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Don't starve schools

By Rosalie Ross

?When our legislators were here for a town hall meeting last month, they assured us the state wasn’t going to close small schools or force consolidations. That’s probably right. The uproar would cost lawmakers their elected jobs.
The idea is to have mergers and closings come from decisions made by the districts themselves. The impetus will come from the state’s reducing per-pupil aid and other planned education reductions.
One bill coming out of the House Education Committee would reduce the amount of state aid schools receive based on their size. Small schools would flounder or fail.
It is like surrounding a castle and continuing the seige until the hostages are starved out. Don’t fire the fatal shot; just make them surrender or starve.
Maybe legislators need to recognize that people in little communities are Kansans, too. Our children deserve an education and so far we have proven that we, with state financial assistance, can do a darned good job.
School boards across the state are trimming away on their budgets. Good programs and good teachers will fall by the wayside. How long can the trend continue before the nation no longer sees Kansas as a leader in education?
One suggestion for increasing state revenue was to cut tax incentives. That idea was nixed in Topeka because we need economic development. How many people come to our state because they know their children can get a solid education?
Certainly, we know good schools are incentives as we seek new investors in our rural communities. In fact, schools are often the center of social life and a great source of community pride. Successful students are among our finest achievements.
School closings would cause a downward spiral in the town’s businesses. There would be a devaluation of property. Probably few new merchants would want to take a chance on a town without a school. How will these scenerios boost state revenue?
We aren’t doubting that our legislators have a huge mountain to climb as they work with the state budget. But why not focus on increasing revenue instead of stopping the beating heart of our communities by undercutting our kids’ chances to succeed or forcing our schools to close?

— Letters to the Editor —

Schools must make decision, reader says

To the editor:

?As most of you know, Kansas schools are experiencing substantial budget cuts. Unfortunately, smaller schools are once again feeling the worst pinch. We are facing a cold reality – so can we make the right decisions?
If it’s coming to losing our Atwood schools, we may want to consider what’s more important, our children’s education or their after-school activities. And yes, I’m talking sports. Budget cuts should take place in all areas, straight across the board. Playing fewer sports games every week and playing closer to home would not only save money, but would also allow the students a little room to breathe. After all, how can we expect our kids to play like professionals on the field, keep up with family responsibilities at home and be “A” students in the classroom?
Now is the time. Let’s think of our kids, their education and our pocket books. It’s time we face this cold reality head-on and make a decision. So, can we make the right one?

Miranda Simminger