School Boards Gone Wild!

I'm sure many of you are aware of the videos of "Girls Gone Wild". These are videos of young women on spring breaks, who after drinking voluminous amounts of alcohol, release their inhibitions and exhibit behavior which their parents most certainly disapprove. When the girls sober up, see the videos, many of them are aghast and remorseful. I'm wondering if many of the school districts around the country are in a financial drunken stupor.

I read an American Thinker posting today and realized poor spending decisions are being made by school boards across the nation, not just here in Missouri. We blogged a couple of days ago about the two bond proposals the Kirkwood School District will place before voters in November and you can find here:

http://missourieducationwatchdog.blogspot.com/2010/07/is-this-school-board-of-facilitators-or.html

The basic arguments against these proposals are: we don't need them (especially in a time of a severe recession and high unemployment) and the Board should have exercised its duty to protect the financial health of the district, not bow to special interests. If you watched the video with the original blog, you probably will have noted the members believed these proposals will provide educational importance.

Let's read what's happening in the LA school system:

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/07/form_and_unions_trump_students.html

This school district looks like the Kirkwood School District on steroids. Three newly constructed schools are facing cost overruns for a total cost of $578,000,000.00. For three schools with a population of just less than Kirkwood District, it is no wonder citizens may not be pleased with the fiduciary decisions of this Board.

The Kirkwood School District does not have the same problems as the LA district, which has a high poverty rate and high teacher turnover. The question germane to both districts is "what is the wise use of taxpayer funds"? The argument raised by the author is the money in LA should be spent on teachers:

"So what is most important in the education of our children? The LA times writes: ...a building doesn't drive academic progress. New campuses are sprouting like weeds in parts of Los Angeles where student test scores are still stuck in the mud. It's no secret that the most important factor in student success is an excellent teacher."

Even the LA Times doesn't buy the argument students need the finest physical environment for optimum learning. The author continues:

"And talk to the kids who beat the odds, who rise from tough circumstances and head to college. They won't thank the skylights or the curving stair walls or the pricey garage. They'll tell you about the teachers who turned them on to poetry, demystified geometry, made history come alive."

I agree. In Kirkwood District's case, the students won't care about an aquatic center, astroturfed sports fields, or the fact they may not have attended kindergarten at their home elementary school. They will thank their teachers, who, according to our district, are some of the finest in the area. They are highly paid, as they received 4.5% raises each year over the last two years in this recession. I expect the district will ask for a higher operating levy to raise their salaries again this year. Combine that with the need to also raise taxes to pay for the maintenance and staffing for the new additions, and we'll be in a financial nightmare. This is occurring in the era of approximately 10% unemployment, with financial experts believing the real unemployment numbers are closer to 17%.

Don't spend of millions of taxpayer dollars that will not impact the test scores of our students. We don't need to be a miniature version of the LA school debacle. Watch your own district to be sure it doesn't follow LA's lead. Steer your district away from the drinking parties and tell them to sober up.

Is This a School Board of Facilitators or Reformers?

Even if you are not a taxpayer in the Kirkwood School District, read this posting. You need to watch your own district to determine its transparency and fiduciary responsibility to all its citizens.

I attended a spirited Kirkwood School Board meeting Monday night, July 19. The school board was to decide on whether to place two bond proposals before the voters. The public was invited before the meeting began to make comments. The room was full, extra chairs were brought in, and citizens talked about their concerns and/or opinions about the proposals. Ten people spoke in opposition to both proposals, two people were in favor of these proposals, and one taxpayer was in support of one, but not the other.

You can access the bond language here:

http://kirkwoodschools.org/community/proposals/


One is a $33 Million bond for school additions and improvements, the other is for a $15 Million bond for an aquatic center and other athletic improvements. Note the language explaining the bond proposals: "The two ballot proposals address facility issues and are a response to the following immediate needs of the district's long-range facilities plan". What is so immediate about enormous expansions at elementary schools and a swimming pool for a district that projects a flat enrollment over the next few years?


