To the editor:

Several incidents have occurred during the process to close Wakarusa Valley where facts were not presented in an open manner. Enumerated below are examples of discrepancies and/or misinformation.

1. Parents of Broken Arrow students were not notified directly of the potential boundary changes leading many BA parents to realize the impact for their families just days before the vote.

2. At the March 28 school board meeting, USD 497 presented incomplete and misleading information on bus routes.

3. Dr. Doll stated on March 28 that the task force was never told to cut $3 million from elementary budgets. However, within the task force Draft for Discussion dated Jan. 31, 2011, the task force was told to plan for budget cuts of $3 million. When task force members asked to look at other budget items, they were told to look only at elementary schools.

4. The public was told that closing schools was necessary because of the $3 million shortfall as well as future projected budget cuts. Yet now full-day kindergarten at Sunflower and BA will be funded by the savings realized by closure of WV.

5. The budget cuts necessary to reach $3 million were not revealed until the March 28 meeting, preventing the public from meaningful interaction with the district about these cuts or the possibility of saving an additional, relatively small portion to save WV.

As we continue to move forward, transparency and consistency are vital to maintain trust in our elected officials, district administrators, and the process of school consolidation.