LAHARPE In marketing, a general rule of thumb is that 20 percent of customers will always say yes to a new proposal, the middle 60 percent need some persuading, and the remaining 20 percent, well, dont waste your energy.
Case in point:
Even though a mountain of evidence presented Tuesday night illustrated the needs and benefits of a new elementary school, the needle on Larry Waldens radar never budged.
Im trying to figure out why we need a new building to educate kids when weve been educating kids for 150 years, Walden said.
Would you want your children to have the same education of 150 years ago? countered Terry Taylor.
We just proved to you that in 80 percent of the districts that built new schools, students test scores went up, added Greg Shields.
Dont give me that, Walden shot back. Thats just one study. My God, what kind of liberal are you?
Always eager to be the burr in the saddle, Walden reminded the audience of about 45 that the population of southeast continues to drop.
What do you think it will be in another 30 years? he asked.
Hopefully more if we build a new school, piped up Kristen Stotler.
Well see, every little town has that argument, If we build it they will come, but it doesnt happen, Walden said.
Not true, said Dan Willis, pointing to the growing enrollment Chanute schools have witnessed in the 10 years they have built new schools.
Theres more kids in the Royster Middle School than theres ever been before, Willis said.
Well, its one of the few exceptions, Walden muttered.
Ryan Sparks said he believed in investing in Iola, including its schools, as evidenced by the numerous properties he owns in town.
If I were concerned about what Iolas future may look like in 30 years, I would never pull the trigger. I never measure a project based on 30 years from now, and the reality is, the kids we have today are worth the investment, Sparks said.
Harry Lee added, Somebody made an investment for us a number of years ago and I think it behooves us to do that for our children and grandchildren.
