By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The school superintendents in Hays, Ellis and Victoria met with 111th Dist. Rep. Sue Boldra, R-Hays, Thursday morning for coffee and an informal conversation about possible cuts to education funding ahead of the state legislative session beginning January 12.

Hays USD 489 Superintendent Dean Katt, Ellis USD 388 Superintendent Bob Young and  Victoria USD 482  Superintendent David Ottley expressed their concerns about hearing the state was leaning towards cutting “non-classroom funds” and wanted to know the definition of the term, according to Katt.

“Most of the legislators I take it.. don’t really know what that means, so we stipulated what our thoughts were and the things that would acceptable and the things that are not, ” Katt said. “I think if they are looking at state aid, none of get us get state aid.  You hate to throw someone under the bus but that would probably not hurt us as much as other districts.”

Katt said he thought the conversation with Boldra was a good one.

“I feel good that she understands where we are coming from and feel confident she will give any or all us a call if need be.  It was just a good way to get the year started.”

A few of the  USD 489 board members and other administrators also attended the meeting with Boldra.  Katt said they plan on making the casual conversations “over coffee” a regular occurrence with Boldra and other legislators.

“I think everyone can be more upfront and honest,” Katt said. “I understand the political side of it where everyone has to follow their constituents’ needs, but I think when you talk face to face, to me it helps understand that person.”