Prior to discussions about possible 2010-11 budget cuts for USD 257, Daryl Sigg, a third-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, told board members of the importance of education in the elementaries.
“Please consider carefully any cuts at the elementary level,” she said. “Early experiences shape the way a child’s brain develops.”
Elementary school is the prime time for all learning, she said, as well as social and physical development. She invited board members to sit in on her class to understand better what she meant.
Sigg likened brain development to learning to ride a bicycle. A child has to learn to keep the bike upright, to peddle and steer, as well as keep it on track and within bounds of what is permitted. They have to learn each part and then put it all together, she said.
“Elementary school is where children create neuron pathways that wire their brain development,” putting all the pieces of education together just as they do when learning to ride a bicycle, Sigg said.
Virginia Macha admonished board members not to raise taxes — a 2 mill increase in the capital outlay fund was proposed. A local tax increase would only serve to drive jobs from developing in the area, she said.
She also encouraged the district to ask for Legislative Post Audit to perform an efficiency audit for USD 257, “which they will do for free.” Macha said the result might show the district could live within its means.
Dr. Craig Neuenswander, superintendent of schools, acknowledged such efficiency audits were available. Board members asked that he provide them with more information.
Joel Wicoff, who with wife Lisa held a public meeting last week to explore budget cuts, told board members he sympathized with their plight and handed them a list of reductions mentioned by those who attended the session. He also gave them a form filled out by attendees that noted opinions about the district’s academic excellence, resources and life skills training. The Register reported many of the patron-proposed cuts March 3.
“What we as parents want is for you to educate and inspire students for their next step in life,” Wicoff said.
Others in the audience of about 30 encouraged board members to tread lightly in making cuts that would affect the education of children.
