May 30, 2007

This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.

Moderator:

Welcome to today's chat with Kim Shulz wfrom the Eudora schools campaign committee.
Thank you for joining us today Kim.

Kim Schulz:

Thank you, Haley, for having me in today. There are several community members in Eudora that have gotten together to help get this school bond passed because we feel it is an opportunity for our community to grow in a positive direction. Due to the assistance of state funding and the timing of a retiring bond, the financial impact will be minimal if even noticeable. This bond is a good product at the right time and I am honored to be involved in getting these projects accomplished.

CardsFan:

Since part of the bond is to finance a new stadium, what if anything is going to happen to Laws field? The last I heard the dictrict want to keep it for a practice field. This is prime real estate that could be sold.

Kim Schulz:

I am among the majority (according to the survey) of Eudorans that has a sentimental place in my heart for Laws Stadium. As I understand it, Laws Stadium will stay as Laws Stadium for the use of the community as well as district activities.

notapyle:

Why not suggest something novel to our board, like let the people vote on each item instead of the whole thing at once?

Kim Schulz:

The board discussed breaking up the issues. The community advisory committee recommended the whole package be voted on at one time because each issue had about the same level of importance and urgency.

Moderator:

The district has posted a segment on the site to dispel rumors about the bond.
Since it's your job to educate the public and raise support for the bond, what are some of the rumors you've heard about the bond?

Kim Schulz:

There are rumors relating to the REAL finance issues regarding our taxes, and admittedly, it is a very nice opportunity to accomplish all of this without it hurting our pocketbooks...but the facts are very real and certainly easy to verify. I have heard the Auditorium will be "over the top" and that simply is not true. Auditoriums, as I understand it, are very expensive and the plans for the new one will be in accordance with what is needed in our community. Thank you for this question as rumors are usually false, or embellished with prejudiced negativity. The facts will come out as this campaign progresses. You can also check www.eudoraschools.org/rumors to get the juicy stuff or www.eudoraschools.org/bond to get the facts.

Moderator:

What is the campaign committee's game plan for this summer?

Kim Schulz:

We have a large task as hand because there are so many details to this bond. And the public has many questions regarding the future of Eudora that have nothing to do with the bond, (such as Nottingham and the 10th and Main property) but play a significant role in the lives of Eudora residents. Our job is to educate the voters. We need to get the information into their hands, be available to answer questions under any forum possible, identify supporters, register voters and make sure people get out and vote. We will accomplish this through generating hard copy materials , setting up booths, making public presentations and talking to our neighbors.

Moderator:

Kim, thank you for joining us. This is all the time we have this afternoon for this chat.

Kim Schulz:

Thank you again. Haley. This has been a wonderful opportunity to hear from the public. We want to know what people are thinking, what their concerns are, and most importantly...what they want for their community and their children. This is an exciting time in Eudora and this bond will address the needs of our growth. our educational standards and our commitment to student opportunities.