Good afternoon.   Listed below are some of the latest rumors that have been brought to our attention and what is actually happening in regards to each of those rumors.  Thanks for your suggested items for Rumor Control #5.    Good rumors are always appreciated!

1.   KG Location in 2010-11.   The BOE approved in February a Building Reconfiguration Plan that included a 7-12 Building at the current CCHS, a 1-6 Building at the current CCMS and KG / District Offices at the current CCES.  In response to that decision, the teams then began planning for schedules, assignments and services at those three locations.  In doing so and in conjunction with ongoing efforts to move the local preschool to the old CCES site, it became obvious that having the KG at the old CCES site was a scheduling nightmare (meals, transportation, special education services and shared teachers) as well as making a possible preschool move to that location even that much more difficult.     In response to those concerns the team looked at other options for the KG youngsters in 2010-11.   Mr. Talkington was able to free up the needed KG classroom space at the CCMS site without hurting other classes in that building and arrangements are being made to provide the computer resources that were previously planned for that KG classroom space.  In response to those accommodations and to do what is best for our KG students, Jay and I will recommend on 4/5/10 that KG be housed at the current CCMS building in 2010-11.    Since the original reconfiguration plan was approved by the BOE, this change to that approved plan will also require the approval of the Board on 4/5/10.      This is a pending BOE decision.

2.   City Student Transport in 2010-11.    If the BOE approves a K-6 Building in Strong City or if they decide to stay with a 1-6 Building, we will need to decide how we are going to transport those elementary students in Cottonwood Falls who previously were able to walk to school with transportation to their elementary school in Strong City.    Conversely, those 7-8 students who live in Strong City will now need transport to the 7-12 Building in CWF.   This need was discussed in detail at this morning’s transportation meeting and plans are being formulated to provide this transport as needed.   We are not sure exactly how it will be done but this transport could be done via a “shuttle bus” driven by one of our C-M Workers who are all required to have and maintain a CDL license or from existing pickup points.     More details to follow when decisions are made and suggestions are always appreciated.

3.  Teacher Assignments for 2010-11.    All teachers in USD 284 have now been told what their teaching assignments will or will not be in 2010-11.   The BOE previously approved a teacher staffing reduction from the current 36.0 FTE (Full Time Equivalency) to 32.0 FTE.    The five current teachers needed to accomplish that 4.0 FTE reduction and who will be recommended for non-renewal or reduction in force (RIF) on 4/5/10 have all been personally notified.    The 4/5/10 BOE Meeting Agenda will be released next Friday and it will include the names of those teachers who will be recommended for non-renewal or reduction in force actions.  

4.  Graduation Requirements.    There is another rumor going around that our seniors in 2010-11 will not be able to get enough credits to graduate.   As with most rumors, this rumor is based on negativity not fact.   The BOE recently approved a 7-Period Class Schedule for CCJSHS (Chase Count Junior-Senior High School) in 2010-11.   That change means in 4 years of high school, a HS student would be able to get 4 x 7 or 28 credits if they pass all their classes.   That is 4 less possible credits than the current 8-Block system which allows 4 x 8 or 32 total credits.   Mr. Ireland is well aware of this potential problem and has already worked with the district curriculum team (CCAT) to develop and recommend a revised Graduation Requirement total for the Class of 2011 and beyond.    This plan will be a 3-year “phase-in” revision and will be recommended to the BOE on 4/5/10.    Every high school student who makes a legitimate effort to meet Graduation Requirements and who has not gotten too far behind will be able to graduate.   Anyone who says otherwise is simply spreading an untrue rumor.     For details of the revised Graduation Requirement plan please contact John as needed.

5.  Instructional Time.    Still another rumor going around is that the approved 7-Period Class Schedule will mean less instruction time for students and thereby provide an “inferior” educational opportunity.  That is a true rumor only if we allow it to be true.   There is no doubt that the Block Schedule has some real advantages.   Among those advantages is the ability to provide differentiated learning activities in the longer class periods including time to do homework and work on projects as well as time for student instruction.   There is also no argument that the traditional 7-Period Day will not provide some of those extra opportunities but it should not negatively impact the amount of time actually spent instructing students.    How that plays out will be determined solely by the lesson plans and lessons of all affected teachers.   We have great teachers at CCJSHS and they will make sure each student is getting the instruction they need to be successful.   Whether you like or dislike the Block Schedule there is no doubt that a Block Schedule requires more teaching units to effectively staff.   Unfortunately, the current economic mess we find ourselves in just does not provide adequate state funding to fund those extra instructional resources.    Lots and lots of schools in Kansas including most of our neighboring school districts are coming to the sad conclusion that they just can no longer afford the Block Schedule.  We are one of those schools.   When (not if) the economic picture improves, we can always revisit the Block Schedule instruction option as needed.   Unfortunately, right now we just cannot afford it.  But, to say that kids will not be successful in the 7-Period Class Schedule is refuted by the many, many good and effective schools in Kansas currently on and thriving in that schedule and also a direct affront to the good and positive teachers who can and will make it work.   It is important to remember that this is all about the needs of our students. 

Once again, your active involvement in doing the best we can to address this current budget challenge in a positive and productive manner for kids is most appreciated and needed.   Change is upon us whether we want it to be or not.   Working together we can and will do what is best for kids.    Your ideas, comments and suggestions are always welcome.  We may not always agree but we will always listen.   Thank you. 

Greg M.