Archive for Wednesday, May 27, 2009
School district cuts bus routes that served more than 1,000 students
Some students will have to cross highways to get to school
Schwegler School students on a First Student bus wait for a ride home after school Wednesday. School district budget cuts are eliminating bus rides for children living less than 2.5 miles from school.
May 27, 2009, 11:02 a.m. Updated May 27, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
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Some Lawrence students are going to miss the bus next fall.
This week, school board members — motivated by saving nearly $450,000 annually — cut rides for elementary and junior high students who live within 2.5 miles from their schools.
“I just want to make sure that people are aware, like the busing, we want to make (them) aware that this is something that impacts people,” said board member Rich Minder.
The elimination of busing for students who live up to 2.5 miles from their schools was among $1.25 million in cuts the school board made Tuesday night.
The move essentially eliminates 11 bus routes, affecting 1,100 students in the district. Students who live 2.5 miles or closer to their school already pay to ride the bus. Now, the district will offer no bus service to students who live within 2.5 miles — regardless of whether they pay.
“The state mandate (says) that you only have to transport those children over 2.5 miles in order to receive reimbursement,” said director of special operations Rick Gammill. “We do not receive any money (from the state) for those students under 2 1/2 miles from school.”
While some elementary schools are surrounded by residential neighborhoods, highways sever some school attendance areas.
Some Schwegler School students, for example, will have to cross both 23rd and Iowa streets if they walk to school.
Gammill said some options include carpooling, parents walking with children and even use of the T. He also noted the district will not be adding any crossing guards.
More than 5,500 students were eligible for the pay-to-ride program, but only 1,100 took advantage of it. Of the 1,800 students who live more than 2.5 miles from school, about 1,000 use the services.
In the Tonganoxie school district, a pay-to-ride policy was adopted May 11.
The policy calls for students who live fewer than 2.5 miles from their school and want to ride the bus to pay $240 each year. The maximum charge per household is $360.
Previously, the Tonganoxie school district did not charge busing fees. Students living more than 2.5 miles from the school they attend will continue to be picked up on bus routes free of charge.
— Tonganoxie Mirror news editor Shawn Linenberger contributed to this report.
More like this
- District seeks input on pay-to-ride busing February 13, 2002
- District seeks input on pay-to-ride busing February 13, 2002
- District considering 'pay-to-ride' bus system December 19, 2001
- Clarification November 23, 2005
- Tonganoxie board raises student fees May 12, 2009
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27 May 2009
at 11:09 a.m.
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newsreader (Anonymous) says…
Of course that is a worry, but the cuts have to come someplace. Do these parents offer any other suggestions, or do they just complain without trying to help fix the problem?
27 May 2009
at 11:10 a.m.
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Take_a_letter_Maria (Anonymous) says…
This is breaking news? Really?
We're working on a story is a breaking news story?
27 May 2009
at 11:17 a.m.
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funkdog1 (Anonymous) says…
I crossed 23rd Street to go to Schwegler. Even when I was a kindergartner.
27 May 2009
at 11:21 a.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
This is Breaking News?
27 May 2009
at 12:34 p.m.
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mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…
no not worried my kids never have rode a bus guess I am lucky.
27 May 2009
at 12:50 p.m.
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CrazyDiamond (Anonymous) says…
The idiots in Topeka can't find the money to fund our schools, but they can find an additional 38 million dollars to keep the state house renovations going?
27 May 2009
at 1:53 p.m.
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kurtkummer (Anonymous) says…
I walked to Schwegler every day (and home for lunch) back in the 60's. But now I live in a town that dropped school bus runs, and the ensuing parental traffic every morning and afternoon completely ties up every street close to a school. I sure hope the money can be found to keep the buses going, because the traffic around the schools will become a nightmare. Just imagine one less bus in the street, but 40 more SUV's. Yeow! Good luck.
27 May 2009
at 2:07 p.m.
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avoice (Anonymous) says…
Why not charge school patrons for bus service? Just as some kids get free school lunch, some get reduced-cost school lunch, and some pay full price. Families also have the option to send their kids to school with a sack lunch each day. Let's do the same with transportation — pay for use or provide your own means — and let the school district budget go to the legitimate costs of actually educating children. In these lean times, we simply must prioritize.
27 May 2009
at 3:20 p.m.
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hammysammy (Anonymous) says…
We do pay for our daughter to ride the bus. I would be willing to pay more though.
Funkdog, not sure how old you are, but i'm guessing 23rd and Iowa are a lot more congested since you were crossing them (by yourself?!) “even in kindergarten”…I don't even let my 6 year old leave our block unescorted.
27 May 2009
at 4:06 p.m.
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lristh1230 (Anonymous) says…
Yes of course I am worried, maybe now the school district will make the school start earlier so that we are able to take our kids to school before we go to work! I guarantee I will be calling all school board members about this.
27 May 2009
at 4:28 p.m.
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lristh1230 (Anonymous) says…
And how much money was wasted by having kids go to school the last two days??
27 May 2009
at 4:35 p.m.
