LWVMZC Newsletter

From Your Co−President Spokesperson

Our League held and moderated a voters forum for RE−1 school Board candidates on October 10, a few days before the ballots were in our mailboxes. Judy Hite, Principal of Southwest Open School spoke about the school and the bond referendum before the forum. I reminded folks of Proposition 103 and the LWVCO ballot issue pamphlet. Our meeting was reported on the front page of the Cortez Journal Courier that also published excellent information on SWOS and the school board candidates. Three SWOS students helped to collect written questions.

Thanks to those members who helped to distribute the Ballot Issue pamphlets and fliers for the RE−1 candidates’ forum. We cannot do it without such participations of our members.

The first education study session was held October 11th meeting where Jack, Jodi and LouAnn discussed the “Federal Role in Education” white papers that stimulated good discussion and provided information of issues. Lori Haukeness, RE−1 Chief Academic Officer, began with an overview of federal funding for RE−1 that provided the initial stimulus of discussion and many questions. We are fortunate that she is managing and overseeing RE−1 federal programs! She identified local issues for those in attendance, which unfortunately were few. For the most part, the budgets of local education districts receive less than 10% in federal education monies, yet federal government contributes significantly to the rules on how the funding is used. Should these rules be modified or changed? If no federal funding follows the mandate, should the mandate be followed? Most school budgets are also funded through local property taxes, state money and other fees. Does present funding provide our local districts with enough funding and resources to give all students a basic education is another question.

I hope more of you can participate in the November 11 consensus meeting that will be held at the Schuenemeyer home at 10:00 am. In a different article please read the many Consensus questions and be prepared to discuss each. So what does equity in public education mean and how should federal government funding be allocated to meet the equity challenge? We will discuss each consensus question and our responses will be sent to LWVUS with its goal to establish a national position on each question.

What do you need to do to understand the topic better? Go to our website, www.lwvmontezuma.org. On the home page, click on “Education Papers”. If you cannot stay the entire time, come and share your thoughts as long as you can. Then leave a copy of your opinions on the remaining questions! If you cannot attend the meeting, send a copy of your opinions to President Jack Schuenemeyer.

Reminder: Many people have paid their dues, but we are awaiting others to re−up. “Thank you” if you are in the group that has paid. Why not invite a friend or neighbor to send in theirs as well. Share with them our calendar events, especially the Holiday Party Sunday, December 11th at noon.

Encourage them to join others to encourage informed and active participation in government. Whatever they are interested in; there is a rewarding place in League for them and you!

Don’t forget the Great Decisions groups that are meeting in Dolores and Mancos. Lively discussions of the Foreign Policy Association’s topics happen among the participants.