Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

The Board to You

School is out. In reflecting on this past year it is easy to see the accomplishments that have been made. It is also frustrating to see the things that have gone unchanged. Next year is right around the corner and we will do better. For the sake of our children and our community we must.

In looking ahead to next year the issue of money always arises. Last week's Nevada County Picayune had a front page story quoting the governor's office concerning how much more money area schools were going to receive. While it is always welcomed to receive more money it first should be noted that more money is not the answer to many of the problems of education. The facts are, however, that it does take more money to accomplish many of the goals of the Prescott School District. But the lack of increased funding will not deter this district from making those changes that are needed and can be done without additional funds.

The Governor was quoted as saying several districts in Arkansas were going to receive an increase in state funding of more than 100%. THIS IS NOT TRUE! There is not enough space in this column to adequately explain the new funding formula that takes effect next school year. Additionally, the same complicated reasons distort the funding picture for the Prescott School District. Yes, it is true that next school year the district is suppose to receive $3,903.87 per child in state and local funding. However, the Prescott School District historically collects ONLY 82% to 85% of local taxes. The calculations in the Governor's news release assumes a collection rate of 98%. Therefore, the district will not collect the dollars as projected and reported by the Governor. Based on the reported increase of revenue per student for Prescott as being $193.46, and Prescott's Average Daily Membership (ADM) of 1144.97 students, Prescott is suppose to receive an additional $221,505.89 for next school year. At the February school board meeting the board specifically addressed the funding issue with the staff. At that time it was projected the district would receive over $3.6 million in state aid for 96/97 school year. The amount now is some $42,000 less, not more! The current amount of $3.591 million should provide the district an increase of about $128,000 over 95/96 school year, not $221,000 as reported by the Governor. If, and this is a big word, if there is a change in special education funding, as has been rumored, Prescott School District could pick up an additional $85,000 in available funds to use for operational expenses.

While the district appreciates any and all additional funds it should be noted that most government moneys come with lots of strings attached. No exception here. The new funding formula has included a new minimum teacher salary schedule. To adopt the schedule in its entirety will cost the Prescott School District an additional $184,000 for the next year alone if adopted in its entirety. The district is allowed to phase in the schedule over a nine year period. It is the desire and the intent of the board to try its best to accomplish this over the next school year. This is the board's and administration's attempt to get the Prescott salary schedule more in line with the other area schools.

One cannot discuss money for the Prescott School District without touching on the April fire. All is going well at this point. We will be spending more money than the insurance company will pay us. Several areas had to be upgraded to meet new code requirements that were not in effect when the building was built. These additional costs are adding up. It looks as though the architect will have some plans to look at soon. Hopefully, solicitation for bids will be shortly thereafter and construction can begin before school starts in August. The renovation of the west wing of classrooms is near completion and will be fully available for next school year.

As always, your school board is eager to hear from you. It is during these one-on-one encounters that complicated issues, such as the funding formula, can be discussed. If you have any clout with your local state elected officials, please ask them to make the funding formula at least understandable by the average citizen. Now, there are only a handful of people in all of Arkansas that can understand this jibberish. It is too complicated, and it is your tax dollars.