Many taxpayers may think supporting this bond issue is a good idea as they might agree with the all day kindergarten concept. Kirkwood presently has room for 1/2 day kindergartners, but there is not adequate room for full day enrollment for all students. What these same taxpayers may not realize is this proposal is not just for constructing new kindergarten rooms. The first bond proposal expands ALL classroom grades and gymnasiums. Upon visual review of the proposed master plan drawing, three elementary schools appear to almost double in size. However, the population of school children in the Kirkwood School District is not increasing. (It has stayed at a 5,000 enrollment level for the last decade). Why do we need these large schools for an area that is landlocked and thoroughly developed?

We will be writing about the district over the next several months, asking questions about the proposals themselves and the bond language used. What is NOT in the language of the proposals is as important as what IS contained in the proposals. Today, however, I want to focus on the nature, responsibility and conduct of the Kirkwood School District Board.

What IS the function of a school board? The language from the district's site states: "As elected representatives of the citizens of the Kirkwood School District, the seven-member Board of Education serves as the governing body for the community's public school system. The school board sets district policies, selects the superintendent of schools, adopts the annual budget, and determines the tax rate". The board is in charge, as the governing body for the schools, to approve ballot language for bond proposals.

Why would some taxpayers raise objections with these current bond proposals set forth by the Kirkwood School Board? We can't afford them (this District has experienced doubled tax revenues and spending the last 10 years), and they are luxuries, not needs (the half day kindergarten requirement mandated by the state is currently being met and the swim team practices at the nearby junior college). After listening to the Board give its reasons to support these proposals, I believe in this instance, it did not made a sound business and educational decision.

The majority of the taxpayers who appeared to make comments were against both proposals. After public comment, the Board made its decision. The superintendent had a prepared speech, he thanked everyone for their comments, and informed us the Board was approving both proposals to be placed on the ballot. We were thanked for our opinions, emails, phone calls, etc., but the message was apparent: the decision to approval the proposals was predetermined. This was our only public venue to voice our opinion, and while we were welcomed, our words were inconsequential to the outcome.

You can access the video below of the members' statements and separate videos may be posted at a later date of citizens' remarks. (An aside, a video such as this will be the only accurate record of your participation in a Kirkwood school board meeting. While your name will be listed as making a comment in the minutes, the content of your remarks , whether pro or con on an issue, are not documented. Citizen comments are not documented as they are not part of the public record. The meeting has not been officially called to order, so it is not legally necessary to record what citizens say).

http://vimeo.com/13526299

Reviewing what the members said about their decision raises some interesting thoughts and questions. One member stated that "significant people in the community have been asking" the Board to bring this to a vote. According to the members, there has been continuous work on the facilities plan over many, many years. According to the members, this has been an ongoing process and it would appear intense pressure has been placed on this board for all day kindergarten and a swimming pool.

One member stated, "We are responding to the needs of our kids and wants of some taxpayers...we all share the same financial concerns you have...we are not robber barons out there spending money we don't have or try to be irresponsible...we really try hard". I would like to point out some troubling facts on spending money we don't have: the district is currently deficit spending from the operating fund, of which 80% supports teacher salaries and benefits. Next comes the question of responsible governance: supporting and allowing a vote on a huge expansion in a recession with a stagnant pupil population; does that seem like a sound business decision?

One member stated that he "struggled to support Proposal 2". He believes the "timing is difficult" and the question arises, "why now"? He believes there are benefits from all day kindergarten, and the low financing we can receive today would mean it would be cheaper for present day construction. He supports these proposals because they are "long term benefits" in "short term" economic pains. He makes good points that construction would be cheaper in today's market; however, if we are dipping deeper into our reserves (which we are) to meet budget, why is the Board presenting proposals to the voters which will keep them in debt? How does this school member know we are in a short term poor economic situation? Viewing the latest economic reports, it seems the US will not emerge from this recession for several more years. Our national debt is now in the trillions and we will find it difficult in the years to come to settle THIS debt, much less another local debt.

I would also like to see the reports the district uses regarding the definitive benefits to all day kindergarten. Again, look on the Internet. You will find reports on the pros and cons of each viewpoint. Each side can make good arguments. But even, as stated above, if a taxpayer believes all day kindergarten is desirable, Bond Proposal 1 goes far beyond constructing new kindergarten space.

