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2009 SENATE EDUCATION
SB 2341
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2009 SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES
Bill/Resolution No. 2341
Senate Education Committee
? Check here for Conference Committee
Hearing Date: February 10, 2009
Recorder Job Number: 9054,
Committee Clerk Signature
Minutes:
Chairman Freborg opened the hearing on SB 2341. All members were present.
Senator Krebsbach introduced the bill. She is a product of a small school, she had 7 kids in
her class until 8th grade. The smaller schools provide a good quality education but the larger
school districts provide more opportunity. The bill does not close graded elementary schools,
that rumor has been spreading wildly. They would only close if they aren't viable. She wants
to have the discussion without the emotions. The bill would not take effect until 2013, it is in
the interest of the students to create a K-12 system throughout the state and to create fair
taxation for school districts.
Senator Freborg said the bill does not close schools, but the host district could close the
school if they choose.
Senator Krebsbach said that is correct but she thinks a host district in all fairness to the other
district would give good strong consideration to keeping the school open. Also, in their district,
they would not have room to absorb the new students into their existing school buildings.
Senator Freborg said he agrees, he doubts most of them would be closed.
Senator Krebsbach said she knows there are people who would like to be here from both sides
I of the issue but can't today because of the weather. She knows the bill creates some difficulty
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Senate Education Committee
Bill/Resolution No. 2341
Hearing Date: February 10, 2009
for some school districts but sometime down the road they will be facing this issue, the time to
plan is now.
Representative Matt Klein, testified in favor of the bill. We have seen this bill a number of
times. We must consider what is best in the long term for the students. Minot incorporated
Bell School last year and it worked very well. There are still more graded elementarles around
Williston and Minot. They should join a high school district.
Senator Seymour testified in favor of the bill. This will create a better education system in
North Dakota. It is an opportunity bill for K-12 students. It creates K-12 synergy. He
distributed testimony from Rich Solberg, an elementary principal in Minot (attached)
Wayne Sanstead, State Superintendent, testified in favor of the bill. See written testimony.
Senator Freborg asked if this bill doesn't pass, should tuition be raised to level the playing
_*4^ field.
Wayne Sanstead said minimum state tuition would be a step in the right direction.
Karen Kautzmann, Burleigh/Morton County Superintendent of Schools, testified against the
bill. See written testimony.
Wayne Levang, Executive Director, North Dakota Small Organized Schools, testified against
the bill. See written testimony.
Senator Flakoll asked if there was any educational reduction when Bell School joined the Minot
School District.
Wayne Levang said according to the news, no. Nothing was added either. The middle school
students go to Minot. The Bell School situation was a local decision.
Bev Nielson, North Dakota School Board Association, testified against the bill. They have a
long standing resolution in opposition. The destiny of a district should be a local decision.
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Senate Education Committee
Bill/Resolution No. 2341
Hearing Date: February 10, 2009
Dan Stewart, a Grant County rancher, testified against the bill. He is on the school board for
the Carson School, he ¡s a county commissioner but he is testifying as a dad. The language in
the bill is gray. He doesn't know if their district is a K- 12 district or not. They have a
cooperative with Elgin. It is a great opportunity for the students. They were forward looking
and proactive. His 17 year old daughter is a junior at Grant County High School in Elgin, his
son attends Grant County Junior High in Carson. The kids are doing great. His school district
did it on their own, they were proactive. Is the Roosevelt school district a K -12 district? He
thinks so. It has not been an easy process but it has been successful. He knows how to
educate his grandson better than the legislature. His wife drives 2 bus routes. One boy, a
kindergartner, rides 1 hour and 15 minutes one way. How much longer would he have to ride
if this bill passes.
Sherilyn Johnson, teacher and administrator at Sweet Briar School, testified against the bill.
See written testimony.
Representative Drovhal testified against the bill. He has several graded elementarles in his
district. There used to be a lot more - those districts made good decisions. Education is
about the kids. Does this bill improve education? Will it give more opportunity? Schools are
closing as they need to. Teachers are #1 in determining the quality of education, parents are
second. If you ship the kids further, you lose parental involvement. People are doing a great
job keeping down the mill levy. Last session we dealt with equity, $100 million, most went to
the larger districts. The larger school districts don't want these schools. In McKenzie County
kids ride the bus for 1 Vi hours one way. This bill would make their ride longer.
Doug Gullickson, Chairman of Yellowstone School District testified against the bill. See written
testimony. Their mill levy is 180.
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Senate Education Committee
Bill/Resolution No. 2341
Hearing Date: February 10, 2009
Kim Callado and Maria Wandick, parents of Apple Creek students, presented a skit to testify
against the bill. See written testimony.
Doug Palmer who lives west of Mandan appeared to represent his granddaughter and testified
against the bill. His son lives in Slope County and tried to get here to testify but had to turn
around in Dickinson because of the weather. Is this a power grab or about better education,
he can't tell. He boarded out in Montana because the roads were so poor in Slope County.
He went to Montana State University, Purdue, Ohio State and Kansas University. He bought a
ranch west of Mandan so his children did not have the same educational difficulties he had.
There has been no high school in Slope County for over 50 years. There are just 3000 people
in the county and this bill won't help them. The roads are so poor, the big four (Bismarck,
Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo) have been stealing their money for years. Their roads are
closed for 6 months out of the year, they have no buses. The Weinreis boys and girls from the
3V Ranch get up in the middle of the night to get to school and practice, they are away from
home 12-14 hours per day. If you want to save money, look to higher education where there
is a lot of fraud and waste. All the money goes to the big four. The bird brain people from the
forest service wouldn't fix the bridges until the bridge fell in Minneapolis.