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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
The kids who live closer than 2.5 miles generally do pay for the bus, unless they are on the reduced lunch program, or are special needs. I imagine the school district is eliminating transportation, because it would mean less busses, drivers, costs, expenses, etc. But the district should take into account the issues which involve schwegler and South junior high (Prairie park area kids can't walk to school and some don't live 2.5 miles away).
27 May 2009
at 4:47 p.m.
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kansasplains (Anonymous) says…
Why not have the city, university and school bus systems coordinated, so that on certain times each day the city-university-school bus makes additional stops at all the schools. It could also be fine tuned to touch more homes, especially in the wintertime, and when there is no sidewalk. lawrence
27 May 2009
at 5:12 p.m.
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sunshine_noise (Anonymous) says…
I already drop my kid off at school in the morning and pick him up afterward (thank God for B/G Club at his school), but it would help a lot of parents if school could begin earlier so parents can drop their children off and get to work on time, or thereafter. Especially, now that they are cutting transportation at some schools.
27 May 2009
at 6:01 p.m.
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independent_rebel (Anonymous) says…
I'm totally against any combination of bus services that would provide transportation for elementary-age students riding alongside adults.
That is asking for serious trouble. Putting 5, 6, or 7 year-old kids on a bus filled with strangers, many of whom—let's be honest—have reasons for having to take the bus that have nothing to do with being “green.”
The T is not an option. The is no accountablity, no way to track there whereabouts of a young kid. Kids get confused. Ask a kid who rides busses now, they know what bus to get on and who will be on the bus. You ask people to put kids on the buses and every pervert and potential child molester will happily ride along with them.
In my opinion, they need to redraw up the boundaries to ensure kids are not forced to walk across the largest, busiest intersection in town, with streetlights set up differently than any other intersection in town. If the kids survive the crossing they must then walk the rest of the way to school completely on commercial properties with no sidewalk but numerous outlets of cars speeding onto and off of 23rd Street.
Change the boundaries or at the very least start school prior to rush hour. Schwegler starts at 8:40. Kids will be walking to school during rush hour.
Of course, when you look at where the schools are in Scott Morgan and Linda Robinson's neigbhorhood you'll find no street lights or busy intersections on the way to their neighborhood schools.
27 May 2009
at 6:20 p.m.
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grimpeur (Anonymous) says…
kurt kummer gets the cigar. Kids should walk in groups with parent chaperones, instead of an onslaught of impatient motorists in oversized vehicles. Of course, that will require safe routes for walking. That means perhaps restricting motor traffic. Horrors.
27 May 2009
at 6:22 p.m.
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was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
This will solve the obese child problem
27 May 2009
at 6:44 p.m.
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del888 (Anonymous) says…
who needs a bus. When I was in school we walked through blinding snow storms all year long - and it was up-hill both ways!
27 May 2009
at 7:08 p.m.
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Shardwurm (Anonymous) says…
Cut more.
27 May 2009
at 8:40 p.m.
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mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
It's funny to see mouthbreathers like Maria and Sigmund complain about “breaking news” because they obviously check out ljworld every waking moment. Right now is my first visit to this site today.
Like I said before, it makes no sense for a city the size of Lawrence to have 3 separate bus systems. When I lived in Honolulu, kids took the bus all the time. There is no “school bus system” in Honolulu outside of the extracurricular buses—football games, field trips, etc. There is no university bus system, either, as the municipal system incorporates UH-Manoa and several other campuses along its route system.
Independent_rebel's slur against adult bus riders is just plain factually incorrect. Kids already ride the T by themselves now, and you'd be extremely hard-pressed to find a case of child molestation on any bus system. In fact, from hearing stories from my nieces and nephews, sexual harassment, stalking, and fighting happens on Kansas school buses right now!
27 May 2009
at 8:47 p.m.
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mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
Also, buses on the T are already designated safe havens for children, or anyone in distress, to seek assistance. T drivers have a 2 way radio and communication is excellent.
27 May 2009
at 9:08 p.m.
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nascarmomma (Anonymous) says…
I'm totally against cutting the bus service. I'm a working parent with a now 1st grader @ Schwegler and a 9th grader @ SJHS. Most people have to be to work at 8 or 8:30 but kids can't be dropped off early. It's bad enough we have to figure out what to do on Wed. pm's when the teachers have there “meetings”. I pay bus service for 2 kids just so I don't have to worry. This is total BS!! “Oh by the way boss I'm going to be late to work and have to leave several hrs early cuz my kids live 0.3 miles to close to school”. That's a good thing to have to say in this economy! LOL!
27 May 2009
at 9:09 p.m.
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lristh1230 (Anonymous) says…
Sounds to me like most of the comments are coming from people without kids in the school district. Just wait till a kid gets hit from a wreckless driver then a lawsuit will happen. Great job school board who do we need to talk to to overturn this decision???
27 May 2009
at 9:14 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Rick Gammill says:
“We do not receive any money (from the state) for those students under 2 1/2 miles from school.”
Marion writes:
And therein lies the problem.
The local folks do not want to pay for local schools, preferring to suck at the State Teat.
27 May 2009
at 9:45 p.m.
