Welcome to our online chat with Lawrence school board candidate Leonard Ortiz. The chat took place on Tuesday, March 25, at 9:30 AM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: Welcome, everybody, to today’s chat with Leonard Ortiz.

Randy Farr: Does it concern you that Lawrence ranks 6th compared with 25 other National Center for Education Statistics peer school districts in terms of administrative expenses as a percentage of its budget?

Leonard Ortiz: Good morning and thank you for participating. One of the things I plan on looking at is administrative expenses. While only a small percentage of the budget, I think that the administrative cost in the district needs to be revisited. If we were to restructure the administrative cost to the district it still would represent a small portion of the overall budget.

JayhawkFan: Mr. Ortiz, I have heard several people in the community indicate that you have stated you hope the bond issue does pass. They indicate that as you have toured schools such as South and West Junior Highs and seen the conditions in these schools, you have indicated an change in mind about the need for passage of the current bond issue. Would you please comment on this.

Leonard Ortiz: As the current bond is written, I cannot support it. However, I see the need for a new Jr. High and refurbishing of facilities such as at West and Lawrence High School. As the current bond is written, I think that there are elements of the bond that are problematic, such as the closure of schools which would have an adverse affect on at-risk students. As was done at USD 305 in Salina, the community was offered three bond options from which to choose. If elected, my priority would be to pass a bond that meets our immediate needs as mentioned above.

Anonymous: Seeing as how you seem to have several ministers in town endorsing you, how do you see that as an advantage to how you will perform on the school board?

Leonard Ortiz: The church is an extension of the community attended by teachers, parents and students who would offer ideas and feedback that would allow me make the best decisions for our schools.

Barbara: The current board is pushing the bond issue down our throats and using threats of school closures to get what they want. What will you do to change the way large masses of public opinion seem to be ignored by the current board?

Leonard Ortiz: Earlier I mentioned that the USD 305 in Salina offered their community three different bond proposals. The community then chose what bond best suited their needs. This is an example of how a school board can dialog and work effectively with community. I believe if we are going create the best schools possible for our students, it would require a collaborative effort between the community and school board representatives. We need to listen to the input of those who are most effected by the decisions concerning schools in Lawrence.

John: Does Schwegler Elementary fit your definition of a neighborhood school, particularly as it relates to the Prarie Meadows neighborhood, where all the children are bused across Iowa to the school.

Leonard Ortiz: Concerning the Prairie Meadows neighborhood, Schwegler is not a neighborhood school. However, Schwegler fits the definition of neighborhood school for families within the immediate periphery.

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Concerned student: Will more athletic programs be eliminated in the schools if the bond issue is not approved?

Leonard Ortiz: One of the misperceptions concerning the school bond is that it will make things alright. Unless more revenue is generated within the state to pay for extracurricular activities, programs will be considered for elimination whether the bond passes or not.

Bob: What is your position on the creationism vs. evolution issue?

Leonard Ortiz: The many creation stories could be taught as part of the social studies curriculum. And evolution could be part of the science curriculum.

glp1609: Why specifically do you believe that closing East Heights and Centennial schools and merging their students into New York and Cordley would have an adverse impact on students? It seems to me that small but multiple classes at the same grade level provides benefits to all students.

Leonard Ortiz: You are right when you say that small classes benefit students. However, when you look at the studies of at-risk students it is important to have a school within walking distance of home. Research has shown that in these particular type of small schools there is higher academic achievement, higher student attendance, higher parent participation and teacher satisfaction. It is important to maintain a school in the East Heights area as it will keep the neighborhood vibrant. As far as Cordley, this is a high-traffic area as it is. Also, there would be a loss of green space or play area for the students.

Bob: An addendum to the posted question: and how it should be taught in schools.

Leonard Ortiz: Creationism could be examined in a way that studies how people throughout the world contemplate our origins. Evolution is approached as a theory from a scientific perspective.

Deborah: Good morning, Mr. Ortiz.

Is it true that the district and the school board have been using maintenance funds for other purposes, as was indicated in last night’s televised forum? What are your thoughts on this?

Leonard Ortiz: It was suggested by one of the candidates, I do not know if this is true. I think that the school board should have more latitude in ways to distribute funds provided by the state.

Parent of two: What can be done to ensure that teachers remain motivated when they have seen only meager salary increases in past years?

Leonard Ortiz: This is a difficult situation. We need to generate more revenue to ensure teacher satisfaction. I think that teachers and parents should become more proactive in pressing our state representatives to resolve this dilemma. I believe that teachers are often taken for granted, and one of my goals is to elevate the status of the teaching profession.

Taxus: Would you favor a sales tax increase to help fund Lawrence’s school budget?

Leonard Ortiz: Yes. The current board was asked the same question. I believe they have stated that they want to take a wait and see approach because of the current lawsuit between Wyandotte County and Johnson County. However, in 1998 Salina passed a quarter-cent sales tax that has generated $7.6 million for technology in the schools. They have 3,000 new computers and every student from K-12 takes at least one class that has access to at least six computers per day. I believe that we need to be as proactive as the people in Salina in raising desperately needed funds. I would, however, propose a closed end quarter-cent sales tax of three years. In this way, we are not bound to a permanent sales tax and can generate money for our schools in these difficult times.

Haley: You have said several times that teachers aren’t paid enough. Why are you so vague about what you would cut from the budget to have something to give Lawrence teachers in terms of a raise? You’ve mentioned “administration,” but you could eliminate them all and not have enough. What will you cut?

Leonard Ortiz: I tend to focus on what we can raise and not cut. If cuts are made I believe that I need to talk with USD staff members and get their recommendations of what should be cut. We need to save core programs, ie: reading, science, math. As the current board is doing, prioritizing programs is essential.

Ted: A follow-up on you answer about latitude in ways to distribute funds: If the bond passes, is the board required by law to use the funds for the purposes they have stated, or will they be able to use those funds for something else?

Leonard Ortiz: Funds would be used as stated in the bond proposals.

Ross: 2 ways to save money would be to have a 4 day week and to offer early retirement to veteran teachers. Why hasn’t this been done and what are your opinions on these two plans?

Moderator: We’ll take one more question.

Leonard Ortiz: I am not enthusiastic about the four-day week. This would create a burden for working parents. It would also require students to be in school for longer periods of time. I think this would not benefit kids, especially at the elementary level. Early retirement is an option to consider. It would give veteran teachers a choice but we do not want them to force them into retirement.

New to Lawrence: I’m considering buying a home in the city. How can I be assured that no matter where I move, my child will have good teachers and high quality facilities?

Leonard Ortiz: One of the things that Lawrence prides itself on is a quality education for its students. It has been my experience that teachers in the city are committed and dedicated to their students. I have complete faith in our teachers; they are all doing an outstanding job. I think a bond that will address the immediate needs at various facilities would also enhance the educational experience of our students.

Thank you all for your participation this morning. Please remember to vote on April 1st.

Respectfully,

Leonard Ortiz

Moderator: That’s all for today’s chat with school board candidate Leonard Ortiz. Thanks to everyone for participating.