Cheryl Woodcock testified against the bill. See written testimony.
Heidi Gress testified against the bill. She has had 4 children attend the Sweet Briar school
district. What about the teachers? This bill would affect 35 school districts and 170 jobs.
These teachers teach in small schools by choice. Smaller is a not a curse but a blessing.
Robert Thompson, Vice President of the Page School Board, testified against the bill. See
written testimony. Their school board president is the coach of the girl's basketball team. They
are doing really good - what is the problem?
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Senate Education Committee
Bill/Resolution No. 2341
Hearing Date: February 10, 2009
Delvin Groninger, principal, South Prairie school district, testified against the bill. He distributed
a handout on financial facts of South Prairie and Minot school districts. Bussing is a big issue.
We should not pass this bill because they would lose local control. Their mill levy has stayed
down. Lansford had the same situation years ago. The local taxpayers were willing to pay
higher taxes to keep their school open. Eventually they closed their high school, then their
junior high but it was their choice. There are 30 graded elementarles and for many of them,
the time is not right. There is not much testimony that says we aren't doing a good job
educating the kids. South Prairie is a little different than some small rural schools, it is not an
isolation issue. They have great teachers, some could be teaching in larger districts but they
choose to stay at South Prairie.
Senator Freborg asked if they have completed their building project.
Delvin Groninger said they will be in the new building in March. They miss Bell School's 5 -
6- 7- 8th grade basketball team.
Mike Kraft, Apple Creek school board president, testified against the bill. See written
testimony. Their mill levy is 202 mills this year. Don't close them because they are efficient.
Taylor Wallstrum, student at South Prairie School, testified against the bill.
Holden Hartley, student at South Prairie School, testified against the bill.
Katie Luther testified against the bill. See written testimony. She also distributed testimony
from Mark Luther (attached).
Chairman Freborg closed the hearing on SB 2314.
Later in the day, Chairman Freborg opened the discussion on the bill.
Senator Lee said we heard a couple of hours of talk. He has supported and not supported the
concept in the past.
'Senator Lee moved a Do Not Pass on SB 2341, seconded by Senator Flakoll.
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Senate Education Committee
Bill/Resolution No. 2341
Hearing Date: February 10, 2009
Senator Lee said we have heard this a number of times. The arguments are the same. Some
things have changed. There are fewer of these districts than in the past. They will take care of
themselves. In his legislative district, he has two, one should be there, one should not. He
hunts in the western part of the state. When he drives past Horse Creek, you can tell how
many students they have because you can count them at recess, there are 6. However, it's
40 miles to Watford City and 20 miles to Sidney. There are just no good alternatives.
Senator Freborg said some proponents don't understand we couldn't close these schools. The
original intent was not to close the schools, it was just to get everyone into a high school
district. In the badlands, they don't want them. Representative Drovdal at one time had 8 or 9
of these schools in his district.
Senator Taylor said he echoes what Senator Lee said. You can see the pride folks take in
their school and the emotional ties. Some have some oil, we are getting good bang for our
buck. They are serving a purpose and creating community satisfaction. It will sort itself out
over time.
Senator Freborg said they are providing a good education.
The motion passed 4 - 1. Senator Bakke will carry the bill.
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Date:
Roll Call Vote #:
oj/ojaf
2009 SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ROLL CALL VOTES
BILL/RESOLUTION NO. £3¿Y/
Senate Education
Committee
? Check here for Conference Committee
Legislative Council Amendment Number
Action Taken vUo syta? ¿¿&&&/
Motion Made By^^ Seconded By__j¿^< f^/^M//
Senators
Yes
No
Senators
Yes
No
Senator Freborg
is
Senator Taylor
Senator Gary Lee
Senator Bakke
Senator Flakoll
Total (Yes)
Absent
No
O
Floor Assignment _ Jxi&tu. J&tA^^
If the vote is on an amendment, briefly indicate intent:
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REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE (410) Module No: SR-26-2328
February 10, 2009 3:46 p.m. Carrier: Bakke
Insert LC:. Title:.
REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE
SB 2341 : Education Committee (Sen. Freborg, Chairman) recommends DO NOT PASS
(4 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSENT AND NOT VOTING). SB 2341 was placed on the
Eleventh order on the calendar.
(2) desk, o) coMM Page No. 1
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2009 TESTIMONY
SB 2341
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Testimony In Favor Of SB 2341
? _>. r-i—11 ClnnnAntQ
My name is Rich Solberg ^^K "S^SS^ofits
elementary schools. Until Julr of08 Bel was aga After ^ ye
8th grade graduates to ^^J^KSto reorganize with other school
meetings, forums, ~m™"5 *^'dlssXe and merge with Mlnot Public Schools.
S'ca^^
that we should retain "local control.
why wou,d the schoo, ^-s:s:£^:£e
&TÎ2ÎÏÏS5S SÍS°for the convenience of the parents, and not
for the benefits to teachers.
How has this merger benefited students?
