Conestoga Public Schools

Conestoga Public Schools is a consolidated school district located in southeast Nebraska serving the communities of Murray, Beaver Lake, Union, Lake Waconda, Nehawka, and throughout rural Cass County. The district serves approximately 600 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades at two schools, Conestoga Elementary and Conestoga Junior/Senior High School.^[1]

In 2006 the district moved from a traditional five-day school week to a four-day week in order to trim its budget deficit. Administrators found the move created $100,000 in annual savings, comprising one-tenth of the district budget. Outcomes of the prompted Iowa lawmakers to consider allowing their local districts to make the same move in November 2008.^[2] In 2007 the junior/senior high school principal drew response to her controversial practice of sending Christian prayers in emails to students and staff, and initiating prayer sessions in her office.^[3] In early 2008 the district paid off $1.5 million operating debt attributed to a sharp decline in enrollment and cuts in state aid. The district closed Nehawka Middle School, combined its junior and senior high buildings, eliminated 13 staff positions and switched to a four-day school week.^[4]

References

1. ^ "District information", Conestoga Public Schools. Retrieved 11/23/08.
2. ^ Hupp, S. "Four-day school week suits Nebraska district" Des Moines Register. November 8, 2008. Retrieved 11/23/08.
3. ^ Ferrack, J. "Christian principal's e-mail 'devotionals' draw complaints", Omaha World-Herald. April 29, 2007. Retrieved 11/23/08.
4. ^ Ferak, J. "Conestoga School District to pay off debt", Omaha World-Herald. October 13, 2008. Retrieved 11/23/08.