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nascarmomma (Anonymous) says…
So what if they don't get money. I pay TAXES and pay for my kids to ride the bus. That's 2 kids at different schools so we didn't get a cash break for multiple kids.. Maybe KS needs to change some laws about busing. The T isn't an option for any child in K-6. They would care less if my kid got off 1 or 10 blocks away. Is the bus still going to p/u the high school kids?? If so what is the extra 1/2 mile from LHS to SJHS??
28 May 2009
at 4:28 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Yes call the T and see how they can help with transportation.
Phone: (785) 312-7054
TDD: (785) 312-7063
Administration
* General Manager - Mike Sweeten
o (785) 312-7054, ext. 110
* Operations Manager - John Robinson
o (785) 312-7054, ext. 114
Lawrence Transit System
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 708
Lawrence, KS 66044
Office Address
933 New Hampshire
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: (785) 832-3465
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
To inquire about bus passes, request route map delivery, or schedule a presentation about public transit for your group, please contact the administrative office at (785) 832-3465.
Administration
* Public Transit Administrator - Robert Nugent
o (785) 832-3464
28 May 2009
at 4:40 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Parents can volunteer to do crossing guards. The LPD can get their motorcycle patrols out which would encourage drivers to slow down. The LPD also has a few people that are present at public schools which could do some patrol activity.
2 -2.5 miles is not a long bike ride. Parents jump on your bikes and ride with them. All parents driving will create a lot of congestion sooooo walking and biking could work.
Perhaps the city could check traffic lights to be sure crossing light activator button works. Walking a mile briskly will take about 20 minutes = good exercise and a wake me up in the morning.
Between the T,walking, biking and carpooling surely things will work out. Parents and children can get some exercise and wake up time riding bikes and walking. Some do it as we speak.
Also the city has installed crossing lights on 11th street between New Jersey and Conneticut, at the top of 9th street at Sunset and at Peterson Rd and Arrowhead.
The city does work with people and these measures are a lot less expense to taxpayers than school busing or more police officers could ever be.
Drivers all over the city will have to be part of the solution = pay more attention to pedestrians and young cyclists. Our news media can be a bigger player on the issue of safe travel by all of us
walkers,bikers and drivers.
28 May 2009
at 6:23 a.m.
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Donnuts (Anonymous) says…
that is absolutely horrible in this day and age of complete modularity in society with some many sickos. On top of childhood abductions at an all time high in the U.S. the average household has both parents working and the hours are extending beyond when the child stays at school.
The school board needs to reconsider or we need to reconsider the school board !!!!!!!!!!!
28 May 2009
at 6:25 a.m.
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overthemoon (Anonymous) says…
While this situation is a reaction to immediate budget troubles, its root causes lie in bassackward planning over many years. There has long been a push for walkable, bikeable planning in Lawrence which has met huge resistance form planners and developers who have insisted on their right to create developments with no sidewalks, no parks, no bike routes, inadequate infrastructure and a total lack of respect for community planning. All in the name of free market development.
Remember when whole neighborhoods suffered the destructive effects of school closings? The real estate market favored development of housing that is totally car-dependent with schools, parks, grocery stores, etc few and far between. And then for many years proponents of smart growth have been ridiculed as obstacles to the make-a-buck mentality that is now being proven to be “dumb growth” in every sector across the country.
We weren't thinking ahead and now we're paying dearly for it.
28 May 2009
at 6:31 a.m.
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altarego (Anonymous) says…
Obama hates young people.
28 May 2009
at 6:49 a.m.
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srj (Anonymous) says…
While I do feel for the parents and kids impacted, saving $450K without letting go of a teacher is a good thing. And the school district made sure to give plenty of warning, so that's good.
28 May 2009
at 7:20 a.m.
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Boeing (Anonymous) says…
merrill says:
“Parents can volunteer to do crossing guards”
Boeing says: No thanks, most of them look pretty old to me
28 May 2009
at 7:36 a.m.
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repaste (Anonymous) says…
There is a strong rumor going around that those last days had to do with plane tickets someone had for the snow day we took off 2 weeks ago .. 2.25 miles is too far for young ones to walk, early dismissal wed is a joke, the traffic will be nuts. I sit at school and watch those busses come in with 4-12 kids on each - maybe laidlaw is to fault a little here, padding the job.
28 May 2009
at 7:50 a.m.
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Peaty (Anonymous) says…
I'm sorry but 2.5 miles on a good day if you are carrying your books and a band instrument is not practical. Obviously people w/o kids and or two working parents do not fully understand the situation. Throw in the traffic on Iowa with some bad weather and you are looking for some serious trouble. Just an accident waiting to happen.
28 May 2009
at 7:56 a.m.
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Shardwurm (Anonymous) says…
Donnuts - here's a crazy idea. I know I'm going out on a limb…but how about the children's parents take responsibility for getting them to school?
“The school board needs to reconsider or we need to reconsider the school board !!!!!!!!!!!”
Drama much?
srj said: “..saving $450K without letting go of a teacher is a good thing.”
