In mid-March, Superintendents from around Texas traveled to Austin in the hopes of catching the ear of some our representatives. A visit that caught some of the capitol staff by surprise but was welcomed all the same. Goodday reached out to MWISD Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn for an example of what their goals were, and what their experience was like. The good doctor was kind enough to answer a few questions.
The intended goal for the visit was to reassure the higher ups that the various ISD’s around the state had solid plans for the funds from state stimulus packages. With Dr. Kuhn sharing some of the exciting projects coming through Mineral Wells and how funds and mental health programs have already been hugely helpful to the students. A large focus of the meeting was to let our leaders know that the funds intended for schools is needed now more than ever. This generation of students has been forced to miss more school than any before, and the supplemental stimulus has tremendous value.
Every dollar counts! The collective of superintendents and education groups also wanted to discuss concerns that money would be diverted to fill other budgetary gaps for the state. A fear that these advocacy groups hold after watching packages be trimmed in the past. Superintendent Kuhn mentioned that Mineral Wells ISD was projected to see 12 million in stimulus funds and expressed a sincere wish that red-tape and bureaucracy not divert important resources from kids. Relating how the money was earmarked at the federal level for education in the state.
The different reps and staff were only able to relay that final word on stimulus spending would come down soon. Kuhn said that everyone he spoke with seemed considerate of the needs put before them. Speaking about Representative Rogers, Senator Springer, and Senator Taylor, Dr. Kuhn stated that these representatives were very receptive to all their concerns. Mayhaps even familiar with the area as Kuhn was offered a bottle of Crazy Water #1 by Rogers’s staff.
Before heading home, the supers also communicated that the timeline for the stimulus was doubly important; helping the numerous districts determine budget and options to help young scholars recover while struggling with Covid fallout. Kuhn getting a chance to discuss all points again later with some of Governor Abbott’s staff. The MWISD Super noted that he felt heard when departing Austin. While a lack of concrete assurance is never fun to navigate, Kuhn describes a team who are knowledgeable and well versed enough to make fair choices. We hope to see our state leaders come through in the face of unprecedented school closure and challenges with student care.
Past Writer | I consider myself to be pretty simple. I love a good conversation and talking about how we can all come together. Mineral Wells is my home and I love watching it grow.
