The Manhattan Ogden USD 383 school board is one step closer to possibly conducting a mail ballot election to increase their location option budget authority by 3%. The board currently has an LOB of 30%.
Other Kansas school districts have explored this option this year, including USD 384 Blue Valley Randolph, to increase their revenue.
A few concerns were raised by board members during the discussion at Wednesday night’s board meeting. Board member, Darell Edie stated, “it’s appalling to me that it’s going to cost two teacher salaries to get this out there. I think that’s fundamentally wrong”. This statement was made in reference to the estimated $88,250 it would take to conduct the mail ballot election through the Riley County Clerk’s office.
Board member, Marcia Rozell shared her concerns with spending that chunk of money to commit to an election, and then having the possibility of the legislature change LOB regulations later. Director of Business Services, Lew Faust did say unfortunately the money would not be given back to the school board in the event of a changed decision in the legislature. He said once the board commits to the election, “it’s pretty much a done deal” to move forward with it.
Several board members commented that they felt there is no other choice. Board member, Aaron Estabrook recommended that they talk to Blue Valley Randolph about their recent mail ballot election experience, as they had 60% voter turnout-which Estabrook found impressive.
In the end, the board did approve the item unanimously on first reading. A special meeting will be conducted next week in order to vote on the item again.