That's a typical and narrow-sighted view of things. The total number of teachers is less important than the quality. Beyond that there are numerous instances of over-hires in the district where we are paying for convenience not necessity.
28 May 2009
at 8:02 a.m.
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penguin (Anonymous) says…
The ability to combine the systems would be very difficult. The school system contracts through a different service provider. In addition, the city and KU are already working on finding areas where they can work together using the same service provider. I doubt Students First (it's not Laidlaw) would play very nice and vice versa for MV.
Parent should probably try to take a two prong approach 1) try to get your buses rolling with higher fees 2) try to get the school day adjusted on start and stop times.
28 May 2009
at 8:04 a.m.
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martyoh (Anonymous) says…
If the bus is driving beyond the 2.5 mile perimeter to pick up riders, how is that saving $$ by not picking up riders within the perimeter?
28 May 2009
at 8:06 a.m.
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penguin (Anonymous) says…
oops I meant First Student…not Students First….is the USD 497 provider.
28 May 2009
at 8:25 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
I have to wonder if the resulting savings factored in the couple of hundred thousand dollars already paid by parents who live 2 miles and under from the schools.
It would appear the school board has learned from the post office. Money is tight so lets cut services that people need or what irritates the patrons the most to end up getting their ultimate desire. Which no doubt is higher taxes.
The Lawrence school district is pretty top heavy with administration. Why not dump some of those people instead of teachers, crossing guards, or bus service.
28 May 2009
at 8:34 a.m.
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redmoonrising (Anonymous) says…
I wondered about the kids in my neighborhood. See them on their bikes all the time. Then I envisioned them trying to cross 6th St. at Queens Rd., gravel and broken up pavenment on the north of 6th with no sidewalks, at the top of a hill on a state highway where it's impossible to see what's coming. Or they could backtrack and go to Congressional or even Wakarusa at 6th. Any of those sound safe for young kids? If they want to ride the T at this time, they would have to walk to the new Walmart store on Wakarusa where the buses cross from Free State. Even that's a pretty long walk for a lot of them. I know that a lot of the parents in this area have gladly paid for their kids to ride the buses. I can see the dilemma for the school district but weren't they making enough money by charging to ride? But then we're talking about a district where they charge a hefty book rental fee so the kids can't even have their own books but must often share.
28 May 2009
at 8:34 a.m.
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Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
Lawrence is not 'topheavy' by any stretch of the imagination. If administrators were not performing their duties to meet state and federal regulations (among other things) others would have to pick up the slack. Teachers and building administrators are busy enough without having to spend several hours after each duty day picking up the slack. (Would they do this for free?) I also wonder how many of the posters complaining here told their legislators they would support a tax increase to fund vital services. 90% of the potential taxable property has been taken off the tax rolls, leaving the other 10% (us) to pick up the slack. Schools took a hit, but the damage to other social services will be very evident in a few months.
28 May 2009
at 8:38 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
Some have suggested the T. Nice idea if the T actually served the community. Unless the T restructures their routes it will be as it has been, not a good option for elementary and junior high students to get to school on time. Riding a bus over an hour just to go the wrong direction to make a bus change only to get to school an hour late isn't going to help the cause.
It might work great if you live downtown or in Eastern Lawrence. If you live in the North West or in some areas of the South West your just out of luck for any practical solution.
28 May 2009
at 8:42 a.m.
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mseybold (Anonymous) says…
Note to LJWorld… the location of Free State High School is way off.
28 May 2009
at 8:42 a.m.
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mseybold (Anonymous) says…
Note to LJWorld… the location of Free State High School is way off on the Google map
28 May 2009
at 8:45 a.m.
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mseybold (Anonymous) says…
and also Sunflower Elementary
28 May 2009
at 8:53 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
90% of the potential taxable property has been taken off the tax rolls, leaving the other 10% (us) to pick up the slack.
–––––––––––––––––––––––-
I am a bit curious where this figure came from. You have identified one of the problems with schools. Tax payers are paying for way to much tail chasing in the scheme of regulations. I also have to wonder. Do we really need that many PHDs. on the school payroll? I am sure there are those who will start talking about quality of staff on that question. Since some are talking about what they use to do for school, I went through public school and there wasn't a PHD within the district. That didn't seem to make me feel short changed on education.
28 May 2009
at 9:04 a.m.
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jayhawkjg (Anonymous) says…
If the T-bus runs in the neighborhood, why not use the T-bus, this way our tax money would only be spent once on gas for the bus to run. Not school bus and city bus. Also the children could gather together at the bus stop and be safer than walking or crossing the busy streets.
28 May 2009
at 9:14 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
jayhawkjg (Anonymous) says…
If the T-bus runs in the neighborhood, why not use the T-bus, this way our tax money would only be spent once on gas for the bus to run. Not school bus and city bus. Also the children could gather together at the bus stop and be safer than walking or crossing the busy streets.
––––––––––––––––––––––—
The T would need to restructure their routes to be practical. While some routes come close to some schools they don't on others. There is a large portion of town who were using the school bus this year that the T will not cover. In some cases there is know time of a morning that you could put a child on the bus and expect them to be at school on time.