• Students now have an integ^^^^^^
School's teachers, K-6, are teaching ™? s*™ ™"_, gchoote. This curriculum
£»ty five teachers o1?each,gra*nr-MJot eJJ^nSent that our teaching
aligns to state standards ^"^J^ * Mtort Public Schools. ,
prepares students to enter the "P^^^^J* and data-driven school
. students now have a ^^SSen data 24/7 and use this
improvement. Teachers access^student ™«m^ _
information to help all students achèveata£™^fessiona| Learning Community
. Students now have all their ^¿^.^Xment in the four largest schools in ND
(PLC). PLCs are the focus of school «PP^*^, ln a PLC the focus is not on
Lause PLCs are ^"SJ^^ »°9ether' «f-bomBna.
( teaching but on learningf^ f" ^^hers have had 78 hours of profesional
SgXSÏÏÏÏZ mihsISwKUstate rarement o, 12 hours.
K, the past. Be.. Schoo. a.ways had h*h «¡f™"»* ManSZSSZ
S5P* we., when ^^$g£££& in education. Student^,, be
._ w a ¡e »if «,p at Bell School, could do it all over again,
The question that must be asked is HJ we at Bel. be . ement is tne most
would we make the same *cwwr AtaohiJ* » sw ^^ .g tQ them
important thing we do i"edura^*?nJ12 M nonpublic School is now and always
Ja par. of of a high"*~%^¡L!£n hard and preparing to be a
If our go, in North Dako^^^^^
rnTe^S^So^udent, íhey are our future.
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%
TESTIMONY ON SB #2341
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
February 10, 2009
by Dr. Wayne G. Sanstead, State Superintendent
701-328-4570
Department of Public Instruction
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee:
My name is Dr. Wayne G. Sanstead and I am the State Superintendent for the
Department of Public Instruction. I am here to speak in favor of Senate Bill
2341 requiring all districts to provide K-12 educational services by July 1, 2013.
Article VIII of our Constitution requires a uniform system of free public
schools. Beginning with primary and extending through all grades (12th grade
education) one can argue that this should have been the way school districts were
structured in North Dakota since shortly after WWII when a high school education
was recognized as the minimum level required to function effectively in this society.
A solution about 55 years behind its time.
In spite of what opponents claim and what has been frequently reported in the
media, we need to emphasize that this bill does not necessarily close a single school.
That is in the hands of local voters on a district-by-district basis. Elementary districts
have well established options to comply with this law, reorganization and dissolution.
In a very real way what we are talking about here is administrative restructuring to
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provide for uniformity of programming and to provide services and some amount of
efficiency.
There is no significant difference in educational results based on the most
recent proficiency scores between students from elementary schools in K-8 districts
and elementary students in K-12 districts.
There are significant differences in mill fairness expressed in property tax
effort. There are significant differences in mills levied to support resident students.
Districts offering only K-8 services levied an average of 168.51 total mills compared
to 218.02 total mills levied in K-12 districts. There is also a significant difference in
cost per pupil. Cost per pupil in K-12 districts average $8,027 while the cost in K-8
districts was $10,906.
The other key issue these days is insuring educational adequacy. If all districts
were in K-12 districts, there would be greater uniformity in access to a whole range
of services such as technology, counseling, access to music, arts, physical education,
career and technical education and gifted and talented programs.
Change is always difficult. However in the continuing quest to maintain
quality for all students, we need to review all aspects of K-12 education service
delivery. We need to make those changes that insure a uniform and efficient system
of education for all North Dakota students. This bill moves the State's K-12
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education in that direction. I ask for your support for a "do pass" vote in committee
and your vote on the Senate floor.
t
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Testimony in Opposition to Senate Bill 2341
Karen Kautzmann-Burleigh/Morton County Superintendent of Schools
February 10, 2009-Senate Education Committee
For the record my name is Karen Kautzmann. I serve Apple Creek, Baldwin, Manning,
Menoken, Naughton, Sterling, Little Heart and Sweet Briar School Districts as a County
Superintendent of Schools. I've assisted schools in Burleigh and Morton County with
reorganization and dissolution. Twenty of my thirty-eight years in education have been
as a County Superintendent. I've served on the National Rural Education Association's
Technology Committee since 1992. I was recently appointed to the board of directors for
the NREA Foundation. In discussions with rural school personnel across the nation, I
have had the opportunity to see extensive data citing the benefits of elementary education
from a small, rural school. In conducting performance evaluations of dozens of rural
staff over the years, I see first hand that quality teachers make for quality education. I
can assure the committee we set high standards for our rural teachers and they measure
up wonderfully. In a small school, teachers more readily identify those at risk or with
special needs. Teachers and students quickly learn the importance of time management
and the value of cooperative learning. All rural districts in Burleigh and Morton are
members of an REA and reap the rewards of this partnership. Regional Education
Associations bring opportunities and services to rural schools they could not achieve
alone. Please give rural students the chance to realize their dreams in a small school
setting. I respectfully urge a "DO NOT PASS" recommendation on Senate Bill 2341.
Thank you for carefully considering my testimony.
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North Dakota Small Organized Schools
PO Box 7463
Bismarck, North Dakota 58507-7463
February 10,2009
Chairman Freborg & Senate Education Committee members,
For the record my name is Wayne Levang.
I am the Executive Director of the North Dakota Small Organized Schools
NDSOS represents 72 school districts across the state.
Regarding SB 2341 some of the talk that has surfaced revolves around it being "best
for students" to be part of a district with a high school that supposedly could provide
better technology and academic opportunities. Does it logically follow that every high
school in the state would find it "best for the students" to be part of a college that
supposedly could provide better technology and academic opportunities?
