Below is a link to the most recent KASB newsletter. It has updates on current legislative (budget) issues. If the link doesn't work you can copy and paste into your browser address bar.

www.kasb.org/legis/2009/bulletins/030609No8.pdf

1/28/09

An update from Nancy Kirkendoll BOE member regarding budget concerns: HB2022 is the House version working it's way through the process. It's going to take some time for both bills to be worked, most likely go to conference committee and come out with a plan both chambers can agree on before the governor has the opportunity to sign/veto. It is good that the legislature is tackling the current year funding shortfall early in the session however, it still will take some time to go through the process. The last time school district budgets were cut by I think $27 per pupil, the cut came in October allowing time for districts to adjust their budgets. With 5 months left in the current budget year of which 85% is salaries in Andover, budget cutting is extremely difficult. Last fall, based on state revenue projections, Andover reviewed it's budget and made adjusts to manage the projected declining state revenue situation. We have also established a Budget Advisory Committee that is reviewing the budget in detail to prepare recommendations for cuts. Preparing for the worst and hoping we won't have to go too deep, the district will continue to focus on student achievement and the classroom as the dollars will allow. The next Budget Advisory meeting is Feb. 3, 6-9pm, District Office. I will provide more detailed information as available. The federal stimulus package if passed does offer some relief to the state and specifically education. That could be helpful, can't be counted on yet, and of course will take time for the relief to be realized. Dale Graham, Andover BOE VP will be going to Washington, DC in February with other Kansas school representatives and visiting with our elected officials on the hill. Communicating your concerns by email, phone or letters with our legislators will make a difference for our children and district. The next meeting of the USD #385 Legislative Council will be at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2009 Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at the District Office. We will discuss the February Super SAT trip to Topeka (date has not yet been established by Super SAT group) and the KASB meetings. We are in the process of preparing information for students and parents to use when visiting with their legislators in person or by phone/e-mail about the school budget cuts.

Oct. 8, 2008 - There was no report.

1/13/09

A recent note from Nancy Kirkendoll, school board member:

With the state budget projected to be $141M or more in the hole for the current

year and projecting a billion dollar deficit in 2010, schools across the state

will be impacted.  Andover has assembled a District Budget Committee to review

our budget in depth preparing for the potential reduction in state aid.  The

committee will have it's first meeting this Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 PM at the

district office.  Mark Tallman from KASB will be reviewing the state budget

crisis for the committee.  This will be a very informational meeting providing

background and school budgeting information.  You are welcome to attend.  I am

not on the committee, but will sit in on the first meeting and receive updates

as the board plans for the future.

Nancy K.

Several members of the legislative council met with Aaron Jack on 1/9/09 to familiarize him with the council and to elicit his support of the state's commitment to fund the schools as promised. He is an advocate for the district as he is an AHS graduate and will have children attending the district in the future. There will be a legislative day trip to the capital in February for students, council members and anyone interested in attending.  Date TBA.

Carmen Schulte