28 May 2009
at 9:21 a.m.
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roger_o_thornhill (Anonymous) says…
450K? How much spent on football fields?
28 May 2009
at 9:22 a.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
I walked 2 miles to school - each way - starting when I was in 1st grade. Even in snow storms (truely). Yea, it was back in the day when things were safer/better. But if a parent is that worried, they can find some stay-at-home mom/dad to walk with a group of kids! It's not going to kill the kids to get that kind of exercise!!
On the other hand, Crazy Diamond hit the nail on the head: CrazyDiamond (Anonymous) says…
The idiots in Topeka can't find the money to fund our schools, but they can find an additional 38 million dollars to keep the state house renovations going?
Priorities that put themselves behind others are not the law makers strong suit! They will cut everyone and everything before cutting themselves or their own perks!
28 May 2009
at 9:26 a.m.
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kusp8 (Anonymous) says…
Starting classes even earlier than they are right now is the opposite direction schools should be going. It is a known fact that students, especially the older they get, perform better when classes start around 9 or 10, not 8. Tweens and teens aren't designed to take classes so early, so instead of moving classes earlier they need to be moved even later.
28 May 2009
at 9:37 a.m.
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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
justthefacts - I live 2.46 miles away from South junior high, and if I had a child going there now, they could not be bussed. Yes, my children have walked it a few times, but I didn't like the fact they were on 23rd street, and walking down 31st is downright impossible and dangerous. There is no way they could do it in the morning with a parent. And I know when I was in school, during a safer time, we didn't have backpacks, and I don't remember carrying the large number of books and homework that my kids do. Imagine carrying a backpack to and from while walking. Kids in the Prairie park area who go to South are pretty limited of options of getting to school. Bus or parents.
28 May 2009
at 9:43 a.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
Then mom of three, the answer is to (a) Get a friend/other parent to walk with them since you cannot; (b) get the school board to cut something else (like teachers - so class size is larger, or administrator's salaries [good luck with that one]); or (c) get the legislator to change its mind and (1) fund schools more or (2) change state law to mandate that all children get a bus ride (free or paid).
FYI - the statute you may want to review for possible amendment is KSA 72-8302. Which can be read at
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-s…
Oh, and since they are junior high students, they are presumably more able to fend for themselves and carry more stuff. My mom had five kids and my walking to/from school continued until I was 17 - and I was known for carrying many many many books (not in a back pack) back and forth to school. Makes for strong arms.
28 May 2009
at 9:45 a.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
Oh, and street I walked on was Central in Wichita. Not a street with little traffic, even back then!
28 May 2009
at 10:07 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
Just playing devils advocate here.
I wonder how many car, pedestrian accidents will go up because of this?
How much will Truancy increase and how much will the schools have to spend because of it?
Now days a parent could be arrested for child endangerment concerning bad weather or freezing temperature. Is this not going to force parents to break the rules?
I know how things use to be. Now isn't then. Laws are different and people act a lot different than they use to. Especially drivers.
People are suggesting contact stay at home moms to help. Nice, how many stay at home moms are out there compared to yesteryear. Especially in certain parts of town.
28 May 2009
at 10:13 a.m.
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sunshine_noise (Anonymous) says…
I do think they should hire crossing guards for all the main intersections, especially 23rd street and Iowa St.
28 May 2009
at 10:21 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
merrill (Anonymous) says…
Also the city has installed crossing lights on 11th street between New Jersey and Conneticut, at the top of 9th street at Sunset and at Peterson Rd and Arrowhead.
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Umm. There is no crossing lights at Peterson Rd and Arrowhead.
28 May 2009
at 10:32 a.m.
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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…
The subject of crossing guards has been explosive on prior LJW threads. I'm just saying…..
28 May 2009
at 10:38 a.m.
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Liberal (Anonymous) says…
Independant Rebel says “Of course, when you look at where the schools are in Scott Morgan and Linda Robinson's neigbhorhood you'll find no street lights or busy intersections on the way to their neighborhood schools.”
I do not know about Linda Robinson, but you do not have your facts straight with Scott Morgan. His children would have to cross Clinton Parkway in an area that is 5 lanes including the left hand turns to get to school.
I suggest you do your research.
28 May 2009
at 10:42 a.m.
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Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
I am a bit curious where this figure came from. ..(see below for partial list)…….. I went through public school and there wasn't a PHD within the district. That didn't seem to make me feel short changed on education. ========
Depending on when you went to school, they are expected to do much more than they used to, are now performance-based and the unfunded mandates from the Feds and the State keep piling up, hence more support staff (AKA administration) This is just sales tax; there is a similar list for property tax exemptions………
=========
The following entities and organizations are now authorized to receive a Tax-Exempt Entity Exemption Certificate from (edited to meet system demands; read link as needed)
the Kansas Department of Revenue. (See sample on page 16.)