I understand groups placing pressure on boards for their wishes and desires. I realize certain groups hold sway because of financial support they provide the district. However, the Board should remember its fiduciary responsibility for all Kirkwood taxpayers. This "group" the board kept referring to apparently kept asking for improvements and additions. One member stated that "this proposal that's coming before us tonight didn't originate with the School Board. The proposal originated with a group of community members and parents and school district leadership. This district has a long-term facility plan; this Board is responsible to update and try to fund...the pool has never been on the ballot...it is time to decide." The Board wants to put it to rest, "thumbs up, thumbs down" once and for all.

Does the Board represent a certain group or does it represent what is in the best interest of ALL the citizens? I appreciate the political process and a group wanting to place an issue on the ballot. However, in this economic turmoil and no student growth, these issues should never have been brought to the voters. Who is this "group" the Board keeps referring to in its statements?

The Board wants us to believe it is protecting democratic process by letting the voters decide this issue once and for all. Could the exasperation the members demonstrated be designed to lead us to believe they are being fair? I am certain the members are exasperated. But that is not the issue at hand. The board is washing its hands of the decision making process it is charged to perform as a governmental body. It is financially irresponsible for this board to place these proposals on the ballot at this time. What has not been said by the Board is...when big money is behind a ballot initiative, it is difficult to defeat. The taxpayers AT LARGE depend on their elected officials to make reasoned and sound decisions, NOT decisions made to appease those who have become impatient because long term wants (not needs) have not become realities.

The Kirkwood School board members should be reformers, NOT facilitators. We are facing turbulent times in uncharted waters and we need reformers who will protect the interest of ALL taxpayers, instead of facilitating the wishes for a certain segment of the population.

The Tempest in the Teapot

Many thanks to Keith Williams of Kirkwood for passing this information to me and others in the Kirkwood School District. Keith put out an email last week informing readers about the $48 Million bond proposal to be presented at the Board meeting Monday night, July 19. Many questions from taxpayers have ensued as to the necessity of an aquatic center, new kindergarten rooms and a track at a middle school.

Will the district listen to these comments? Will the board turn a deaf ear to the citizens? Will the board learn to differentiate between necessities and luxuries?

There appears to be a disconnect between reality and fantasy, not only in DC, but also in the halls of the Kirkwood School District. Read these emails carefully. The frustration is great and the elected leaders need to listen.

Kmail

Kmail@KmailNews.com

Hello again, Kmailers 14 July 2010

Last week my sarcastic musings about the gigantic bond issue that the Kirkwood School Board wants to float sure hit a raw nerve with most of you readers. Kmail got 3 cancellations and a boat load of great Emails in return. I asked for your opinions and you kindly offered them in quantity! I can only hope the School Board reads this Kmail, they might learn what Kirkwood is telling them in no uncertain terms. Pasted below you will find 20 or 30 of your more interesting letters. ( including cancellations) Draw your own conclusions. I've got plenty more, but I think you get the idea of what most Kmailers are thinking would be wise for the School Board to do..

Sadly, I received not one single opinion pointing out why or how Kirkwood and our school kids' education will benefit from this gross spending spree for a non-essential wish list of useless "educational" goodies. Just spend, spend spend on anything handy.

What kind of lesson are we teaching our ourselves? The Kirkwood School District has basically paid off one of its credit cards, and it wants to go on a new spending spree? Let's make do with what we have for a while instead of buying shiny new useless things on credit.

By the way, I see where the Board has issued a clarification on the "free" Kindergarten pitch. Parents will continue to have to pay tuition for full day kindergarten, so nothing has really changed, except that everyone's taxes will go up. If the Kindergarten parent thinks they will now get "free" all day kindergarten they have been sadly misled.

Additionally, there has been nary a peep of the need for the operating funds that will be required next year, nor of increased maintenance and technology expenses associated with expansion of the physical facilities. Enrollment has not substantially increased in the last ten years, tax collections have nearly doubled.

Hang on to your wallets, your children, and your homestead Kirkwood, the school board wants to mortgage them all.

Kmail policy is NOT to print the name of the originator of a response unless given permission by the writer.