Bell school was used as an example. Bell voluntarily dissolved. That's the KEY word,
VOLUNTARY. What's good for Bell does not make it good for every other K-12
district in the state.
NDSOS believes that the reorganization decision should always answer the question
"What's best for the children?" That question is best answered by parents and local
school officials. Each case should be decided on an individual basis.
Under current law any district has the opportunity to reorganize on a voluntary basis so
there is no impediment to doing so. Any district that wants to, can. The issue to
reorganize should be locally decided and not legislatively mandated.
The NDSOS asks that this Committee send SB2341 to the floor with a unanimous DO
NOT PASS recommendation.
Respectfully,
Wayne Levang, Executive Director
North Dakota Small Organized Schools
P. 0. Box 7463
Bismarck, North Dakota 58507
(7801) 323-0958 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Good Morning! My name ¡s Sherilyn Johnson. I am currently the teacher and
administrator at Sweet Briar School (between New Salem and Mandan). I have been
teaching for 28 years, 14 of which have been in a small rural community.
For the past 14 years, I have come before the House and/or Senate Education
Committees to address legislation similar to Senate Bill #2341- the mandated
dissolution of graded elementary schools to a K-12 district.
Our successful graduating students are testimony to the fact that this is not an issue
of "quality." We follow all DPI requirements and are active members of REA's that
provide quality student, administrative, and professional developA§ervices. Our students
participate in challenging competitions, such as: Mathcounts, Jr. High Acalympics,
spelling bees, the MREC math club, and hold offices in our local student senate. We
have a computer lab and a student-to-teacher ratio second to none. Our students move
on to high school confident in who they are and where they've come from.
We place a very high value on our freedom to choose our rural lifestyle and where
our children are educated. This issue of "choosing what is best for our children" is
at the very heart of why we oppose Senate Bill #2341. For twelve years, I came to you
from Almont Public School with similar testimony. Thankfully, this proposed legislation
did not pass and we were able to hold community forums and to deal locally with our
declining enrollment. In the end, our school board, with input from the Almont
community and guidance from our county superintendent, made the tough decision to
close Almont School and to work out a reorganization plan with the New Salem School
District.
Each school district in any of our rural communities, when faced with issues of declining
enrollment or financial difficulties, will collaborate with their community to make the
thoughtful necessary decisions as to the future of their school. When the time is right,
local communities will step up to make those tough decisions. And in the end, we
can hold our heads up high knowing that, by our own initiative and hard work, we
made those tough decisions ourselves; that we weren't forced or mandated by the
legislature to prematurely close; that we had the freedom and opportunity to make
those decisions ourselves.
1 strongly urge that the legislators who represent larger school districts look beyond
extending their district boundaries; look beyond potential property tax revenue that
could be gained from dissolving rural graded elementary districts. Those are small
benefits compared to the significant consequences to the children attending our
rural schools; significant consequences to the vitality and economic stability of rural
North Dakota communities; significant consequences in taking away a parent's
right to choose the type of education he/she knows is best for his/her child.
I strongly urge you to vote "NO!" to Senate Bill #2341 in order to preserve our
freedom of local decision making, as well as to preserve what is in the best interest
of our children and our rural communities. Thank you very much for your time
and consideration.
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Rural School Issues SB: 2341
A Look At: Views of Rural North Dakota
From A Conversational Perspective.
(It's the first day of school (K-6 district school) and two moms are talking outside in the parking lot
after dropping off their children.)
Maria: Hey Kim! How are you?
Kim: Hey! I'm good! How about you?
Maria: Pretty Good. Just trying to get back into the school year schedule!
Kim: Ihearya! So..,1s Adrian excited to be starting Kindergarten this year?
Maria: Ya! He's excited but a little nervous of course. I think it'll help that he already knows a couple
of the kids in his class though and I am so glad we only have half days because knowing Adrian, he
would NOT last through an entire day of school. Chuckle.. We can barely keep him sitting down at
church for an hour!
Kim: Laughs. Ya...l can't imagine having Acacia make it through an entire day without her nap. She
still takes a good 11/2 to 2 hour nap everyday.
Maria: Ya...so how about youT Caleb? Is he excited to be a in the 3ri grade?
Kim: Oh ya. He's excited to see his friends and teachers again. He wants to be in Basketball this year
so we're going to sign him up for it. It should be a lot of fun!
Maria: That's great! 1 think it's so cool that we have basketball for the littler ones toc.ya know?
Kim: Yea! We're looking forward to it. 1 think it will really help boost Caleb's confidence. He still
has a some problems with coordination and balance but he's getting better.
Maria: That's good. How about his talking issues? What's that called again...where you mix the words
around?....
Kim: Apraxia...ya...He's much much better! Of course he had to go to speech therapy for quite a while
and we had some difficult times when he first started school but I was so thankful to get him in here at
Apple Creek. He would have lost in a classroom of 25 kids! Both laugh.. When we heard about this
school we came and visited and everyone was just so nice and inviting. They showed us around, we
met the teachers and learned all about the history..ya know? It wasn't like that in the Bismarck
schools. Here, Caleb was able to have plenty of one on one time with Ms. Schwab and Ms. Schmidt
and they helped him sooo much.
