditures |
2009/10 Actual Expenditures |
|
Rock Creek USD 323 |
$10,214 |
$10,095 |
|
Riley County USD 378 |
$12,888 |
$12,087 |
|
Hiawatha USD 415 |
$12,322 |
$11,775 |
|
Hesston USD 460 |
$11,360 |
$10,660 |
|
Morris County USD 417 |
$10,663 |
$11,102 |
Question: What are the cost savings per day if you were to reduce the number of days that students attend school?
Answer: Cost savings would be from reduction of classified staff salaries. The savings in salaries would be approximately $4171 per day. (secretaries, aides, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, fuel)
Question: What are the final “drop dead” dates for making a final decision?
Answer: The approved budget must be submitted to the county clerk by August 25. However, there are many hours of prep work required in building the budget.
Licensed personal notification of non-renewal must be done prior to the third Friday in May (20). Again, waiting to a late date to make a decision makes planning to take care of the classroom and teacher needs more difficult.
Question: What is the enrollment gain/loss in the two attendance areas over recent years?
|
Year |
Council Grove Attendance Area |
Prairie Heights Attendance Area |
Year |
Council Grove Attendance Area |
Prairie Heights Attendance Area |
|
01/02 |
492 |
166 |
06/07 |
445 |
119 |
|
02/03 |
470 |
158 |
07/08 |
432 |
140 |
|
03/04 |
457 |
155 |
08/09 |
415 |
146 |
|
04/05 |
443 |
131 |
09/10 |
417 |
139 |
|
05/06 |
450 |
122 |
10/11 |
412 |
135 |
Question: What other options are there besides closing schools?
Answer: There are several. Changing attendance centers or raising the mill levy are other alternatives being considered. Several factors from our Envision 417 committee are being worked on. We are currently considering the following: bidding on items, reducing energy costs, reducing lunch costs and health insurance costs, eliminating line items we can live without, evaluating positions that could be cut, etc.
Question: Will a study be done to see how many students in the south part of the school district would leave?
Answer: At this time, we are not considering conducting a survey.
Question: From Dr. Ford: clarification needed…
Answer: I want to convey that at the Town Hall meeting in Council Grove, I gave numbers of future added employment or families coming into the area related to the railroad yards in Herington, soldiers into Fort Riley, and jobs for the Bio center being constructed in Manhattan. It would appear that there are widely varying opinions as to what these estimated numbers are and many different community groups are trying to project these numbers as well. I will attempt to get more data on this information.
Rumor: Is the decision for budget cuts being made by the BOE this Monday (February 28)?
Fact: A presentation will be made to the BOE for consideration of the scenarios and other budget cuts. There will not be any action taken at the Special Board meeting. It will be at the Board’s discretion as to when they will take action on budget cuts. The March BOE meeting would be the earliest time.
Rumor: There have been some questions recently about the daycare facility at Dwight. During budget talks a few years ago, then Superintendent Miller stated that the daycare facility would only remain operational if it was fully self-supporting. How many kids currently attend the Dwight daycare? When comparing the revenue of the daycare with the salary and burden of the daycare worker, is it self-supporting? If not, is elimination of the day care a consideration for budget cuts? We understand that the statement about the daycare being required to be self-sustaining was made by the previous administration so the philosophy may have changed.
Fact: The daycare has eight students enrolled but regular attendance for some children is pretty inconsistent. It is operating in the red. Currently it is operating $4,368 below revenue. This program is also under consideration for budget cuts as it is not a funded class. It is my understanding that it was initially started to help the Dwight community, as there was not a daycare available then.
We are investigating options for this program. Prior to bringing this program to our BOE for consideration for continuance of the program, we are seeking options (availability of other day cares, partnerships etc.) to provide these families with some viable alternatives. Rather than just dropping the program, we would like to be able to advise these families on available options.
I need to provide more information for the following response to a rumor watch question. The question and answer was:
Rumor: It seems that some were informed in the Dwight and AV areas and parents then sent out a survey to those affected in that area. However most when asked in CG don’t know anything about it.
Facts: Envision 417 committee members have been collecting information (ie cost saving ideas, data from other school districts, data from school closing related articles etc.) over the past few months and do share their findings. I believe the survey you are referring to is one in which an Envision 417 member surveyed some community members to collect information. It was not a function of the Envision 417 committee as a whole or a school district sponsored survey. It was a committee member gathering data.
(Correction) I need to change the last sentence to “It was a committee member who presented the survey but the survey was conducted by the Voices of Prairie Heights, a school advocacy and community development group with members from Alta Vista, Dwight and surrounding rural areas”.
