November 15, 2009
During the November monthly USD 490 School Board meeting I was asked about the upcoming 2010 State of Kansas budget. During those discussions the topic of school consolidation came up, since that evening I have received several communications that requested I not support consolidation of the Remington High School with any other district.
I want to make it clear that I do not support the forced consolidation of any school districts. Current law allows two procedures for consolidation of school districts, one is; the state board of education can force consolidation; the second is the districts wishing to join ranks can work the details between their respective boards.
My consolidation comments were meant to inform the USD 490 Board that there are legislator’s predominately from the eastern part of the state; that do believe we should be required to consolidate the 9 school districts within Butler County. I do not share that belief.
My comments at this meeting were meant to inform the USD490 Board that we have some extremely serious budget shortages facing us and that they and other districts in this state can expect an additional 5% cut in their state funding. I mentioned that the federal stimulus money is going to go away and make plans for that event.
I want everyone to understand that efficiencies will need to be discovered, any reductions in state funding will most likely be permanent in nature. Any tax increase would be permanent as well. I am not in favor of spending money we do not have. I am not in favor of any “fixing” that is not sustainable.
I have not received any suggestion from any 75th district school board, school board member or school superintendent of what funding mechanism they support to provide additional money for education. The state sales tax revenue is falling dramatically, unemployment is at an all time high; property valuations have risen steadily over the years. Taxes continue to rise while the economy slips.
Being a patron of USD 490, a former school board member, a business owner with 11 employees and a taxpayer, I am very concerned with the wisdom of the expenditure of our tax dollars to fund a lawsuit by the group “Schools for Fair Funding” that will sue the State of Kansas and could possibly require increased taxes to provide more money for our schools.
I prepare a weekly legislative update and I ask for input from you the constituents, many of you provide me with your opinion and I appreciate hearing from you, just as I appreciated hearing from the patrons of USD 206 Remington-Whitewater on this issue.
I still consider it a high honor and privilege to be your Representative in Topeka. I hope to see you all soon.
Thanks again, John
