Heaton talks needs, budget with New London School Board

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? With what he says will be a ?tough legislation session ahead?, Rep. Dave Heaton addressed the New London School Board during their regular school board meeting on Monday to hear some of the board?s concerns and what the Iowa legislature may be able to do about them.

?We are looking forward to a very, very difficult session,? Heaton said, pointing to a very tight state budget, struggling school enrollment numbers and very little sales tax revenue from the state.

?Things are going to be really tough as far as allowable growth is concerned. What can we do for school districts to give them more flexibility with the existing funds that they have? This is a top concern for me,? he continued.

One request that the board did offer up as a way to save money, was that of the state approving the extension of the sunset clause on LOST funds, which would help New London pay for vital building repairs.

?We are in the position as a state to provide as much flexibility as we possibly can (to schools). We could look at extending it (the sunset clause), and I certainly think that would be a good thing for schools like New London,? Heaton said.

In terms of school enrollment, which has been in decline in many rural districts of Iowa, New London Superintendent Steve McAllister said the New London Community School District has been fortunate to have an increase in enrollment numbers. This, in turn, has made New London eligible for allowable growth again this year. However, as Heaton pointed out, not all rural schools can say the same.

?Two-thirds of our district is in (enrollment) decline. Now, in schools up by Des Moines or in the suburbs, their enrollment is exploding and they are crawling in cash. So, I know how hard it is for rural schools in our district because of declining enrollment. It?s surely something that I will be looking at a great deal.?

Citing a difficult and disappointing legislative session last year, Heaton concluded by saying he will bring some of New London?s concerns to the state level and try to do what is best.

?There is both sides to every issue and what I like to do is try to find some common ground,? said Heaton. ?I am going to be looking for the best deals for schools that I possibly can, which will be difficult with some of the financial issues we are facing and so on. But, that?s what I can and plan to do.?

Along the lines of allowable growth, the board did approve an enrollment application for modified allowable growth. The board approved requests of $7,003 for open enrollment out, $49,634 for increasing enrollment and nothing for LEP instruction beyond five years.

Also approved by the board were personnel changes regarding the resignation of Tina Kienlen as a special education associate, and the appointment of Christine Stockman, as a special education associate.

As part of both the monthly reports for the middle school/high school principal?s report and the activity director?s report, several upcoming fine arts events were discussed including the play ?Anne of Green Gables? to showcase on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. In addition, the school will be hosting the Holiday Band Concert on Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., and the Vocal Music Concert on Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.

In other board business the following items were approved:

? Minor middle school and high school handbook revisions

? A renewal of the New London Community School District Special Education Delivery Plan, which is up for renewal every five years

The board plans to meet again for a work session on Monday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m., at the district office.