State of Kansas and its agencies
Kansas political subdivisions – cities, counties, townships school districts
Nonprofit hospitals
Nonprofit blood, tissue and organ banks
Nonprofit educational institutions (colleges, universities, trade schools, etc. providing education above grade 12)
Elementary and secondary schools
Kansas groundwater management districts
Rural water districts and water supply districts
Port authority
Nonprofit nursing home, assisted living facility, interim care home
Nonprofit, nonsectarian, comprehensive youth development organizations
Community-based mental retardation facilities or mental health centers
Nonprofit public health corporations
Community action groups/agencies for weatherization of low-income homes
Nonprofit museums
Nonprofit historical societies
Nonprofit zoos
Public broadcasting stations (radio and TV)
Nonprofit organizations building Kansas Korean War Memorials
Parent-Teacher Associations and Organizations
Contractors preparing meals for the homebound elderly, disabled, indigent or homeless (i.e., Meals on Wheels)
Rural volunteer fire fighting organizations
Kansas chapters of these Organizations: American Heart Association Kansas Mental Illness Awareness Council American Diabetes Association, Kansas Affiliate American Lung Association Kansas Alliance for the Mentally Ill Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Assn., Inc. Parkinson’s disease association National Kidney Foundation (of KS and Western MO) Heartstrings Community Foundation (effective 1/1/2005) The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Heart of America Chapter
(effective 1/1/2005) ………..Foundation (effective 7/1/2007) Victory In The Valley, Inc. (effective 7/1/2007) Booth Theatre Foundation, Inc. (effective 7/1/2007) TLC Charities Foundation, Inc. (effective 7/1/2007) Wayside Waifs (effective July 1, 2008)
18
http://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/forms/pu…
=====My suggestion; toss everything out and start over; tax everything, including churches and all non-profits…
28 May 2009
at 10:46 a.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
There is a crossing guard at the Arrowhead and Peterson road crossing, every morning.
28 May 2009
at 10:57 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
There is a crossing guard at the Arrowhead and Peterson road crossing, every morning.
––––––––––––––––––––––
True but not a crossing light as Merrill had posted.
28 May 2009
at 11:05 a.m.
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Peaty (Anonymous) says…
My son has a ton of books in his pack and he plays a trombone, the thing weighs 20 lbs in the case (no joke) we live down 31st street by the corner. Google says exactly 2.5 miles 40+ min walk. Crossing Iowa would be a nightmare but can you imagine the trek up from Iowa is to South JH? There are no sidewalks. In good weather it would be difficult at best. In I don't care how old you are it's too dangerous. With the band instrument a bike is not practical. An for my other kid that goes to Schwegler. You want a grade school kid to cross over at the Iowa and Clinton intersection? The place where not too long ago all those car, truck and motorcycle accidents just happened? With both of us working we rely on the bus. 2.5 miles is just to far to expect a kid to safely travel and navigate across highways.
I guess these are the people to start contacting:
http://www.usd497.org/Contacts/
28 May 2009
at 11:19 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
This is just sales tax; there is a similar list for property tax exemptions……
–––––––––––––––––––––––—
Lets not mix apples with oranges. I know there are government agencies and non profit exemptions. You were specific about property tax and yes some of those qualify as exempt or reduced property tax but I really doubt 90% of all property is exempt from property tax.
Either way neither you or I can change the existing tax system so we have to work with what we have. I am concerned that cuts are being made or suggested with little thought behind the choices. The school board is not going to please everyone. Personally I would rather see across the board cuts first instead of just mindlessly cutting out some areas of the budget. If a given issue is so worthless that it should be cut during economic hard times, I have to wonder what it was doing with funding to begin with.
28 May 2009
at 12:10 p.m.
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poppygirl (Anonymous) says…
Is it truly the school's responsibility to provide your children transportation AND an education? Step up to the plate, you chose to have the kids, it's your job to get them to school.
28 May 2009
at 12:36 p.m.
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MaryKatesPillStash (Anonymous) says…
Agreed, poppygirl. I do feel for the parents who are concerned for their kids—I'm glad they are concerned. But it seems like some of them are being a bit over-protective. Yes, there are some situations/intersections that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Teach your kids how to properly cross, how to stay alert, and show them places where they need to be particularly careful. Accidents do happen, but busses are certainly not immune to them, either—I rode the bus growing up and was in 2 bus accidents.
28 May 2009
at 12:59 p.m.
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Gootsie (Anonymous) says…
Is it 2.5 miles as the crow flies?
28 May 2009
at 1:23 p.m.
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poppygirl (Anonymous) says…
I hate to tell my age, but I remember in school only the rural kids were bused,unless of course you rode the short bus! City kids walked, biked, or carpooled, or heaven forbid, parents drove you to school, the SHAME…….
28 May 2009
at 3:26 p.m.
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oneeye_wilbur (Anonymous) says…
boundary changes in the works?
28 May 2009
at 3:33 p.m.
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Peaty (Anonymous) says…
“s it 2.5 miles as the crow flies?”
No:
more than 2½ miles by the usually traveled road from the residence of the pupil ”
http://kansasstatutes.lesterama.org/C…
28 May 2009
at 3:37 p.m.
