FAQs

Why are you doing this?

I have been blessed with a supportive family that I want to see excel. D-49 is at a tipping point in its growth and development that will determine whether it becomes a district of Excellence, or just average. I want my kids to be a part of a district that is EXCELLENT, and I am willing to do my part to make that happen.

What's the deal with the busing?

Some of the problem comes from the fact that with the exception of Special Education students, busing is not mandatory for a District to provide at all. The responsibility of Public Education technically starts at the facility door. That is why when I first moved to Colorado Springs, District 11 felt that it was OK for my Kindergartener to have to cross Nevada, Weber, Whasatch, and a host of other busy streets in between where we lived and where she was to go to school (we drove her ;-). Unfortunately their system was even more screwed up than RMCAs. My wife was expected to unload the other 2 kids or leave them in the van while she went to find our daughter and she couldn't park near the school. It was a huge joke. Now to be fair, incompetence in one area doesn't excuse it in another.

This problem has been compounded by the fact that we have been growing so fast for so long, and with limited direction that these issues are not given the priority that they deserve. Additionally, busing comes out of the general fund for the District. So busing is competing for dollars with Information Technology, Athletics, Facility Maintenance, and a whole host of
other issues including the lease/ purchase of more modular facilities. Finally, when all is said and done D-49 is tied for LAST in the state for Per Pupil Operating Revenue. I plan to work for a system that allows students from anywhere in the District to bus to any other school in the District (charters included). Many of the Board members are strong advocates of choice, but to truly allow all students the opportunity that choice allows and to avoid duplication we need an effective system for getting them there (similar to a district Metro bus).

Don't see your question answered here, send me an Email info@kentclawson.com and I will get it answered for you.

Thanks,

Kent