Keith Williams for Kmail

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Please take us off your email list at once. We agree with nothing you have said, nor do the large majority of our friends, neighbors and colleagues in Kirkwood. Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. W Family +++++++++++++

Wow, I didn't really need to read past the first couple paragraphs. This sums up everything that is wrong with the way governments on all levels view tax revenue. Frustrating, depressing, absurd. How can I help?

Steve

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Keith, THANK YOU! This is exactly what I was thinking. I was already peeved a couple of months ago when I read they were spending $330,000 on a new awning by the Dougherty Ferry school entrance, so students don't have to stand in the rain. Three hundred thirty thousand dollars! You can buy a very nice Kirkwood house for that, and this is just a roof! How about we save some money and just buy all the students gold-plated umbrellas?

You are correct, there is no semblance of fiscal responsibility in the district. Astroturf is absolutely unnecessary. I'm sure they will claim it's to save on maintenance of the grass, but we all know that several years down the road we will need to "maintain" the astroturf by replacing it, just as we had to replace the all-weather track about five years after it was installed, and are now replacing it again.

I like sports as much as the next guy, but this is not the mandate that our school district was created to serve. I am currently looking to move, and have so far been looking in Kirkwood, but if it looks like this is going to pass, I will expand my search to the neighboring suburbs. Thanks again -- I'm glad to know I'm not the only taxpayer who's feeling fed up with the big spenders. E M

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Keith, You would think the Realtors in town would be livid. This just has to chill the market. kp

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Sir,

You are not thinking big enough. Kirkwood needs to raze the entire high school complex (rebuild a stat-of-the art high school somewhere else), buy out some adjoining properties and build a giant lake so we can have a KHS Yachting Team. I want maximum bang for my buck!!!! JC

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Keith Our home tax doubled during 2002 and 2009 (100% increase).Our tax acceleration exceeds that of one of the premier, wealthiest counties outside of California! James

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Keith, Hang in there! I certainly agree with you. bt

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I can't tell where in your editorial the sarcasm ends and the facts about what the Board actually either wants to do or is just considering begins. So I can't trust any of it. Just the cold hard facts and letting the reader make up his own mind would make your piece more powerful. js

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Keith Has anyone looked @ these board members personal credit scores?Don't know about you but I treat my business spending with the same principals I run my personal finances. Who are they to frivolously spend OUR hard saved cash! D M

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Don't be fooled! Voters, they are playing games with the aquacenter prop. They bet you will say yes to kindergarten improvement , since it's kind of free, and be satisfied saying no th the nutty prop. The kindergarten is prop is not frre. It's a brand new "home improvement loan" with the staffing expense undisclosed at this time. Be a little indignant at this devious approach. DS

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I saw in theWebster-Kirkwood Times this past Friday a picture of 9 female high schoolers from Kirkwood High who had traveled to France for spring break. PARIS, FOR SPRING BREAK. If the parents can send them to Paris, they should be able to raise the money for the new sports facility they think their children deserve to have at taxpayer expense. GC

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I as one vote concur with you. Can't not see our Kirkwood elected officials finding ways to spend money with the economy unstable as it has been. If the student population is shrinking as well then they need to re think ways to conserve monies not spend. LW

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Great thoughts, thanks for the information. The community needs to get a look into this and be prepared to get the vote out in opposition. With this bond issue, how much has this school district achieve from their original $100 million request several years ago? I bet we are about the same point, KPS just sliced it up to shove it down our throughts. RR

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Thank you, thank you Keith. You are on a roll; that is enough information for everyone to join in the fight with vigor c l

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First of all I am embarrassed that I was not aware of the school boards request for/and proposed use of these funds. If what you are describing is true then I totally agree that we need to stick to educational necessities for near, and possibly, the long term. I have been a resident of Kirkwood for about 50 years and even though I sent my kids to private schools I always supported the Kirkwood school district when my vote was needed to raise taxes. However, this request is out of line and at least for now, I can't and won't support it. Yours Truly, P

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A beautiful piece of sarcasm! I enjoyed reading it, and am inclined to agree with you. BTW, my faith in the democratic process was renewed recently when I toured the redone Kirkwood Public Library. Though I was sorely disappointed when the first tax and bond issues failed so badly, I now see that a more modest redo of the old was the right course of action. Separately, I would be interested to hear your take on the state of the Historical Society, and the Save Mudds' Grove campaign. cr.

