Lawrence school officials are right that everything should be “on the table” as they seek to deal with growing cuts in state funding for K-12 schools.
However, the district should guard against pursuing drastic long-term solutions for what everyone hopes will be a relatively short-term funding problem. Closing elementary schools in the Lawrence district could well fall into that category.
“What else could you say that would lead people to believe that this is serious and everything is on the table?” asked Superintendent Rick Doll.
Raising the specter of school closings certainly is a way to get attention in Lawrence, but we wouldn’t want to think that school officials would use this issue as a way to raise awareness or sympathy for the difficult situation the district faces. It’s clear the budget picture is bleak; it’s not as clear that closing elementary schools in the district is a good way to address that budget problem.
School Board President Scott Morgan knows from experience that closing elementary schools is a highly controversial issue in Lawrence. He lost his bid for re-election to the board after supporting the closure of three elementary schools in 2003. This week he referred to school closings as “one of my least favorite things to bring up.”
Many community members share that sentiment. We understand the budget situation is dire, but looking at closing elementary schools should be close to a last resort for the Lawrence board.
Enrollment at district elementary schools was up by about 100 students this year, not including students enrolled in the Lawrence Virtual School. No individual school experienced a significant enrollment decline. It might be possible to close one of the smaller schools and absorb those students into other schools, but there would be tradeoffs. There likely would be savings in terms of staff and utility bills, but also an increase in busing costs.
The district could realize a short-term gain by selling the building, but buildings that housed two of the schools closed in 2003 still are used by the district for other purposes.
As school board members and school administrators undoubtedly realize, they must look at the long-range future of the district. Elementary enrollment is growing. Enrollment at individual schools is relatively stable. We could cram more students into fewer schools for a year or two, but what happens after that? It’s tough to mothball a school and then put it back into service. Will we be looking at building new schools to meet our needs?
Local patrons are aware and concerned about the budget challenges facing the Lawrence school district. We realize times are tough and probably won’t get better for a year or two. But tightening our belts in other areas in hopes that the funding situation will ease soon seems to make more sense at this point than seriously considering school closures.
Comments
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jayhawktownie (anonymous) says…
the belt has already been tightened. all of the "easy" cuts have already been made since last year. closing elementary schools would address a lot of inefficiencies which resulted from our district choosing to build a high number of small population schools over the years. it would enable administrators to maintain balanced class sizes if they need to cut additional staff positions. it would also greatly reduce the number of traveling teachers who currently serve multiple buildings in addition to the operational costs which would be saved. it makes more sense than this column gives it credit for.
nevertheless, a future column might be well used by looking into the amount of salary dollars which go to people at the district offices and what exactly they all do to enhance the education of our children. Dr. Doll is a mercenary who was hired to transition lawrence to a 4 year high school system and then retire. is this something that we really should be pursuing in a time of budget crisis? maybe the LJW should do a little educating of themselves on the reality of the situation before they take such a nuanced stance such as "closing schools is bad."
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
"We realize times are tough and probably won’t get better for a year or two." === People sometimes forget this is a manufactured crisis, brought to you by your legislature. They are collectively angry that the school lawsuit brought new funds into the system, then made sure that the bills couldn't be paid. Yes, things are going to be tough, but they didn't have to be.
bkgarner (Brent Garner) says…
Before schools get closed why don't we look at administrative overhead--specifically in and around the superintendent's office. I am sure that one or more of those people could be let go without any real negative impact on education. We are so top heavy.
svenway_park (anonymous) says…
2bFrank........ otherwise known as cool, spiderman, ariadne, bronze, dried_oregano, etc is the individual who lied to his neighbors, getting them to finance his lawsuit against the people of Lawrence. His legal opinions held no water, and his neighbors settled the case out underneath him, despite his protests.
He has been banned on these boards for abuse and violation of the rules.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Relax and have a popsicle, frank. It's a cool and fruity treat on a fall day.
Bong hits for Astroturf and better drainage!
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
AreUNorml (anonymous) says…
Americans need to take back the education of our children and a lot of other personal responsibilities. We are relying on the government far too much, even as it fails at everything we ask for.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Girlfriend's
using
the
third
person
again
,
which
has
not
gone
unnoticed
.
Still
having
a
wonderful
internet
life
.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
frank's been disappearededed?