Let it be known. I DO NOT WORK for USD497 but I am a stakeholder and parent of children who attend. I care about their education and want the best for the students and their experience in the classroom. As a way to begin whittling down the budget and making the cuts that contribute to long term fiscal feasibility I suggest consolidating power at the top before closing schools. Both may be necessary but if Spt. Doll doesn't trim his staff, anything else he chooses to do will be considered offensive.

Here is the ADMINISTRATIVE contact list from the US497 website.

Chief Academic Officer, Teaching and Learning: Kim Bodensteiner

Curriculum Services, Division Director: Ann Bruemmer Instructional Services, Division Director: Angelique Kobler Student Intervention Services, Division Director: Kevin Harrell Technology and Library Media Services, Division Director: Chantel Nicolay Assessment, Research and School Improvement, Division Director: Terry McEwen

Chief Operations Officer, Administrative Support: Frank Harwood

Human Resources - Certified, Division Director: David Cunningham Human Resources - Classified, Division Director: Bob Arevalo Facilities and Operations, Division Director: Tom Bracciano Finance, Division Director: Kathy Johnson Food Services and Purchasing, Division Director: Paula Murrish Technology and Library Media Services, Division Director: Chantel Nicolay

I suggest Kim Bodensteiner take oversight of a dept called Curriculum and Instruction and let both of her underlings back into the classroom. Most districts in KS also consolidate their Curriculum and Instruction into one position, instead of two. This is a classic example of over-mangement.

Chief operating administrator, Frank Harwood, becomes both Certified and Classified HR director. Yep. Its possible. Most districts don't split HR into Certified and Classified HR. Some districts in KS have done away with an HR director entirely and paid the administrative assistant (who usually runs the place anyway) the extra responsibility and a raise. (Saving at leasst 100K!) Master teachers are utilized for recruitment. I recommend anyone interested in seeing how effective the Certified HR staff is, browse the USD497 table at a job fair. This is our tax money in action. Compare their performance to the other school districts in terms of friendliness and approachability. Evaluate the materials handed out to prospective teachers and see what really goes on. I challenge you. It's pathetic.

Poor Chantal Nicolay looks like she's being managed by two administrators. Is that efficient?

When districts are squeezed, it's a slap in the face of the community not to consolidate power at the top. Just do it as a good faith gesture. Although I'd hate for anyone to lose their job, a couple hundred thousand dollars trimmed from the top is a good decision even if it seems inconsequential. I promise you, IT IS NOT.

If you have other suggestions, please comment. I'd love to hear them all.