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Keith, thanks for the update. You are so right on! Who is paying for the new astro turf state of art drainage football field with a tunnel to the locker rooms? I heard it was the Pioneer Booster, Kirkwood school district foundation, and US? I am really disappointed if the KSDF is using their funds for this project. In the past they only used funds contributed by me and other parents and alums to fund educational in the classroom or teacher student activities. If they are contributing to this football field then no more money from me.

'As you probably know we have also ended up with the highest paid suburban school district Superintendent. It's not his fault. Dr. Dameral whined every year for more and more salary and bonus . Now we have a Superintendent of a fairly small district making top income. You should check this out. My complaint on the board was always that the Superintendent and Admin people's salaries were getting out of line with teacher salaries. People on there are now are in their third or fourth terms. We need new blood on the board for a new focus. This group has got to go. They are out of touch with the real Kirkwood. pb

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Is there anyone in town supporting this besides the School Board ? eww

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Thanks Keith, I need to read this more closely, but I can tell you, as a parent of a Kindergartener, adding full day Kindergarten for all kids sounds like a good idea to me. I thought it was crazy I had to pay out of pocket for Kindergarten in such a highly regarded district. I do wish that was separated from the "aquatic center", which I'm not sure I'd support at this time.Food for thought. Thanks again, Matt

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I'm interested in the issues that arise in Kirkwood. I think K-mail is an invaluable resource to bring that news to our citizens. And okay, I'll even listen to your lengthy opinion on the topics--it is afterall YOUR newsletter and I value hearing every side to the story before making up my own mind. But is there anyway we could get the same important information without the tedious "comedy" routine? It is unbelievably tiresome and annoying beyond words to even get through your beleaguered messages at times--even when I may fully agree with your stance. Sir, with all due respect, you are no Oscar Wilde. Leave the "ranting-old-man-who-thinks-he-is-witty routine" to the stand-up comedians and pass on the worthwhile topics with any related intelligent thoughts to your interested audience without grating on their nerves to the point of distraction.

-RJG

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Amen Mr. Williams! Thanks again for making me smile with your satirical and poignant prose! DP

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Thank you Keith: It's about time someone speaks out about the rising taxes in Kirkwood. I am a senior citizen and have lived in Kirkwood since 1971. It is becoming increasingly hard for me to justify staying here with the laws, bans and taxes that Kirkwood keeps implementing. The school taxes are out of hand. If the parents of the children attending Kirkwood schools feel that their kids "need" these amenities, let them pay for them. That's what we do in private schools.What can we do to stop this from even getting on the ballot since Kirkwoodians seem to approve every tax increase. I wonder, if like the government, they even read or understand the issues before they vote.A concerned Kirkwood citizen. gc

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We agree with you 100%. We suggest that you make a list of names that also agree and submit to the Board. This e-mail gives you permission to use ours.Thanks,E +L B

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Keith – Thanks again for an informative letter. I must say that I was shocked to find out some of the ways our tax dollars are considering being spent by Kirkwood. The last time I checked we were in a major recession. I agree that we should see how the artificial turf on the football field works out before additional projects are started.

Quite honestly I don't understand why the decision was made to change the field to astro turf at the high school. I was under the impression that the "natural" turf was the better choice. It definitely is much more attractive. And considering that Kirkwood prides itself on how environmentally friendly we are, why would we want to "slap down" the synthetic stuff. It reminds me of a line from Joni Mitchell's great song "Big Yellow Taxi" which echoes my sentiments about so much that is happening here in our fair town…"paved paradise and put up a parking lot…you don't know what you've got til its gone!" Sue

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As long term residents of Kirkwood, we protest the proposed bond issue in the strongest way possible. We, the propery owners affected are now taxed to the hilt; Now facing the joy of a tax reduction which you propose to steal from us by unfounded, luxury projects is an insult.Certainly you all cannot be so far out of touch as to persist in this, and expect to continue holding those impregnable seats of taxing authority. jj

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Did anyone happen to notice that Des Peres and Kirkwood sales taxes also went up the first of July? Was that the new metro tax we voted on? And I did find out the other tax increase we had was for the 911 updates. Plus the Kirkwood library tax is now on my bill - that was the only increase on our personal property tax this year.

