There is a need for communication between the administration, along with the school board, of the Mid Prairie School District and the parents and taxpayers.

The failure to pass the Instructional Support Levy proves that the people of this district have either chosen to be uninformed of the desperate financial situation that will cause our children to suffer far more then missed bus trips or perhaps many people were not aware of the need that has been increasing over the last decade.

If the levy had passed, our district would still remain $0.11 below the average Iowa property tax. We have a more expansive district and our older busses travel greater distances then nearly all others. This demonstrates the trend that has caused our current state of financial distress.

During the school board meeting on the eve of the levy vote (which was not particularly well attended) we learned from Treasurer Doug Slaubaugh that the passage of the levy would in fact only begin to remedy our needs. Tracy Anderson commented that, "Absolutely, the children are the ones who will suffer." Other board members expressed their regret for not communicating the true situation to the public which they serve.

I understand that the board does not except every recommendation from the administration but I feel very strongly that had they verbalized their unified support for the need of this levy, the community would not have been confused and would have responded positively.

They have committed to investigate ways to effectively communicate with us in the future.

The 25% cuts in support staff, including bus drivers, (which directly effects the safety of our children) are only the beginning.

I challenge the Mid Prairie school board to do the right thing and overturn the vote in the next few months when the opportunity arrives. This is very difficult for them because they may all be voted out of position directly after they are forced to make this decision. This is very sad to me because I saw a group of very committed people who care deeply about education and are now in an extremely difficult situation.

I am ashamed and concerned that our community has chosen distrust and finger pointing at the administration over facts and a school board working hard to provide a healthy learning environment free of mold and roof leaks, and allow for our kindergarten children to receive the entire education nearly every other school district offers.

I challenge the taxpayers of our district to go to the meetings, hear and see the truth and make the necessary choices for the future.

Sincerely,

Cherie Rhodes