The board of education welcomes the opportunity to answer questions and address concerns raised by district patrons, and there is a process in place for this. It is disappointing that these patrons chose to purchase ads instead of calling us or addressing us at board meetings.

The audience forum at board meetings provides an avenue for district patrons to bring questions and concerns publicly before the board. Our board proceedings follow the audience forum policy established by the Kansas Association of School Boards. For clarification to patrons, the audience forum policy will be discussed in the May meeting.

Business and agenda items are openly discussed at board meetings. Board members do their homework in advance of the meetings, including researching facts and information, and clarifying their questions and concerns with the superintendent. This preparation is important in order to make informed decisions that positively affect education, employment and fiscal responsibility in the district.

We would be happy to answer these questions for the “Concerned Parents of USD 458” if we knew to whom to address them. Instead of hiding behind an anonymous ad, we encourage these patrons to present their questions and concerns at our next meeting on May 15. For your convenience, you may submit them in advance to Cheryl Clark, the board clerk. Please call her at 724-1396 to obtain information and the submission form.

Education is moving forward in this district. We continually improve the quality of education our children are receiving, and the quality of our teaching and administration staffs. Our board of education is committed to this. Growth and progress, and the change necessitated with it, can be difficult at times but we must adapt or be left behind. In today’s world, what was good enough even two years ago is not good enough today for our children.

It is important that district patrons continue to support our children and their education. One of the ways this can be done in the immediate future is to vote “yes” on May 9 for the continuation of the capital outlay fund. This fund is crucial for our district. If you have questions about capital outlay or the election on May 9, please call Cheryl Clark at the board office.

Thank you to the district patrons who support education.

Kerry Mueller, president, Randy Cunningham, vice president, and the board.