The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
We Want To Hear From You (submitted by Jo R. Campbell, Superintendent)
Look for the pink surveys in your mail this week. It should have arrived by the time you are reading this article.
The La Harpe CUSD 335 Board of Education is conducting a survey of district residents as a means of obtaining information for the decision making process regarding the future organization and governance of our school district.
Reorganization, and possible changes are being considered for several reasons, not the least of which is the financial condition of the La Harpe Community Unit School District.
We are in the third consecutive year of deficit spending, with the deficit amount increasing each year.
Student enrollment is declining, thus decreasing the amount of state aide the district is able to access.
The overall equalized assessed value (EAV) of local property is declining, or at best, it is unstable. Costs for operations, however, continue to increase every year.
At the present time, our district is overcoming deficits by using reserves that were accumulated during more prosperous economic times, but those reserves will soon be depleted and the district will not have funds available to continue operations as they now exist.
Borrowing money to continue operations, raising taxes, making reductions in staff, programs and services, or various combinations of these three options are some of the choices available to address the financial situation.
A fourth option, reorganizing with a neighboring district, is considered in an effort to avoid borrowing, raising taxes, or making significant cuts.
As mentioned in previous articles, consolidation is the term commonly used when discussing this topic.
It is, however, only one of several forms of school district reorganization.
Reorganization is the term you will find used on the survey you should receive in the mail.
Along with consolidation, the other two reorganization choices provided on the survey are convergence and deactivation.
Information regarding these options is provided in the survey cover letter.
Using the return envelope enclosed with the pink survey form. Please complete and return your survey by January 30, 2004.
Survey results will be presented to the public at the February meeting of the La Harpe Board of Education and the public forum to be held at La Harpe in February.
The Board will consider the survey results as they move through this very important decision making process regarding our schools.
Two surveys per district box holder have been mailed (one for each adult if needed).
Surveys for additional adults in the household may be obtained by contacting the La Harpe Unit District Office (217) 659-7739.
Also, a Special Meeting of the La Harpe CUSD 335 Board of Education will be held in the La Harpe High School Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2004.
The special meeting is a public forum called for the purpose of discussing school district reorganization.
More information on this forum will be provided as that date draws near. Please complete and return your survey.