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Vote “yes” on Feb. 8 to ensure quality schools...
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Vote “yes” on Feb. 8 to ensure quality schools and community
January 22, 2011
By Guest Columnist;
Dr. Robert (Bud) Hertzog
It is no secret that the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District is the crown jewel of our community. Our outstanding local schools have long been a fundamental pillar in our community as well as the engine driving local growth and a positive business climate. Now, our schools have reached a turning point which is not only important for our students’ success but also the success of our community as a whole.
Throughout the past three years, the R-7 School District has tightened its belt with budget cuts totaling close to $30 million since 2008. The district has made difficult choices during this extensive cost-containment phase, shielding students from the budget reductions whenever possible.
But without your help, these budget cuts will be much more severe beginning with the next school year. A community team, including members of the R-7 Citizens’ Advisory Committee and PTA leaders, worked throughout last fall to develop recommendations for an additional $6 million in budget cuts over the next two years. Since these cuts are on top of the current budget reductions, they would have a more detrimental impact on our school district.
Also last fall, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommended a second choice for Lee’s Summit R-7 that would eliminate the need for these more drastic budget cuts. The group recommended that an 89-cent levy issue be placed on the Feb. 8 ballot to help keep our schools strong. I strongly believe that this levy is necessary for us to maintain and continue to offer high-quality education within Lee’s Summit R-7.
Last summer, CNN’s Money Magazine ranked Lee’s Summit 27th as one of the “Best Places to Live” among America’s small cities. The national magazine praised our community for its downtown development and housing market while especially focusing on the quality of the R-7 School District. “Perhaps the best thing the place has going for it is the excellent school system,” stated the article.
This type of national recognition is another example of how outstanding schools drive our quality of life and economic prosperity.
I would encourage you to examine the issues by visiting LSKids.org and join me in voting “yes” on Feb. 8. The levy issue is a fiscally responsible solution that will provide our schools with the relief they need while still ensuring that our school district continue to practice fiscal stewardship. Passage of the levy will ensure quality schools for our students for many years as well as stability for our local community and businesses.
Dr. Robert (Bud) Hertzog is a parent, grandparent and local business owner who has also served on both the Board of Education and Jackson County Legislature. In addition, he serves as treasurer of the Building Our Future Committee.
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