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School Funding Hits Critical Level
See video of the Feb. 8 Olathe Northwest High School Town Hall meeting: See video of the Jan. 28 Olathe South High School Town Hall meeting: See video of the Jan. 26 Olathe North High School Town Hall meeting: See video of the Jan. 25 Olathe East High School Town Hall meeting: The Board of Education will hold a series of “Town Hall” meetings in the coming weeks to share information about how the nearly $14 million loss in state funding is impacting the district. The most recent funding cut of $6 million was announced in November, but area legislators have warned that additional cuts — as much as $9.3 million — may be coming. “This is a perfect storm,” Superintendent Pat All said. “Our state funding has dropped to below 2005 levels, our enrollment continues to increase, and student needs are increasing. This has happened at the same time that we lost $5.4 million in revenue from the Johnson County Education Sales Tax, which expired a year ago. That brings the total loss to $19.2 million so far. “We are proud of the recognition we’ve received as a cost-effective district, but our efficiency leaves us with few areas to cut without affecting programs and services.” Last year, the district offered an early retirement incentive to reduce staff voluntarily, in response to funding cuts. The result? Fewer teachers, counselors, school aides, paraeducators, clerical support staff, and curriculum leaders; and less support for operations, maintenance, training and professional development, and business functions. The drop in funds has also resulted in longer replacement cycles for technology and major building repairs. “To put this in perspective,” All said, “Only once before in the history of the district have funds been cut. In 2002, the state reduced funding to our district by about $1 million. The current funding loss is nearly 14 times that amount, with another $9.3 million cut possibly coming this spring.” Meetings will be held at each of the four high schools, with one additional meeting at a non-school district location (see meeting schedule below). Please take time to become informed on this important issue. For more information, go to the district website (www.olatheschools.com) and click on the “School Funding Updates” button.
Meeting Dates — All meetings begin at 7 p.m.
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