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seth5792 (Anonymous) says…
Obviously most of you folks don't have kids, Chuckabee your idea is ludicrous, kids learn better at 8,9, or 10 (that's a joke) it never hurt anyone to get up early. As a parent I agree it is a priviledge to have bus service, and them taking it away it going to cause a significant burden to many folks. My two daughters at Schwegler will not walk to school in this day and age with the scum bags out there, it's just crazy. Unfortunately I cannot go to my employers and say “Hey guys, I think I perform my job better when I start at 8, 9, or 10, so that's when I'll start coming in to work, so now I can drop my kids off at school.” Solution………Start schools at 7:30 am, provide every school that currently doesn't use this, a study seminar at the end of every day that lasts until 4pm………no more early Wednesdays, teachers and students can use the last part of the day to accomplish homework, paperwork, planning, etc. Teach are kids to have a strong work ethic. It wouldn't hurt to get there butts up early.
28 May 2009
at 3:43 p.m.
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lristh1230 (Anonymous) says…
I have started with a letter/complaint to USD497 school board, Randy Weseman, Rick Gammill, State Senators and legislatures, and KS state board of education. I would suggest all parents that have been affected do the same!
28 May 2009
at 3:55 p.m.
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kugrad (Anonymous) says…
Shardwurm, why don't you list for us several specific examples (grade level, position, school) of “overhires for convenience,” since you say there are so many of these. I'll be anxious to read your detailed response.
28 May 2009
at 4:07 p.m.
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Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
re: Apples and Oranges: I normally don’t do ‘back and forth’ on discussion groups, but this is important.
The department of revenue, at the legislature’s request, commissioned the following study from Wichita State: http://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/kstaxinc…
Among other things, the report concludes that, if one takes the total value of all the property in Kansas, then adds up what is taxed, the result is about 10%. If one totals all the sales in Kansas, approximately 74% of the sales are tax exempt.
28 May 2009
at 4:34 p.m.
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deskboy04 (Anonymous) says…
You can't have services and lower taxes at the same time.
28 May 2009
at 5:05 p.m.
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motomom (Anonymous) says…
what about neighborhood carpooling?
i have worked with the district in the past and when they have their minds set on something it is practically impossible to change their minds. i was part of the whole centennial/cordley school closing fiasco……we practically exhausted ourselves trying to keep centennial open…when all along they “knew” what they were going to do. sooo…don't fight it and drive yourselves batty………..good luck to all.
28 May 2009
at 5:37 p.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
This was part of your original statement.
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
90% of the potential taxable property has been taken off the tax rolls, leaving the other 10% (us) to pick up the slack. Schools took a hit, but the damage to other social services will be very evident in a few months.
Your current explanation.
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
Among other things, the report concludes that, if one takes the total value of all the property in Kansas, then adds up what is taxed, the result is about 10%. If one totals all the sales in Kansas, approximately 74% of the sales are tax exempt.
–––––––––––––––––––––––
It would have been nice if you clarified your statement from the beginning. It would have saved you and I a lot of time. However, I am thinking what really happened here is you just threw out some figures and didn't really expect anyone to follow up on your comments or your links. Nice bate and switch, NOT. I really didn't need a study to tell me approximate breakdowns of taxation in Kansas considering that the average assessed value that is used for taxation is around 10% when you look at the assessed rates of the combined property of commercial, residential, and farm land. You were trying to mix apples with oranges and attempting to cloud the issue from your first statement.
Anyway, now that we have danced around to prove nothing. WTF? What does how, why or what percentage of taxation have to do with paying for busing children in this particular case that this thread is about?
28 May 2009
at 5:44 p.m.
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Katara (Anonymous) says…
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Rick Gammill says:
“We do not receive any money (from the state) for those students under 2 1/2 miles from school.”
Marion writes:
And therein lies the problem.
The local folks do not want to pay for local schools, preferring to suck at the State Teat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You would be most incorrect on that, Marion. Parents paid for students to ride the school bus when the students lived less than 2.5 miles from the school.
28 May 2009
at 6:33 p.m.
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none2 (Anonymous) says…
I think that getting kids to school is more important than subsidized public transportation. However, the voters decided that public transportation was important. That being said, it seems silly that there are 3 non-private bus systems in Lawrence. They really should figure out a way to make it so that parents who want their kids on the bus can do so with the T. If the issue is child safety, then see if a monitor can be on the bus for their protection. If the routes don't work, then change them – at least for the hours that kids need to get to school and then back home.
As to school hours, perhaps they should consider going to a 4 day a week school schedule. I remember that when I was in the DOD schools for 3 years overseas. To save on building requirements, they did shift schooling. There was one from 6am to noon, and one noon to 6pm. You took your books with you as your desk was used by both shifts.
As to alert hours vs down hours, I remember my own past. I was wide awake when I got up. My worst time to learn was actually around 2 to 4pm. It got worse as I got older. It was very difficult to take naps in kindergarten. Whereas, in Jr high and high school, I would have loved to have had a nap. It wasn't because I got up early, it was just my down cycle. Those hours would be best for gym or music. A participatory (on your feet) class like some science labs would probably be fine. However, anything that requires a lot of mental energy or sitting an listening to a lecture or reading shouldn't be done at those hours.
