James (Jim) Nelson

Loganton

The Keystone Central School District has drifted away from its core mission of education and now operates more like a country club than a public school system. Taxpayers deserve accountability, and families should share responsibility for the services they use. The following areas offer clear opportunities for meaningful reductions:

1. Implement a School Bus Transportation Fee

Families should contribute to busing costs. A reasonable starting point is a $200 annual fee per student. Parents received substantial financial support during COVID and through recent federal legislation; directing a portion of that benefit toward transportation is fair. Fees can be adjusted annually if needed.

2. Shift Club Advisor Costs Away from Taxpayers

School clubs should cover their own advisor wages, taxes and benefits — just as community organizations do. These activities should not be an ongoing taxpayer obligation.

3. Reevaluate Foreign Language Instruction Costs

Effective language‒learning programs have been available for decades and are now even stronger with AI. Parents can purchase these programs for a few hundred dollars. There is no justification for taxpayers to continue spending over a million dollars annually on foreign language salaries and benefits, especially when some teachers show persistent performance issues.

4. Teachers Requiring Classroom Assistants

For generations, teachers managed classrooms without paid assistants. If a teacher believes an assistant is necessary, that cost should not automatically fall on taxpayers. It should be addressed within existing staffing or compensation structures.

5. Reduce Administrative Staffing Through AI Efficiencies

Modern technology can streamline many office functions. KCSD should reduce administrative staffing and rely on AI tools to lower costs.

6. Eliminate Summer Recreation Programs

The previous superintendent expanded summer recreation and meal programs that serve only a small number of families living nearby. These are not essential educational services and should be discontinued.

7. Reconsider Free Breakfast Programs

Providing breakfast for all students raises a basic question: are parents unable to provide cereal and milk at home? If essential life skills are lacking, the district should focus on teaching those skills rather than providing daily meals at taxpayer expense.

8. Encourage Responsibility and Work Outside of School

Students seeking after‒school activities can mow lawns, help at home, assist grandparents, or — if 14 or older — work at local businesses. Many of us worked to save for college rather than expecting others to pay our way. Work builds responsibility and discipline.

9. Hold Teachers and Their Union Financially Responsible for Misconduct

When teacher abuse or misconduct occurs, taxpayers should not bear the cost of legal fees or settlements. If the union claims its members are “professionals,” it should guarantee reimbursement for damages caused by its members or require teachers to carry their own liability insurance. The district should pursue repayment from the union or the individual teacher — not taxpayers. Additionally, If teachers claim they grade at home, they should be required to remain at school for a full eight‒hour day.

KCSD must return to its primary purpose: educating students — not operating a taxpayer‒funded country club.