A former CFO for the school board had an interesting letter to the editor in last weekend's Post - he didn't seem to be in favor of the bond issue! Wish I could remember his name. And my papers are recycled already.sp

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Kieth,I'm with you. Not needed. I will vote NO

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BRAVO!!!!! I'm behind you, no along side of you on this issue.
I guess the school board must think Kirkwood is recession proof? WRONG, I cannot afford more taxes for anything. kate

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I moved from Kirkwood in February '09 (didn't want to, but that's a different story) and tried like crazy to orchestrate a way back (my offices are there; loved the micro-commute!) UNTIL I started reading all this K-Mail, and other sources, reporting the goings-on in my previously beloved Kirkwood. I was fairly vocal about the absurd request to change Rifle Range Drive to something PC....OMG. So this report of $$ shenanigans by the school board sealed the deal for me. I'll buy a house in some other zip code.Your opinions expressed in this e-mail mirror my own....and people wonder what's wrong IN America???? As if the shenanigans in the White House weren't enough..... red B

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Thanks for the the e-mails, Keith, I read them all. I can`t believe that at this time, that the school board could possibly consider this type of spending. Less stop this before it happens, by attending the school board meeting, scheduled for the 19TH, and voice our opinons. Bob

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Thanks for a great email! I am with you ALL the way. jm

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I agree . BigH

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The theatre of the absurd: Bond proposals from the Kirkwood School District in a recession

The email below is from a watchdog in Kirkwood. The School Board is proposing a $48 million bond issue; $15 Million would go for an aquatic center, and $33 Million is earmarked for creating kindergarten space, plus a new track at a middle school. You may read the proposals from the district's website here:

http://kirkwoodschools.org/community/proposals/

Question: if these bond issues pass, where will the money come from to pay the new kindergarten teachers? Answer: The school district will most likely have to implement a higher operating levy to pay for the new bonds issued.

Translation: More new taxes on the heels of the highest Federal tax increase due to take effect in January 2011. WHAT IS THE KIRKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT THINKING?

You will have the chance to ask the Board at the next public meeting, Monday, July 19, 2010. District offices: 11289 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO....7:00 PM.

(ht to Keith Williams for his email below):
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Kmail Kmail@KmailNews.com 7 July 2010


Kmail Alert !!! Kirkwood News Flash !!!!

Have you heard the news? The Kirkwood School Board is on the verge of recommending that we borrow 48.3 million bucks! ( featuring improved sports facilities for our needy schools ) More detail on the good news later in this letter.

Isn't it wonderful? For the first time in years and years we have the very rare opportunity to lower property taxes without one iota of reduction in the quality of our premier Kirkwood educational programs ! But wait, why reduce property taxes for the next ten or twelve years when you can keep your yearly tax bill just as it is by spending a little more of your own money for something you really don't need?

Gee whiz, we only have 20/25 million dollars in our reserve fund so our credit card isn't maxed out just yet. Why not float some juicy new bond issues? Don't forget, how important it is to keep the county assessors office busy tinkering with your property assessments for years and years to come. Reduce your property taxes in this sinking economic environment? Why when you can spend, spend, spend. For what genuine useful purpose? Read on neighbor.

Everyone knows Kirkwood is recession proof, every household includes a millionaire with a dozen kids waiting in line to get educated. There is no tomorrow so why worry about today? Christmas won't be Christmas without the hefty new property tax bill due to be paid a few days later along with higher income and health taxes on tap for all of 2011.

Lucky you, Kirkwood home owner. The Board is considering new stadium type improvements for all our schools including Astro-Turf playgrounds, a swell new "aquatic" center for our deprived swim team , complete with additional waterproof class rooms. A nifty polo field for our equine students was considered but delayed until we can afford a Zamboni to handle both the Astroturf and road apples. Lots and lots of these vital just "gotta have" educational improvements in the bond issue hopper. Exciting, really exciting isn't it? Huh ?

In addition to the wondrous invisible improvements to our curriculum, we are all set to get permanent porta-potties for Webster football fans to use in Kirkwood every other year. These desperately needed educational improvements are featured in these carefully crafted plans for floating more school bonds in your sea of red Kirkwood ink. Your personalized name and address will be forever attached to the payment coupon.