Maria: Ya! That's exactly why we chose to open enroll our kids at Apple Creek. We were
disappointed that Lincoln didn't have a school of it's own but when we heard about Apple Creek we
decided to open enroll our kids too. It's just so much more like a family atmosphere. Everyone knows
each other, which is nice, parents have more of a say, and the kids get more time individually with the
teachers. You can tell that they really love their jobs!
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Kim: Ya...but you know...a lot of people think that small schools like Apple Creek don't offer as much
as bigger schools. Some people even think that the standard of education is lower. But I don't think
that's really true.
Maria: Ya, I know. 1 wonder if any of those people have ever set foot in one! I don't know where
people get that idea! All you have to do is go to DPI's website to see that the smaller schools
academically outrank many of the larger schools...especially some of the biggest schools in Bismarck
and Fargo. Not only that but they teach all these extra enrichment classes like learning some Spanish
in Kindergarten and Keyboarding skills in 3'" grade! I didn't get that till 7lb grade! If 1 didn't believe
my kids were getting a great education I wouldn't go through all the trouble everyday of making their
lunches, getting the baby ready to go out in the car, and making two trips every day to drop them off
and pick them up!!!! (GETTING MAD)
Kim: Settle down Maria. (Smiling)
Maria: Laughs...ya...I'm sorry...I just get so annoyed at that line of thinking!
Kim: Yep...but it's just not true...I mean we have band and Lego robotics, last year we had Art
Venture...and oh ya! Did you hear?...This year every class room had promethean boards installed?
Maria: Oh my gosh! I didn't know that! I saw those at St.Mar/s grade school. That is so cool! It's
funny how peoples perceptions are so wrong about small schools! You know...I actually tell people all
the time that I feel like my kids are getting a private school level of education. They have so much
opportunity and the level of excellence is amazing!
Kim: I feel exactly the same way. I think it really comes down to working together as a community.
The parents are more involved here and there's a freedom and closeness that larger schools just don't
have. Not that they're all bad but there's just not the same creativity and ingenuity there.
Maria: Ya...I suppose there are some advantages to bigger schools and bigger school districts. I'm sure
it's a lot easier for the state to manage education funds, and obviously it's much cheaper to run bigger
schools and they're more efficient as far as numbers of students being educated but I think what they're
missing is that when you really come down to it the bigger the school, the less interaction and
relationship between students and teachers.
Kim: I totally agree. I know a couple of teachers in Bismarck who are really awesome and love
teaching but they do get frustrated because they don't have the time to help every single student. It's
like they want to but it gets overwhelming. They see their students as individuals with their own
temperaments, learning styles and talents and interests but they're forced to treat everyone the same for
the sake of efficiency. It's just not right.
Maria: No...it's not right....cause then you get all these kids who are just barely getting by and they
don't have the skills they need to succeed in the real world. I think that's really sad...
Kim: What I don't understand is why there is such a push to close and consolidate all these small school
districts. I don't get it.
Maria: Neither do I. There's actually a lot of evidence out their supporting the small school or
"community school" atmosphere. There's even schools in New York City who are catching on to this
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concept and creating smaller schools with smaller student to teacher ratios and it's really turning things
around. It's amazing what's happening over there! But what 1 don't understand is why DPI isn't trying
to learn more about how to implement the small school principles into the larger schools. They should
be trying to learn something from these rural schools instead of causing hardship to them. It's just not
right to force people to close their own community schools, it should really be up to the local people. I
would think they know what's best for their own families.
Kim: I can see if a school had like 2-5 kids left and the population continued to drop then it wouldn't
make sense to keep a school open.
Maria: Ya...I agree. That does make sense.
Kim: I really wish we could work together to find a solution that worked for everybody.
Maria: What do think this is Kim? Utopia??? No...seriously, your right. We should be trying to work
together to understand each others points of view and come to some type of compromise.
Kim: (Take a deep breath)... Yea...Well, I'll see you at the PTO potluck tonight!
Maria: Ya...we'll be there! I'm bringing my famous Tirameesu dessert! Hopefully everyone will be
there just like last year!
Kim: I hope we can fit everyone!
) Kim and Maria: Laughing, Bye!!!
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My name is Cheiyl Woodcock and I have a 6* grade student at Baldwin Public School.
I dop^t understand why small schools are on the chopping block every legislative session. Have any of you been in a small school lately' You woul.
be/ sed what they have to offer their students.
We^B|lv have 12 students in our school. The students benefit from one-on-one teaching that they receive every day during the entire school
if\^T be"ef"/r°m ARerentiated instruction that happens every day. They benefit from having the safety and security provided at our school
The students benefit from the various age groups in the classrooms, because they get to work on their social skills, problem solving skills and
teamwork skills. The teachers know the students very well and can meet their needs every day. The students are acceptable of everyone 'and there i
no bullying that takes place at our school. If there is a student who struggles, there is ample time for the teachers to work individually with that
child to help him/her succeed. Parents are involved in all activities, which shows the students how imnortant school is
I activities, which shows the students how important school is.
There are many people who believe that small schools do not provide their students with enough access to technology. At our school the students
ufh?,P, K aCLeS/t0 tec*nooW- E"*1 dassroom is equipped with a SmartBoard. The handouts will explain in detail what a smart board is and
what it can be used for in the classroom. My son actually got out of school late one day because he was busy finishing a virtual knee replacement
What an amazing experience for him. We also have 24 Senteo voters for students to use to complete tests on the SmartBoard We have two
computers in each classroom and 10 computers in a computer lab, which 7 of them were replaced with new ones this year. The teachers each have í
aptop computer and all computers are connected to the internet The students use the computers in the computer lab every week. The computers in
tne classroom and SmartBoards are used daily.
