Administrator contracts renewed at Marion
School volunteer questions staff retention discussion and closing policy
Staff writer
When the Marion-Florence USD 408 Board of Education opened the door following three hours of executive session Monday night, most members looked like they had been through a wringer.
The lengthy executive session included 20 minutes spent on discussing teacher negotiations, while the remaining two hours and 40 minutes involved discussion on personnel.
"This annual process of finding ways to fund education is for the birds," said a frustrated Keith Collett, board member.
"If we spent as much time educating our state legislators as we do our children we'd have a fighting chance," he added. "And you can quote me."
Like most districts located in rural Kansas, Marion-Florence USD 408 is facing declining enrollment as families move toward the metropolitan areas.
In the world of school finance, smaller numbers translates into less state aid. And fewer students and dollars mean paring down programs and possibly eliminating jobs.
It was that concern which kept 20 people — nearly all teachers — waiting three hours to hear the results of the executive session.
The board, however, took no action regarding teaching or support personnel. They did renew the administrative contracts of the three principals, Ken Arnhold at Marion High School, Tod Gordon at Marion Middle School, and Stan Ploutz at Marion Elementary School. Each received two-year contracts lasting through June 30, 2006.
Before the executive sessions, Beth Watson, a volunteer at Marion Elementary School, questioned whether the board would be cutting administrators.
"Why is the budget not being discussed?" Watson questioned. "Are no cuts planned administratively? The information that is out in the public is just snippets. What is being looked at?"
Board president Rex Savage told Watson that "everything is on the table now" and the board would be trying to "get a direction" before putting it out to the public.
"Is there any thought about getting the public's opinion first?" Watson replied.
"Once we know where we're heading we'll get it out to the public," Savage answered. "Each year we're in a declining enrollment situation it gets tougher. Each year it gets progressively more difficult and painful."
The biggest problem facing Kansas school boards is that Kansas law sets a deadline date where certified staff must be notified whether or not they will be offered contracts for the next school year.
Unfortunately, state legislators — who determine school funding — never make that decision before the statutory contract date. Thus, school boards are forced to make budget decisions without knowing what kind of money they will be receiving for the next school year.
"The statutory dates don't coincide with the hall of wisdom of the legislators," Savage said.
Watson said she wanted the board to look specifically at the younger grades and concentrate their efforts on maintaining elementary programs.
"I'd hate to see positive things taken away," Watson said.
"All things are being considered," Savage responded.
Cancellation concerns
Earlier in the meeting, Watson questioned district policy and why the decision was made to hold school this past Thursday.
Superintendent Gerry Henderson said he made the decision based on feedback from Dennis Maggard, the district's transportation director, who felt the buses could safely negotiate the roads.
"There were kids driving and we had buses stuck. I feel we put students and staff and anyone who had to be outside in jeopardy," Watson said.
In other matters, the board:
— Heard that the basketball games postponed Friday night had been rescheduled to Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Winter homecoming festivities had been rescheduled to Tuesday night during half-time of the boys basketball game, and the homecoming dance would be Feb. 21.
— Approved a request from Key Club to hold a pancake feed fund-raiser to help send three students to convention in March. The feed is set for 7 to 11 a.m. Feb. 21.
— Expressed congratulations to Marion High School debaters Sarah and Rachel Davidson for their third place finish at state. They also congratulated debate coach Mary Griffith.
