Students, Parents, and Patrons
We Need Your Help
by Nancy Crowell
February 12, 2010
Dear Students, Parents, and Patrons:
As many of you know, our district is looking at some challenging budget decisions that will have to be made for the 2010/2011 school year. Since the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year reductions in state funding reduced Base Student Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) $268. This is a $325,647 loss of revenue for USD 218. As a result of this cut, three classroom aides, one maintenance employee, a half-time cook, and a half-time custodian have all been laid off. In addition, all field trips have been discontinued and building and classroom budgets have been frozen.
The State of Kansas still has a $400 million deficit in the general fund, which could mean even more cuts for education. We are at risk of losing an additional $347,662 from our general fund if they reduce the BSAPP an additional $286 as suggested. The loss will mean additional cuts. Possible cuts would include doing away with our early childhood programs such as Parents As Teachers (P.A.T.), three-year-old program, four-year –old program, and all-day kindergarten. It could also mean doing away with some athletic programs, fewer coaches, and larger class sizes due to a reduction of teaching staff.
The health of our community is directly tied to the quality of our schools. The USD 218 Board of Education, Administration, and Staff are strongly committed to maintaining a quality education for our students. We have contacted our legislators and told them how the proposed budget cuts will impact our district. We are now asking your help as students, parents, and members of our community to let the legislators know the devastating affect further budget cuts will have on our students and community. Please utilize the information below to contact our state legislators.
Representative Bill Light
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
Work Phone: 785-296-7636
Home Phone: 620-593-4749
Email: bill.light@house.ks.gov
Senator Stephen Morris
Kansas State Capital
Room: 333-E
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
Work Phone: 785-296-2419
Home Phone: 620-544-2084
Email: Steve.Morris@senate.ks.gov
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Nancy Crowell, Superintendent