Small schools also have the ability to provide opportunities for their students that most big schools can only dream of providing For example we
have a basketball team that isopen to any child in the first-eighth grade. Every student gets to participate in the Christmas and spring program's
where everyone has a part. These are community events. People who don't even have kids or grandkids at the school, come to watch the children
Our students are taught to respect others and to help with all kinds of things. Everyone works together. The students participate in several
community projects every year This year, we collected items for an orphanage and we made blankets and purchased books for children in the
hospital In the past, we have donated Hems for the Angel Tree at Wal-mart, hung Christmas lights for an injured community member when he was
hospitalized, <""i helped a family who lost the.r home in a fire. The students will also participate in Classrooms in the Badlands this spring This is
a fieldtnp to Medora, where the children will leam about North Dakota history and wildlife.
AsJ- -Merstand it there are "X" number of dollars per student whether they are in a big school district or small. Many of our small schools will be
?! _/'°se "y the, 'ar8er sch0°' dlstn What will that really solve? The closed schools will still have to be maintained for a number of years
aV^^BL™" betS0l,dfr ren,med t0 *" person who dona,ed that Iand With the sch001 disAlscf^p-ger school districts are already crowded and need more space now. Adding more students will only further escalate the problem.
Small schools are such an important part of our communities. I wish the decision to close or consolidate school district would be left up to the
communities themselves. If you have never experienced small school education, you should. You MAY EVEN LEARN SOMETHING NEW!
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Date: February 10, 2009
To: North Dakota Senate Education Committee
From: Robert Thompson, Vice President
Page School Board
Subject: Opposition to Senate Bill 2341
School Districts are encouraged to consider all variables in future planning ensuring the
best educational programs for our children and also provide efficient use of facilities
without wasting tax dollars.
Senate Bill No. 2341 is nothing more than mandatory school consolidation. Panic
decisions do not provide efficient future planning for education and discourages public
input.
This bill has several problems:
1. The Hope-Page Cooperative Schools are operating very well under a cooperative
agreement which also includes an athletic cooperative agreement with Finley-
f~ Sharon. Our districts are large and relatively close to highly populated areas of
Fargo-Moorhead and Casselton. The formation of a consolidated school over the
large area of the districts would result in students traveling 45 miles to school one
way.
2. Why aren't Cooperative Schools exempt from the actions of Senate Bill 2341?
3. Why aren't all schools in North Dakota forced to be K through 12 or else in a
Cooperative Agreement resulting in a K through 12 School?
4. The North Dakota School Board Association recommends transporting students
the least number of miles and districts should use careful planning in the location
of school facilities. This bill disrupts that planning process.
5. The North Dakota Legislature provided for Cooperative Agreements and Open
Enrollment.
6. The School District through its School Board must maintain the right to operate
their school. The people in a hands-on situation are best capable of organizing and
operating a school because they understand the underlying logistics, facilities,
faculty, students and other factors important in operating their school.
7. Our Girls Basketball team is ranked in the top ten in the state and our Boys
Basketball team beat the 2nd ranked team in the state last Saturday.
Please do not pass Senate Bill 2341.
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G
2009 North Dakota Legislative Assembly
Senate Education Committee
February 10, 2009
Opposition to SB 2341
My name is Mike Kraft.
Mike Kraft Phone Number (w): 557-5522
10101 62nd Ave SE Phone Number (h): 258-3801
Bismarck, ND 58504-4032 E-mail: mkraftiabtinet.net
I am the School Board President for the Apple Creek School Board. My wife Jean and I are the parents of
three children who are attending Apple Creek School, one who is attending Simle Middle School in the
Bismarck Public School District and one who is attending Century High School in the Bismarck Public School
District.
Local Control
School district consolidation and dissolution are occurring without this harsh bill. They are occurring at the
local levels by those people most affected. Local School Boards are best able to determine when the time is
appropriate based on local circumstances. Local control is the best way to deal with the reality of each unique
situation.
Equity
During the 2005 legislative session, proponents of SB2333 (similar in many ways to this bill) argued, the State
of ND could not reach equitable funding without closing the graded elementary districts. Wrong. During the
^-—2007 session, I testified in favor of SB220 (the equity bill) but asked for an amendment to deal with manner in
f . hich imputed taxable valuation per pupil was calculated. The amendment would have made ?t fairer to the
Tortl
ed elementary districts that levy taxes to pay high school tuition; but, do not get to count the students.
or the 2008-2009 School Year, Apple Creek is paying $324,100 to Bismarck Public Schools for a total of 61
students. The 2008 School Finance Facts from DPI lists:
DENK12
TAXVAL
TAXVALPP
Apple Creek
58
$2,706,323
$46,661
Bismarck
10,638
$205,360,014
$19,304
This leads to a misunderstanding in which Apple Creek is characterized as property rich - which we are not. If
you included the 61 high school students in with Apple Creek and took them out of Bismarck's total, it would
look like the following:
DENK12
TAXVAL
TAXVALPP
Apple Creek
119
$2,706,323
$22,742
Bismarck
10,577
$205,360,014
$19,416
The bottom line is not only do elementary districts pay their fair share of tax dollars (113.54 mills in Apple
Creek's case) to high school districts via tuition but the equity formula is tilted in favor of the high school
districts as well.
