By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
At 13.7 and 13.2 miles, respectively, Claflin is nearly equidistant between Ellinwood and Hoisington. That means the Aug. 1 special election pertaining to the disorganization of USD 112 Central Plains could have implications for one, both, or neither district. Ellinwood Superintendent Ben Jacobs updated the USD 355 Board of Education about possible implications during the July 10 board meeting. One issue would be putting an $8 million bond issue that has been in the works for four years to voters with so many unknowns.
"The first thing they would say is, 'You honestly passed a bond less than a year before you had this vote, knowing that potentially you would have to take on more kids, or more buildings, or whatever,'" Jacobs said. "I've got to wait this one out as much as I want to move forward."
Jacobs attended an information meeting hosted by the Kansas Department of Education on June 27 in Claflin. A similar meeting was held in Wilson later that evening. Scott Gordon, attorney for the state board of education, explained the original intent of the law being used to force the vote. Jacobs reiterated to his board the intent of the law was practical, not punitive.
"It was put in because they were afraid that some really small districts would get so small that they'd be forced to provide services or forced to do things they just didn't have the resources to do," Jacobs said.
Jacobs further explained that with a "no" vote, USD 112 Central Plains would remain intact with local board control. If disorganization is passed, the district would cease to exist. The state board of education would hold public hearings and ultimately decide how to divvy up USD 112's property and assets. A key component in decision-making would be ensuring existing districts keep a majority of power. Jacobs gave the example of USD 401 Chase-Raymond absorbing Central Plains High School and how a population-based formula for the local board of education would flip the power dynamic.
"Obviously, the state board doesn't want to do that," Jacobs said. "They would try to do it in a way to where there's a disproportionate amount of power and authority protected in the receiving district so they don't hand that off. But yes, there's a formula that dictates that."
Gordon stated in the June 27 information meeting that the state board of education does not have the power to create new districts. Therefore, if USD 112 is disorganized, all property owned by the district would be transferred to existing districts. Jacobs said local districts will likely have a say in those hearings to express how changes will impact their districts.
Early voting in the special election is already underway in Ellsworth, Barton, Russell, Rice, and Lincoln counties. The final vote will be tallied on Aug. 1.