Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott school patrons talk funding options

Patrons, staff and faculty of the Prescott School District met in October to discuss the Districts financial situation. The meeting was called after voters rejected a 4.7 mill increase in the September school elections. A repeated concern throughout the meeting was the poor public image of the school and the fact that some people believe school funds have been mismanaged.

The meeting was well attended with some 50 people breaking off into zones to brainstorm the situation.

The meeting was called after voters rejected a millage increase on the September school election ballot. The districts plan was to use the millage to issue bonds to pay for repairs and renovations and to increase the districts revenue stream, thereby increasing annual ending balances. When the 4.7 mill increase was rejected, the board and Prescott Superintendent Hyacinth Deon called for a public meeting that would include a work session for questions, comments and suggestions.

During Tuesdays meeting, patrons split out into groups with board members serving as facilitators. They spent some time sharing information and compiling questions, then reconvened to cover those points.

One of the first questions that arose was the expenditure of some $160,000 on a pavilion at the high school. Deon said the construction was put out to bid, that the district chose the lowest price, and that it provided students a place to sit at lunch time other than the front steps of the building. She then asked the person with the question about the pavilion if she were unhappy that the students had that facility.

Were unhappy at the amount of money we spent on it, the woman answered. Its ridiculous.

The fact that the district had sodded an area was also questioned, as was the fact that the district is currently seeking bids for a new school bus. Deon said the sod project cost $533, and that the districts busses are getting older and several are not dependable - especially for trips.

Other comments during the meeting were centered around stipends for coaches, superintendent pay, the cost and duties of support staff, the In School Suspension program and athletics.

Athletics is an expensive proposition is most schools. Deon said the only money raised for athletics are gate receipts and that those funds are used to pay athletic-related expenses. She said the district bailed out the athletic department to the tune of $24,000 in 2005-06.

While a few people have suggested that limiting, altering or eliminating athletics would be an option, one of the groups Tuesday said it would ultimately hurt the district. They belive those students who excel in athletics would simply leave the district, lowering the amount of state and federal funding the district receives.

Another option discussed Tuesday was the possibility of consolidation. Deon said Prescott did actively encourage the Emmet school district to unite with Prescott, but werent successful in that bid. She said that patrons of Nevada School are also uninterested in consolidating with Prescott.

Other points made during the discussion were:

* No one knows how long it will be before the state puts the district in facilities distress if at least some of the improvements arent made.

* Time frames for doing improvements can be adjusted.

* Consolidating campuses to eliminate the need for repairs at McRae Middle School is likely only a workable solution if the district wants to build a new facility. There isnt sufficient space at either the elementary or high school to absorb MMS students.

* Cost of improvements mandated by the state are estimates and may be more or less than the prices listed.

* The board can again call for a millage increase after January. Most agree that there must be a better campaign to solicit voter support if a millage increase is to have a chance.

At the end of the meeting, Deon called for the forming of a public relations committee. She ended by reminding those present that they were welcome to contact the superintendents office at any time with questions or comments.