[ THE USD 450 SCHOOL BOARD RACES ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 30, 2003 by Capital-Journal

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS USD 450 GRID

1) Although the governor has promised not to cut public education funding, leaders of many school districts think that amounts to a cut in real operating funds. What would you do to help the district cope with its budget challenges?

2) As budget pressures have mounted, many districts have reduced funding for arts education. Should schools offer students more opportunities in the arts and, if so, how?

3) Some school districts have implemented a "pay to play" policy for extracurricular activities. Do you support such a measure? Why or why not?

4) USD 450 patrons have twice defeated bond issues that would have funded improvements to buildings, programs and services. Should the district try a third time to pass a bond issue? Why or why not?

Position 1

MARK HECKER

Age: 41

Address: 4530 S.E. 28th

Occupation: Superintendent of Parks and Maintenance, City of Lawrence Park and Recreation Department

Education: Bachelor of science in agriculture, Kansas State University

Family: Married, with two daughters

1. The first thing in dealing with budget cuts is not to overreact to all proposed cuts that are circulated in the Legislature. If cuts appear to be inevitable the board, administrative staff and teachers must work together to make sure the cuts will have a minimal effect on the learning process.

2. I feel that Shawnee Heights currently has a strong fine arts program district wide. I would love to see students have more opportunities, but given the current budget concerns, I think our main priority needs to be to maintain what we have.

3. I am a big supporter of extracurricular activities. I feel that these activities are a very important part of the overall educational process. The "pay to play" system that we currently use seems fair and is much better than cutting activities due to lack of funding.

4. Yes, but not as proposed in the past. The district still has the same facility repair needs that it did when the bond issue was first proposed. The board, staff and patrons need to prioritize these needs and put together a bond issue that will be supported by the patrons.

LINDA OLIVA-HERSH

Age: 44

Address: 2511 S.E. Faxon Ct.

Occupation: Audit assistant, Federal Home Loan Bank

Education:

Family: Married, with three daughters

1. As in most budgets you can find places to cut. I cannot say what parts will be cut without a proper review of all jobs and departments. In some cases the possibility of getting outside sponsors could help the district put money back to our children's quality education.

2. The arts are very important through out all of our lives. At this time with the possibility of budget cuts I am hoping to just be able to retain the current classes we offer in this field. Our budget should be for our children's educations in all fields.

3. Our district currently has a one time a year extracurricular fee. I do not believe this will change. I do, however, think the amount of the fee will need to be reviewed annually. Adjustments may be needed from year to year. Outside sponsorship could help to off set fees.

4. Our district will not have another chance to vote on one until August of 2004. The patron's trust will have to be regained before this can happen. Yes, I believe we need one for the maintenance, science labs and SHMS kitchen. By that time our current bond will be running out.

Position 2

BRADFORD ROGNLIE

Age: 44

Address: 3807 S.E. 31st

Occupation: Civil engineer (KDOT Bridge Design)

Education: Bachelor of science in civil engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; master of science in civil engineering, Kansas State University

Family: Married, with two children

1. Since 80 to 85 percent of the district budget pays salary costs, deep cuts would require cutting people and/or programs. I would ask administrators, teachers and patrons to help prioritize the programs needed to meet our main focus; student learning and preparation for life after K-12.

2. Fine arts will be a graduating requirement and Shawnee Heights should continue its strong fine arts program in K-12. The most efficient way to give students more opportunities in the arts is to change from a 6-block to 7-block schedule in grades 9 to 12. This would depend on funding.

3. Shawnee Heights has a "pay to play" fee structure in place. I generally support this program verses cutting the activities. Extra- curricular activities are beneficial to the students but aren't a graduation requirement. As funding decreases these programs may have to become self-supporting or be cut.

4. The majority of the building repairs and continued maintenance are real and will need to be fixed. A third bond issue is necessary and patron input will be an important factor in determining the size and scope. The sooner a bond issue is passed, the cheaper it will be to sell bonds and award bids.

SCOTT S. SUMPTER

Age: 47

Address: 4150 S.E. 37th

Occupation: Attorney

Education: University of Kansas, Washburn University --- Business Administration, Washburn Law School --- Juris Doctor