In a study on the efficiency of Kansas schools, a task force is recommending state aid for school bond issues be re-evaluated and possibly limited. BUT OF COURSE, legislators can change the rules for future commitments and it comes as no surprise state aid for bond issues is in the crosshairs.
Gov. Sam Brownback requested the study. Other recommendations, which will be forwarded to state legislators come January, include consolidating rural school districts and further limiting teacher bargaining rights.
The recommendations are still preliminary, but are a good indication of prevailing sentiment.
For Iola’s school district 257, the report bodes ill.
On Nov. 4 voters will decide two ballot measures dealing with building a new school campus. Crucial to its funding is 51 percent state aid to go toward paying the principal and interest on the construction bonds.
The money comes from a fund established in 1993 to help districts either renovate or build new schools. Of the state’s 293 school districts, 262 have taken advantage of the funding.
USD 257 is one of the few districts that has not tapped into the funds, though as taxpayers we have been paying into the pool all along. The amount a district receives depends on its overall wealth.
Humboldt took advantage of such funding in 2005 when it built a new fieldhouse and did massive renovations throughout district buildings. In Humboldt’s case, it received about 48 percent in state aid to the overall cost.
The 51 percent dedicated to Iola’s project will make it much more affordable. To miss out on that funding will sound a death knell for Iola schools. There’s no way local taxpayers can foot the bill for a $48.9 million new complex or to renovate existing structures at a projected $53.6 million.
Some have voiced concerns that even if the votes pass and we secure the state funding, legislators would renege on their commitment because the state will not be able to afford it.
Those fears are unfounded. By state law, the commitment must be met. Otherwise, you’d have 262 school districts filing suit against the state for breach of contract.
Whether they like it or not, the state is bound by law to fund its obligations.
The real fear is that the Nov. 4 votes for new schools will fail and we will miss out on what looks to be our last chance at this kind of state funding for a very long time.
If now is not a good time to build new schools, when is?
The answer is if not now, never.
— Susan Lynn
New schools: If not now, when?
