From the Superintendent - February 2010
Parents, Patrons, Staff and Students!
There continues to be hype in the media for state and federal agencies to meet their yearly budget. No matter how you look at things it all becomes a ripple effect and you have the same result of impacting jobs, salaries and businesses. If you raise taxes, businesses have to raise prices and consumers purchase less because they are not able to buy as many items. If you don’t raise taxes, more people loose jobs and have less money to purchase items and in turn, businesses sell fewer goods creating less revenue.
In December, the school board met with our local legislators to discuss the future outlook of state funding for schools. There were many questions asked and it was difficult for our representatives to have answers for the decisions that would be made from the entire House and Senate. Our representatives only hold 1 vote each but it is still an important vote.
If you recall, the representatives encouraged all the patrons to call them when they were back in session to express your opinions. I realize that it is difficult to keep up to date on each bill that is being worked on but, it is still important that patrons call representatives to remind them how the bills will impact our local community. Schools across the state are being impacted equally large and small. The only difference is that the larger schools have deeper pockets to carry the load. Our district has bigger pockets than some but smaller pockets than others.
It is important for all of us to contact our local representatives and encourage them to raise revenue and support schools. You may reach Mark Taddiken at 785-296-7371 and Clay Aurand at 785-296-7672.
Recently, USD 109 has been focused on technology improvements in the school buildings that include upgrading computer performance in the computer labs and software that students use in classrooms. Technology is something that is outdated the minute you purchase it, but still needs updated somewhat frequently. The improvements should serve the students well.
There will continue to be needs in the district as we move forward that include new textbooks, school buses, building repairs, academic and athletic needs. At some point, all these items will need to be updated or replaced as they wear out or become obsolete. Teachers are doing a great job of educating students. Let’s not take it away from them.
Be sure to contact our representatives today!
Troy Damman
Superintendent