Technology and Academic Opportunities
^pple Creek teachers utilize Promethian White Boards as part of the educational experience. The students
ave access to and utilize a broadband connection to the Internet. Our kids have participated in Lego
^^fcbotics programs (2 awards at the 2008 competition in Grand Forks), Art Venture, Basketball, and Band,
^^pby also have access to several academic competitions. With the small teacher to student ratio, each child is
^role to get the assistance they need to maximize their learning. This is true for both special needs students as
well as gifted/talented students.
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c
Efficient Use of Resources
Apple Creek utilizes several resources to efficiently use monetary resources. For example, Apple Creek, along
¡th other elementary districts, are part of a multidistrict special education unit. We utilize the services of a
|ly shared Superintendent. We are very active in the MREC Regional Education Association. REA's allow
iricts to share in economies of scale while preserving local control.
According to the 2008 School Finance Facts from DPI, Apple Creek's Average Cost Per Pupil is $7,449.82. In
rank order, Apple Creek's Average Cost Per Pupil is lower than 60% of the school districts. Some other
district's Average Cost Per Pupil for comparison sake are:
Fargo
$8,643.10
Grand Forks
$7,488.33
Apple Creek
$7,449.82
Minot
$7,168.88
Bismarck
$6,865.96
Summary
School district consolidation and dissolution will happen on its own. Let local boards decide based on local
situations when the time is right. Continue to offer incentives for consolidation. Elementary districts pay their
fair share of the cost of educating a high school student; they offer exceptional technology and academic
opportunities and they make efficient use of resources. I ask you to vote NO on SB 2341. Thank you.
G
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c
RE: SB 2341, February 10,2009
Dear Members of the Senate Education Committee,
My name is Katie Luther, and I oppose this bill for many reasons. I am the mother of three children who
have been open enrolled into the Sweet Briar District, although we live in the Mandan District and pay
taxes to Mandan. Two have graduated and both attended Mandan High School and were very successful
in all that they attempted. Our daughter is currently teaching high school chemistry and our son is
serving eight years with the United States Marine Corps. Our third child is a fourth grader at Sweet Briar
this year. We have open enrolled our kids to Sweet Briar since 1994 because it is our neighborhood
school and they have received a superior education there.
I am also the business manager for Sweet Briar School District #17. Our entire budget for a year for
the Sweet Briar School district is around $86,000. In 2007-2008 about 63 percent of district income
came from property taxes and 37 percent from state foundation aid. As we strive to reach the 150
minimum mill levy we expect our dependence on state funding to decrease. We receive no federal
money except a small amount for the special milk program. This year Sweet Briar School District levied
.-—, 136.2 mills for the general fund and high school tuition (total mills=140.64). We have always been
\ ., extremely frugal, and educated our children in the best possible way, spending only on those things our
j school board deems necessary. While we do have six computers for eight students and an excellent
library, we don't have hot lunches, school buses, sports teams, a janitor, or other programs that are neither
necessary nor appropriate in this setting. For this reason we have been able to keep our cost per pupil
lower than 75 percent of school districts in the state. For the 2007-2008 school year our cost per pupil
was $6,118 (07-08 financial report).
Regarding the high school tuition, we pay exactly what it costs to educate a student at the high school,
in either Mandan or New Salem. The parents in our district can choose which school they want their
student to attend. The tuition we pay is figured by subtracting the foundation aid that follows the student
from the actual cost per pupil, and that is what we pay. We are not expecting these high school districts to
carry any of the burden of the cost of educating our students and they have been pleased to include our
high quality students in their student bodies.
/ - For Sweet Briar to continue to be an effective school, turning out high quality students, we must maintain
our own school board. The school board is involved very closely with the day to day operations
lecause many of the members of the school board are the parents of the students that attend. This enables
V
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us to address every issue as soon as it arises and vastly increases the efficiency of our district. If we
become part of a larger, distant school district (Mandan) their school board would be over burdened by (
this type of management style and we would rapidly see a decline in quality of care for our school and our
students. They would be irresponsible to allow that to continue and our students would end up being
bused nearly three hours evac^^vtasTíUy^tm¿lfrp4ay1«i;i3iaiH.:'' Kh,îc:i3> for gaflí'iuf'OTíf icuikfâ
scenario. They are receiviJíeX£Íyioe.an.excidJenteAigatJon.riflht.where. they.axe and-have none—
disadvantages that they will have if this passes.
We still value the rural way of life in North Dakota and our little school district is part of the reason.
The school district is the heart of our community. This year we had so many people at the Christmas
program we had to rent the Emter Theater to have enough space. We have willing, supportive tax payers
and families with children who choose to attend school in our district and that in itself makes the district
necessary. Those who choose to send their children elsewhere can do so through open enrollment. The
parents of rural North Dakota are intelligent people who have made choices for the education of their
children and this is as it should be. Small districts that can no longer function consolidate when the time
is right for them and the families involved. The process should stay that way. The legislature and DPI
bureaucrats should not be making this decision for us.
The larger districts, including Mandan, Minot, Williston and others would love to consolidate nearby rural
districts and add to the property they can tax. The DPI would love to decrease their work load by
decreasing the number of districts they have to regulate and serve. Neither of these facts is a good reason
to take away local control, decrease the quality of life for rural families, bus young students long distances
and drain the rural population further.