28 May 2009
at 6:44 p.m.
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IAwildrose (Anonymous) says…
Prairie Park kids going to South Junior High can do what my kids did - walk through Haskell's campus to get to school.
Now don't get me started on the early out business on Wednesdays….who in their right mind turns junior high aged student out on their own in the middle of the afternoon?!?!? Yes, I went to those meetings set up by the school district & voiced my concerns….I see that it didn't make a bit of difference then….all of you voicing your concerns over busing issues won't get you anywhere either. It's a done deal - there's no money - figure it out parents.
28 May 2009
at 7:48 p.m.
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cashinin38 (Anonymous) says…
This is crap there are so many people that depend on this system and it seems like every year they cut more and more from the district so that they can take more for themselves (raises) and construction i think priorities are all messed up and the kids are the one paying for this its crap take the money thats supposed to be for the school and the district and leave it in the district not in the bank account of someone who really doesnt know what to do but cut some kids education or in this case several the backlash of this isnt good in the long run but who cares as long as all the big boys get paid if they really care take a pay cut like most people at this time not pointing fingers just one you know
28 May 2009
at 7:58 p.m.
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oneeye_wilbur (Anonymous) says…
marion's getting closer to winning the alarm clock for thinking..
“boundary changes” create farther distance to schools, hence money comes
town is slow thinking,,
:”boundary changes' in the works
28 May 2009
at 9:27 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
IAwildrose
(Anonymous) says…
Prairie Park kids going to South Junior High can do what my kids did - walk through Haskell's campus to get to school.
Now don't get me started on the early out business on Wednesdays….who in their right mind turns junior high aged student out on their own in the middle
–OMG, there's a killer venomous snake there waiting to kill any human that walks there!
***
more crossing guards?
Oh the humanity!
what if one of them *waves* at traffic? Oh, the horror!
28 May 2009
at 10 p.m.
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grimpeur (Anonymous) says…
“My two daughters at Schwegler will not walk to school in this day and age with the scum bags out there, it's just crazy.”
Please stop this. You're not helping matters with this type of hysteria. Strangers are not the danger. It's irresponsible to invoke this irrational fear to justify anyone's refusal to walk short distances in plain view in the daytime in Lawrence.
Yes, that's right. Hysteria.
28 May 2009
at 10:27 p.m.
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Seamus (Anonymous) says…
It's amazing that we've come to a place where walking 2 miles is seen as being beyond the pale by today's parents. Additionally, how is it in other countries children share the bus with other people without it being a major issue? Why not spend some of the money to be wasted on the SLT on sidewalks so our kids are able to walk to school— perhaps it would do them some good health-wise.
28 May 2009
at 10:58 p.m.
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Orwell (Anonymous) says…
Let the little brats freeze or drown or get run over – who cares? Anything to keep the Legislature from making the Kochs pay an extra nickel in taxes.
29 May 2009
at 11:03 a.m.
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Chocoholic (Anonymous) says…
There's a tunnel under Louisiana at 27th that allows students to cross Louisiana safely to get to Broken Arrow/SJHS. There's also one that goes under 6th St. by Pinkney. If students are going to be crossing at 23rd & Ousdahl and at 23rd & Iowa without a crossing guard, there'd darn well better be tunnels.
24 June 2009
at 9:42 a.m.
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phyllissullivan (Anonymous) says…
Everyone that has stated for what parents to do, must have grown children, or don not work! My child is 7 years old, I also have a 5year old, and a 9 year old nieces, who must cross 6th St. I have not been in Lawrence that long, but everyone should care about all children's safety. The T doesn't go to Iverness. And these children only live with in 2/10 of being 2.5 miles. They go by GPS or Mapquest which we all know are not correct. I have driven every route that is possible from my house. Not where they are really picked up. Car pools would be great, but tell me what one parent will be responsible for more than just their children? Let me tell you not many, and if you can find them. Great for the teacher's raises, I'm glad the money could go somewhere.But lets us forget the safety of children. Lets not combined some of the City, and County offices, or even State offices, or lets look at the school board. Lets put children at risk. Let your child walk in this heat, or even better the winter, the rain, where there goes the Doctor bills, the missed work. Take a better look around, I have.
21 August 2009
at 3:23 p.m.
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sunflower_sue (Anonymous) says…
It seems as if the Lawrence school board needs to rethink this issue. It's certainly not going to be cost effective for the current busses to transport about a dozen (or less) kids on their routes. If they allowed pay to ride, the busses would fill up and it would be a win for everyone. This policy does not take into account small children of working parents and also does not address inclement weather. Pay to ride was an option in the past. I've talked to some really irate Lawrence parents who would love to have the opportunity to pay to ride.
I live in the Tongie school district. Pay to ride is the policy now for those inside of the 2.5 miles. The school board obviously cared enough about their children who were faced with crossing a major highway to not make a gross error in judgement. It's not a perfect situation, as some parents cannot afford the cost, but at least the option is there. Tonganoxie is at least trying.
I don't know how the Lawrence school dist. justifies this.