Smart Future Budgeting In An Uncertain Educational Future

Thank you De Soto Chamber of Commerce for hosting a candidate forum for the De Soto School board race. We have an awesome district!

It’s important to clarify my stance on important issues-starting with one of the biggest issues: our De Soto School District budget.

Federal level: There are plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education without dismantling the unfunded and underfunded mandates. Many of the departments have already been transferred to other Federal departments and many federal employees have been dismissed. At the same time they are pushing and funding School Choice policies. (Much more on School Choice in another post)
State level: Kansas is reorganizing early childhood (birth-K) programs to function within a newly formed Kansas Office of Early Childhood. They will be searching for efficiencies while also hiring a Director, four Deputy Directors, and accessory positions. Also on the horizon is a change in the local funding formula. This is being discussed within an Education Funding Task Force. The KS Department of Education’s Commissioner has retired and with a new Commissioner will come many changes in strategy and direction.
Local level: New housing developments tied to large business workforce will add many families with school age children. The housing development just north of Panasonic estimates 200 new students in Starside Elementary next school year.

That’s why we need smart budgeting to prepare for the changing educational future without cutting programs, classes, and departments.

I’m ready to partner with Dr. Gibson and the Board to plan wisely for the future.

In De Soto Board Position 4, I am uniquely qualified to be a fully contributing partner in whatever comes our way.

As a successful business owner I made smart budgeting decisions to keep the business successful.
As an elementary Academy builder I put all the processes and budgets in place. Built for success, the Academy is still overflowing and tremendously successful today with parents waiting all night at the door to enroll in any open class spots.
I gain valuable insight by attending the Kansas State Board of Education meetings in Topeka every month and many of the Kansas Educational Funding Task Force meetings in Topeka.

It would be an honor to earn your vote November 4th!

I’m also open to visit at a local coffee shop of your choice.