Letter To Patrons From Mrs. King

Dear Patron of USD 429 Troy,
The last couple of years have been difficult with the State’s deficit and cuts to K-12 education.  The spring of 2009 proved to be one of unprecedented concerns with school cuts from the Legislature.  During that year the legislature cut school districts multiple times, going from $4,433 in the Base State Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) down to $4,012 BSAPP with the Governor’s final cut at the beginning of July.  
We know there are many rumors out there concerning Troy’s financial situation.  We want you to know the truth concerning this issue.  Your school board had to make some hard decisions in relation to staff and the school day for spring 2009.  With staff resignations, eliminations of staff positions, cutting of 12 days to the school calendar, and other programmatic cuts and adjustments, USD 429 was proactive in preserving funds for the future.  
This district has in the past and will continue to be frugal in preparing budgets and spending of funds.  For these reasons, in spring 2010 we were able to pay items ahead, increase the capital outlay fund, increase our contingency reserves, make transfers to special funds such as textbook, food service and special education, increase pay for all faculty and staff, as well as maintain and update our facilities.  We will be installing new bleachers in the main gym.  We were also able to make the final payment on the district elevators.  We now stand absolutely debt free!  Our financial status is secure for the immediate future!
Due to pro-actions and strategic planning last year with the school board, this year when other districts were finding themselves cutting personnel and programs, USD 429 has been able to maintain and add staff and increase programs for students.  Next year we have added another period of high school art, provided monthly art classes for elementary students, and added several math classes for the high school.  We were also able to provide additional technology equipment to meet future demands.
While it is true we have been a district with decreasing student enrollment over the past 50 years, so has the rest of rural Kansas and rural America.  This is nothing new.  While our country was once an agricultural nation, it then became one of industry.  Now we see that way of life shifting again for the future.  It is our never ending goal to keep and even increase the quality of education for our students as we continue working with neighboring districts.  Our doors for communication are always open.
We want you to know that our commitment to education and quality programs has not changed.  We continue to excel academically on the Kansas State Assessments.  We have the highest state assessment scores in the county.  Our students are provided great scholarship opportunities for college and our student organizations provide real life experiences that prepare them for life.
We recognize our strengths are not our own, but are a cooperative effort among all staff, students, and community members that contribute so much towards our success.  We know our success is our continued support through great patrons like you.  Thank you for supporting the Trojans!
Sincerely,
Sue King, Superintendent and
USD 429 Board of Education

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