Indian Creek Elementary School is a team of students, parents, faculty and staff that support each other in all we do. We are proud of our school and the difference we are making in our student's education and in their lives. Please contact us throughout the school year to let us know how we can serve you and your children better.
FROM THE OFFICE OF DR. PATRICIA ALL
OLATHE DISTRICT SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
SCHOOL FUNDING HITS CRITICAL LEVEL
The Board of Education will hold a series of "Town Hall" meetings in the coming weeks to share information about how the nearly $14 million loss in state funding is impacting the district.
The most recent funding cut of $6 million was announced in November, but area legislators have warned that additional cuts-as much as $9.3 million-may be coming.
"This is a perfect storm," Superintendent Pat All said. "Our state funding has dropped to below 2005 levels, our enrollment continues to increase, and student needs are increasing. This has happened at the same time that we lost $5.4 million in revenue from the Johnson County Education Sales Tax, which expired a year ago. That brings the total loss to $19.2 million so far.
"We are proud of the recognition we've received as a cost-effective district, but our efficiency leaves us with few areas to cut without affecting programs and services."
Last year, the district offered an early retirement incentive to reduce staff voluntarily, in response to funding cuts. The result? Fewer teachers, counselors, school aides, paraeducators, clerical support staff, and curriculum leaders; and less support for operations, maintenance, training and professional development, and business functions. The drop in funds has also resulted in longer replacement cycles for technology and major building repairs.
"To put this in perspective," All said, "Only once before in the history of the district have funds been cut. In 2002, the state reduced funding to our district by about $1 million. The current funding loss is nearly 14 times that amount, with another $9.3 million cut possibly coming this spring."
Meetings will be held at each of the four high schools, with one additional meeting at a non-school district location (see meeting schedule below). Please take time to become informed on this important issue. For more information, go to the district Web site (olatheschools.com) and click on the "School Funding Updates" button.
Meeting Dates-All meetings begin at 7 p.m.
January 25 Olathe East High School Auditorium
January 26 Olathe North High School Auditorium
January 28 Olathe South High School Auditorium
February 8 Olathe Northwest High School Auditorium
February 25 MidAmerica Nazarene University, Hager Lecture Hall, Cook Center
©2005