JACKSON BOARD WILL CONSIDER PROPOSITION B ENDORSEMENT

JACKSON - The Jackson R-2 School Board will consider next month a resolution endorsing Proposition B, which will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and provides increased funding and reforms for education in Missouri.

The board briefly discussed Proposition B at its meeting Tuesday night and several members suggested it would be appropriate to consider taking a formal position on the issue.

Superintendent Wayne Maupin said he had received a summary of the legislation and would make that available to board members. Several members suggested the board needed to be active in sharing information to voters in the district and as much as possible advise them how the increased funding would benefit the district.

Board Member T. Wayne Lewis asked if Proposition B would generate enough money to enable the district to fill some of the staff positions recommended by the Missouri School Improvement Program accreditation study.

The study outlined the need for additional administrative personnel, a librarian, and guidance counselor at the elementary level.

"I think it is important that we try to prioritize how we will spend the money so people know," said Lewis, adding that he believes the tax will take a lot of effort to sell to voters.

Maupin replied that how much money the Jackson school district will receive depends on how a new foundation formula is drafted. He noted that the legislation requires that a fairer formula be drafted, but does not include a formula.

However, the superintendent said all simulated formulas he has seen so far benefits Jackson and he is optimistic the final formula will also.

"If Proposition B passes it will enable us to meet some needs that have not been met and are starting to slide," said Maupin. "We will start losing ground this year."

He added, "Proposition B will not be a panacea, but maybe it will help us get caught up."

Maupin said he would prepare some information to be shared with voters in the district about its financial condition and the impact of additional funding that could come from Proposition B.