Schools Reach Out to Voters

WAITSBURG - Bal- lots to approve or deny a two-year, $1.08 million Waitsburg School District maintenance and operations levy will be arriving in the mailboxes of registered vot- ers sometime around January 24. Between now and the February 11 election date, school administrators will be making an extensive ef- fort to communicate district funding needs and respond to community questions and concerns.

District Superintendent Dr. Carol Clarke is currently scheduled to s peak at the Lions Club, Com- mercial Club and PEO in January and is hoping to put together one or more parent presentations as well.

"We want people to not only understand how we've arrived at the M & O Levy amount we have, but that we'll probably be coming back next year for a capital bond replacement to address issues that are not maintenance related, but are neces- sary to facilitate learning and support community," said Clarke.

The new levy would re- place a two-year levy of $882,000 that was passed in 2012. While Clarke ac- knowledged that the request- ed amount -- $532,000 in 2015 and $548,000 in 2016 -- is "significantly over pre- viously requested amounts in terms of percentage of income" she also noted that it is well below the state leg- islated 2014 maximum levy amount of $646,390.

Clarke said the main rea- son for the $198,000 increase between the prior and proposed levy amounts is due to increased technology needs, with an estimated cost of $200,000. At least 85 of the District's 185 computers are unable to be upgraded and in need of replacement. The outdated analog phone system must be replaced as well.

Clarke said the District has been very prudent with their use of technology in the past, but they must set up some type of regular equip- ment replacement cycle and make sure they are able to meet the needs of kids who are "learning to learn differ- ently."

"We must ensure we have the tools available to meet the needs of future responsible digital citizens," said Clarke. "Access is critical. Some have access to tech- nology at home, while others don't. We have to make sure everyone has the opportunity to effectively participate in an ever-changing society."

The District is also re- searching the possibility of utilizing digital textbooks that can be more easily updated and may prove more cost-effective. With online coursework and assess- ments becoming the norm, Clarke wants Waitsburg students to "have the neces- sary access and experience to acquire and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding in the digital environment".

Funds for instructional materials, professional development, co-curricular programs and transporta- tion, maintaining current staffing levels and facilities, operations and equipment maintenance make up the re- mainder of the levy request. "We continue to receive state and federal mandates with increased expectations, but no increased funding, so we have to manage with the same number of people," said Clarke.

In years past, the District cut expenditures by reduc- ing building administration to two administrators who oversee three buildings, and has cut other staff posi- tions. Still, current staffing is above what is funded by the state, which allows only one teacher for every 27 students in grades 4 - 6. The state also funds for a maximum 12.7% special education student population - a per- centage the District exceeds. Levy funds are necessary to maintain the current staffing, especially that of classified support staff.

Athletic programs, Knowledge Bowl, FFA, school clubs and their associated transportation needs are also not funded by state or federal funds. Clarke said the District has considered charging students to play sports, but a fee that could be a hardship to a family would have little effect on the overall cost of the pro- gram. "Even if we charged 40 boys $200 each to play football, it would only come to $8,000, which doesn't go very far in offsetting the cost once you factor in coaches, assistant coaches, equipment and insurance," said Clarke. "Plus we probably wouldn't have 40 kids turn out if we did that."

At Saturday's home bas- ketball game parents sold taco salad dinners and candy to raise money for the boys' basketball team. "It goes to pay for things like the sum- mer basketball program. That costs around $300 to $400, and if you have both a JV and Varsity team, you have to pay it for both," said parent, Pam Alexenko. Alex- enko commented that some coaches had even paid the fee out of their own pockets in the past.

Clarke also wants to make voters aware that, because Waitsburg School District is below the state average in assessed valuation per pupil, the school may be eligible for levy equalization dollars from the state. But that will happen only if the two-year replacement M & O Levy request is approved. If the levy is not approved the Dis- trict will lose potential funds, which have been as high as 65% of the approved levy in past years.

Anyone interested in learning more about the upcoming levy vote may call the elementary school office at 337-6461 to find out when the next public meeting is taking place or to ask ques- tions.