Local legislators put on the hot seat at Logan Jr. High

The Princeton Elementary School Board invited State Senator Darin LaHood and State Representative Don Moffitt to come for an exchange of ideas and questions on Monday. Elementary Superintendent Tim Smith opened the discussion stating consolidation, transportation cuts, and pre-school funding are some of the talking points. Also in attendance were PHS Superintendent Kirk Haring and high school board member Stephanie VanOrdstrand.  Pre-school funding was specifically addressed by Steve Bouslog stating that the pre-school used to be for at-risk children but has been opened up to include all children. Bouslog felt

the school could fund the program if it went back to being for just at-risk children.  Board President Judd Lusher asked about cutting general state aid. Haring stated he would like to see more money put into foundation state aid and not transportation. Doing that would give the schools greater spending discretion.  Moffitt said the pension issue is huge. He and LaHood are in favor of a restructuring of the pension system since most pensions were set up 40 years ago. Lusher suggested making an adjustment until the state gets caught up with their debt. Several other topics, such as how to pay for Regional Superintendents of Education, paying for unfunded transportation mandates, and the School Construction Grant Program were discussed. Superintendent Smith felt is was a productive meeting. All parties came away wanting to have more of these meetings.