Iola school district’s contribution to a school finance lobbying outfit might soon come to an end.
USD 257 administrators and board members are mulling the idea of cutting ties with Schools For Fair Funding, Inc., an advocacy group suing the state for what it deems unacceptable cuts to education — Iola has seen its schools’ budget cut by about $2 million since 2008 — because membership costs have skyrocketed.
When USD 257 joined SFFF in 2008 after the legislature made deep cuts to education, the fee for membership was $2 per student. To continue participation with the group, and the lawsuit, USD 257 will have to fork over $6.45 per student.
With about 1,300 students district-wide, USD 257 Superintendent of Schools Brian Pekarek finds himself in a tough spot. Iola’s first year administrator told board members Monday that public schools need a voice in the legislature but with funding as tight as it is, he’s not sure if it’s affordable.
“I’m all for it if the money is there, but I’m looking at finances and we have to cut,” he said, referring to the most recent $225,000 in necessary cuts before year’s end.
“But we’ve got to be an advocate. I’m flexible either way.”
Pekarek told the Register last week he wasn’t sure it was proper to spend taxpayer dollars on a courtroom battle against the government. And if history is any indicator, it’s going to get even more costly.
SFFF membership fees have increased every year causing more schools to drop out. Once encompassing 72 Kansas school districts, SFFF membership has dwindled to 55 districts.
“It’s kind of a Catch-22,” Board President Tony Leavitt said.
USD 257 member Don Snavely agreed, calling it “elimination due to strangulation.”
“We can’t really afford this right now and the more people that drop out” the worse it’s going to get, he said.
Iola High Principal David Grover said the board should look at its original intent before deciding to pull out of SFFF.
“If we all just back away, who is going to speak for this,” Grover said. “I don’t think the circumstances have changed since the moment (the board) got in it. In fact it’s a lot worse today than when you got in it.”
Board members agreed circumstances have changed.
“Now it’s three times the money,” said board member Jack McFadden, referring to the dues.
