The impact of declining enrollment and inadequate state funding became real and personal Monday night when the USD 410 Board of Education opted to reduce an anticipated budget shortfall by eliminating three staff positions: activities director, district administrative assistant and vehicle mechanic. Those tasks will be absorbed?theoretically, at least?by continuing staff members who already have full workloads. Additional strategies are being considered, too. On the one hand, we need a local, coordinated effort to increase population and school enrollment?a daunting and long-term strategy. On the other hand, now is the time for all citizens who care about our collective future to aggressively challenge state lawmakers to restore K-12 funding to respon?sible levels. ?DR
Real and personal