Please do not force us to lose this way of life, by forcing us to consolidate with another district.
Please vote DO NOT PASS on SB 2341.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and I would be pleased to address any questions you
might have.
Katie Luther
663-2720
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RE: SB 2341, February 10, 2009
Dear Members of the Senate Education Committee,
Well once again it seems that the larger school districts are bent on swallowing up the smaller
neighboring school districts. This is a battle for local control that has been going on for decades. Even
though these small schools are putting out a good product (well educated students) for a reasonable cost,
they are under constant attack. Schools that do lose local support or are too costly have been closing
down one by one. However, those communities that want to continue supporting their local schools
shouldn't be pre-empted by the State from doing so.
If the schools that are providing high school services don't feel they are being equitably treated, they
should ask the graded elementary districts for higher tuition rather than simply closing them down and
incorporating their small numbers of students and larger levels of property taxes into their operations.
Local control and representation is an important concept in this state and country. One can look at those
introducing this bill to see that this is a simple act of continuing greed by large school districts, which
care nothing about the welfare of the affected students. Two to three hour daily bus rides mean nothing
to people who live in town and aren't subject to having to put up with this type of waste of time and
energy.
I would ask that you oppose this bill in a very strong way and allow local schools to stay open until they
themselves decide it is time to do something different. Thanks so much for your time.
Regards,
Mark Luther
3355 County Road 139
Mandan, ND
701-663-2720
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NREA POSITION PAPER
SUMMARY
RURAL SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION REPORT
? The educational and financial results of state mandated school district
consolidations do not meet legislated expectations.
? There is no "ideal" size for schools or districts.
? "Size" does not guarantee success - effective schools come in all sizes.
? Smaller districts have higher achievement, affective and social outcomes.
? The larger a district becomes, the more resources are devoted to secondary or
non-essential activities.
•> Local school officials should be wary of merging several smaller elementary
schools, at least if the goal is improved performance.
? After a school closure, out migration, population decline, and neighborhood
deterioration are set in motion, and support for public education diminishes.
? There is not solid foundation for the belief that eliminating school districts will
improve education, enhance cost-effectiveness or promote equality.
•> Students from low income areas have better achievement in small schools.
NREA Consolidation Task Force
Joe Bard, Pennsylvania; Clark Gardener, Nebraska; Regi Wieland, Kansas
Adopted by the National Rural Education Association
Executive Committee
April 1,2005
The NREA RURAL SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION REPORT is reprinted at
www.nrea.net.
Page 30
Senate Education Committee
Doug Gullikson, chairman of Yellowstone School District 14. We are a K-8
elementary school located ¡n East Fairview. The district is located on the Montana border
with our high school students attending school in Fairview Montana.
Currently all of our students ride on one bus system with a maximum ride of 26
miles round trip. If this bill were to pass it would require one bus system taking our grade
school students to East Fairview and another bus system going in opposite directions.
This at minimum would be 110 miles round trip not including the travel for
extracurricular activities.
The opportunities they are receiving at Fairview High School include speech &
drama, band, choir, and a full array of athletic opportunities. On the academic side they
are able to participate in advanced math, science, and English classes. They also have the
opportunity to participate in Spanish as a foreign language class. This class is broadcast
to 10 North Dakota Schools. Having these activities in one town allows greater parent
and community participation.
Most of our families run on Mountain time and it would be difficult for families to
function with a elementary student in one time zone and a high school student in another.
Currently at East Fairview we offer 2 computers, smart boards, and wireless
internet in every classroom. We have an average class size of five students. Along with
this we have a computer lab and teach computer skills to grades k-8. We offer music
programs to all students with band starting in fifth grade. Our elementary sports programs
are combined with Fairview, MT elementary students.
The passage of this bill would create an unnecessary hardship on the students and
families in our community.
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FAIRVIEW SCHOOLS
Richland Co. Dist. 13 (Elementary)
Richland Co. Dist. 3 (High School)
(406) 742-5265 • FAX: (406) 742-3336 P.O. BOX 467 • FAIRVIEW, MT 59221
Matt Schriver, Superintendent' Luke Kloker, Principal• Jacklyn Young, Business Manager
February 5, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
Fairview High School has had a tradition of educating students from both Montana
and North Dakota for almost 80 years. The students attend the same school as their
parents, grandparents and even some great grandparents. Currently North Dakota
students total 27 of the total enrollment of our high school of 100.
The relationship between Yellowstone School District and Fairview School District
is one of cooperation. The state-line runs between both schools which are only eight city
blocks apart. This one community shares the same business district, post office, churches
and civic organizations. Both the Yellowstone School District and Fairview School are
integral to the social fabric of our community.
The Fairview School Board Trustees are in support of Yellowstone School District 14
continuing to send their high school students to our school. This is the best avenue for both
schools. If changes are made that effect Yellowstone School District 14, they will have a
drastic effect on our school. Fairview School would need to cut 1/3 of the high school staff
which would eliminate many programs that are available for all of our students.
It is unfortunate that a state-line runs between the schools, but it is the values and
commitment of all citizens that binds the community. It is only by working together can we
provide the best education for our students without causing them to travel vast distances
for their education.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
Sincerely,
SEA
Matt Schriver
District Superintendent
Promoting Excellence in Education
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