Rumor: How is the decision made to call off school due to inclement weather?
Fact: When inclement weather occurs or the threat of bad weather is forecast, three people get up early in the morning (around 4:30 am) and drive bus routes. The superintendent drives east and south, the bus maintenance person drives west and north, the transportation director drives north and then they meet at the central office.
Radar is viewed on the Internet along with the KDOT website and contact is made with weather and road authorities. At times there is consultation with neighboring superintendents and with our county road engineer.
The decision is not always easy as it is more of an art then it is a science. If an error is made, it will be made on the side of safety. It is kind of like being a basketball official. Whatever call has to be made it will upset some of the people. The decision is made based on several factors: temperature (mainly wind chill) for kids walking to school or waiting at bus stops, passable bus routes, parents driving students to drop them off and students driving to school.
I want to again emphasize that the decision is based on the safety of students and that if we error, we will error on the side of safety.
Rumor: I am curious why there has not been any information sent out with students, so all parents are aware of what could happen due to budget cuts.
Fact: At this time we are studying scenarios to meet state mandated budget cuts. It has not been sent out to all patrons since we are still collecting information. Our board of education will be presented with this information when it is completed. Some patrons have chosen to attend our Envision 417 committee meeting and observed some of the information that has been collected thus far.
We intend to have two town hall meetings to get information out to all that are interested and have a format for garnering input. Our schedule is as follows:
February 7, Envision Committee – Alta Vista; pros/cons & input (7:30 p.m.)
February 14, Regular Board Meeting – Alta Vista (5:00 p.m.)
February 21, Scenarios presented to USD 417 staff; pros/cons & input (8:00 a.m.)
February 23, Town Hall Meeting, Council Grove (7:00 p.m.) informative meeting with opportunity for patron input
February 25, Town Hall Meeting, Alta Vista (7:00 p.m.) informative meeting with opportunity for patron input
February 28, Special Board Meeting, HS Auditorium - presentation of scenarios
Rumor: It seems that some were informed in the Dwight and AV areas and parents then sent out a survey to those affected in that area. However most when asked in CG don’t know anything about it.
Facts: Envision 417 committee members have been collecting information (ie cost saving ideas, data from other school districts, data from school closing related articles etc.) over the past few months and do share their findings. I believe the survey you are referring to is one in which an Envision 417 member surveyed some community members to collect information. It was not a function of the Envision 417 committee as a whole or a school district sponsored survey. It was a committee member gathering data.
Rumor: I believe that information needs to get out to ALL parents so they can participate in these discussions.
Facts: I also believe that this information needs to get out to all patrons. However, they need to have all information collected and dispersed so that they can give well-informed feedback. I am hopeful that can be accomplished through the town hall meetings, once more information is collected.
Rumor: Is it true that the city is vacating Hall Street behind the high school and will that affect the public availability of the Seth Hays Home?
Facts: Yes, the city is vacating Hall Street from Neosho Street (177 highway) to the Neosho River. It will not affect the availability of the Seth Hays Home to the public. USD 417 intends to be good neighbors. They will have plenty of parking available for the public both for single visitors and busses. The school district still has a few items at the Seth Hays Home due to construction of the high school parking and the Railways sidewalk. People will still have public access except with much more parking available.
Rumor: Why is the new gymnasium not being utilized to house CGMS basketball games?
Facts: With the opening of the new facility at CGHS there have been some questions regarding the decision to play CGMS basketball games at CGMS and CGHS (old gym). In efforts to provide the best opportunity for competition and practice for all USD 417 winter activity participants, there were several factors that weighed into the decision that resulted in the more effect use of the facilities.
- The new gym facility is a collegiate length floor (94 feet), while the gym floors at CGMS and CGHS (old gym) are 84 feet in length. Although 10 feet does not seem significant, it impacts middle-school-aged participants. Keeping middle school on the standard length floor creates a more competitive atmosphere for the participants involved.
- The new gym facility has the capability of dividing the main court in half creating two 84 feet side courts that enable both CGHS girls and boys basketball teams to practice after school. This eliminates the need for early morning practice sessions which affects parents and transportation of CGHS participants. It also prevents us from needing to rent the Council Grove Life Center facility for practice, which is a cost savings to our district.
- We realize that this decision does create some inconvenience for parents of students involved in the varying levels of basketball at CGMS however, we believe it meets the needs of all our district winter activity participants in the most advantageous manner.
