Taylor's topics

By Brooks Taylor
Editor/co-publisher
January 22, 2003

For years, state educators have been predicting the demise of local school districts.

No, we're not talking about the quality of education offered, but the quantity of school districts in the state.

Twenty years ago, there were nearly 500 districts in the state. Now, the number doesn't reach 400.

By 2010, I can see (but am not predicting) the number to drop by 25 percent. A number of small, rural counties in the state will have just one school district.

During my years as a community journalist, I've attended a number of school reorganization meetings. It is an assignment I never relished. At one such meeting, I saw county sheriff deputies posted at the doors. Emotions get in the way of rational thinking. Losing a school often is akin to losing the community. Once the school leaves, the town never is the same.

Brace yourself, it's coming again. However, this time the state won't offer any incentives as it did during the last wave of school consolidations. The state doesn't have the financial resources to do so, and no incentives will be needed because the handwriting will be on the wall.

 

I don't like writing about these topics. My new year's resolution was to stay positive, but I never attempt to confuse optimism with realism.

Although several factors will contribute to the next wave of consolidations, the common denominator is the same as it was last time — declining enrollment. No kids means no money.

The way the state's school budget formula is written gives little control for local districts in the process. In fact, all local districts do is plug in a few numbers and the rest is driven by the state formula. As one area superintendent put it, the only way to receive more money is to have more students. If that's not the case, expenses must be cut.

Expenses means cutting staff, programs and services, or a combination of all three.

Recently, I read where the salary of the superintendent of the Fort Dodge School District will be frozen for the 2003-04 school year. I am sure that is only the first of budget-driven, belt-tightening measures.

According to enrollment projections by the Iowa Department of Education, the Pocahontas Area Community School District will see a 20-percent enrollment drop over the next five years. Taking it a step further, the district will have lost 28.3 percent enrollment decline from 1993-2008. This year's total enrollment of 692 students represents the fewest students ever in the district, even before the Rolfe and Havelock-Plover districts consolidated with Pocahontas.

 

Had it not been for the 100-percent budget guarantee passed by the Iowa Legislature five or six years ago, more schools would be closed by now.

But that budget guarantee elapses in 2004-05, and school districts will see their funding cut by the money they received under the guarantee. There are several options to repay the money — most districts will opt for the 10-year payback. Pocahontas Area's payback is nearly $250,000, or $25,000 per year. Combined with an anticipated 30-student per year decline in enrollment and the district will experience roughly a $170,000 annual revenue decrease.

The picture I painted isn't pretty, even more dismal because I have a stake in the future, too. But each time I pen one of these columns, I hope that it wakes people up before we step outside one day and wonder where everything has gone.

 

SPEAKING OF SCHOOLS, IT'S time for a couple of tests.

PART I

• Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

• Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

• Name the last five Miss Americas.

• Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

• Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.

• Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates often are buried with their owners.

PART II

• List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

• Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

• Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

• Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

• Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

• Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson? The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

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