Leoti's revival.

Leoti's rifts over crumbling schools and failed bond issues apparently havc healed. The Western Kansas town was divided over how best to address it's crumbling schools. But, soon their work to find a compromise will be solidified when construction begins on the first of several domes that will stand next to existing school buildings. This dome in particular was paid for by a grant and the district's capital outlay money, and more dome-style additions are coming thanks to a $4.5 million bond measure that was successful in June. The school district tried and failed three times before the June success. It seemed the school would literally fall apart while school officials wrung their hands in frustration. Their infrastructure was outdated, there was termite damage and a room that formerly housed a preschool classroom was condemned because of insect damage. Even the district's insurance company gave it an ultimatum to come up with a plan. That plan has come to fruition. And before long, the district will turn its middle school into an elementary school with an academic dome and physical education dome attached. A metal building will be erected north of the high school for a vocational agricultural program. The dome that will be built first, will be started in January of 2010. It will be a multipurpose structure that will be attached to the Wichita County Jr./Sr. High School. It will house locker rooms and restrooms and a multipurpose room. The community is excited about the progress, Superintendant Jim Hardy said. After years of dissension, Leoti has found its way to a solution. Leoti started with a $10 million bond, then an $8 million bond. In the end, the voters said yes to a $4.5 million cost. For a time, there were hard feelings throughout the community over the issue. It took a concentrated effort to communicate with voters and listen to their concerns. Once residents were convinced of a necessity of a school bond and that the economical plan had been proposed, they were ready to get on board. Leoti's ability to find its way past the rift is an encouraging sign for other school districts struggling to pass their own bonds. Like Leoti, these schools must go back to their voters and hear them out, do some research to find ways to cut down on costs and to try again in good faith. Involving a community in the decision-making process will provide the best results for everyone. Leoti is proof of that.

Written by Davina Jamison with THE HUTCHINSON NEWS.