All of these "educational" improvements can be installed for a mere 48 million dollars give or take a few million. It is pathetic that the Board has not included a single new book for the library. Will a couple of million dollars for things like books be coughed up later when the economy gets better or only when the board runs out of money for croquet balls?

Oh ! I forgot, because our total student enrollment has been shrinking of late, we will now get "free" new kindergarten rooms in all of our facilities. Darn, because of this pressing educational need, the cash required to install the Super-dome for Lyons Field has vanished. I guess we will just have to play football in the rain. These bonds are just what we need to make sure our kids education will be improved. Bravo!

Our savvy Board knows ACT/ SAT/ MAT scores will zoom upward when all these new facilities are installed and working. A new press box is certain to make our kids wiser. Test scores will undoubtedly soar. Surely Mizzou will embed a permanent football scout once we improve our press box to exceed national educational standards. Go Pioneers, go!!

How long will it take to turn out quality La Crosse players en-masse with only 48 million or so to spend? The World Cup is just a few dollars away from our grasp. Think of the savings in mowing costs when we get rid of that nasty grass. However, a hint of trouble is on the horizon. What is going to happen when the girls find out there will be no Kirkwood softball fields with pink Astroturf? Could it be that pink doesn't go well with the tanning salon wall coverings in the new aquatic center?

Meramec College pool will turn green with envy when the Kirkwood Swim teams abandons that shabby facility for our new Spartan addition to Kirkwood education excellence. Will the kindergarten kids float their rubber ducks at 10 AM or will learning how to splash be taught between water science projects in the brand new diving board TV conference room?

Oh well, maybe the School Board can squeeze a curling rink into this tight budget to help the non swimmers improve their mathematics scores. What a bargain, this lovely new pool for the swim team can be had for only five or six hundred thousand dollars per team member. Such a bargain. I can't wait to fund it, can you ?

All of these "fixes" to our sub-standard Kirkwood education will certainly impress the college entrance exam boards. All this just in time so you may mortgage your house to pay for your kids' college tuition. What is that you say? Frontenac and Ladue property tax rates are lower than Kirkwood? I can't imagine why, can you? Their school grounds and buildings must be substandard.

How about getting a firm grip on the run-a-way projects you already have going , take a deep breath and see how the high school astro-turf works out. After that triumph you can rush headlong into massive debt for a nice pile of carpet remnants with everyone cheering you on.

My suggestion for the School Board? Leave tax payers and our schools alone for a year. Our Kirkwood educational world won't collapse. After all, the current fiscal foundation you have built is solid and solvent you keep telling me. When the time comes that you really need something that would improve our kids' education, Kirkwood has never failed to provide.

All of these wild, wild spending plans come to a boil when the school board meets July 19th. At that time the Board will vote to put these multi million dollar bond issues on the November ballot or not. Why not put this stew pot of projects on the back burner and let them simmer for awhile?

It would not be the end of Kirkwood education as we know it if the Board were to give some additional study to all of these issues before trying to obligate Kirkwood to this massive new unnecessary debt.

How about it Kirkwood? Do I stand alone? I'd love to hear your opinion, perhaps the Board would too.

Keith Williams for Kmail and Kirkwood

A Missouri school district behaving fiscally responsible!

I enjoy finding tidbits such as this:

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1647952.html

What's the secret? How did the Cape Girardeau School Board accomplish such a feat without raising taxes? It presented a balanced budget, which entailed salary freezes, fewer positions and other cutbacks.

As the old advertising saying goes, "watch this space". We'll be chronicling the bond proposals the Kirkwood District is suggesting to the voters. The Board is requesting bonds totalling $48 MILLION to build an aquatic center ($15 Million), and the physical expansion for kindergarten spaces and other construction ($33 Million) in the midst of a severe recession.

This is a district with a 5,000 student population. This is a district which gave 4.5% raises to its teachers the last two years. This is a district that chose to astroturf its football field.

It would appear the Cape Girardeau School Board understands its educational and fiduciary responsibilities. We'll be investigating why the Kirkwood School Board doesn't follow in the Cape's footsteps.