Write in Donelle Sage for School Board Position 2

02/13/2025

I try to keep this page directly correlated to our local district, but because this could have such drastic effects to education, I’m passing this information along to keep people informed. I read the documents on this today myself. There are actually 17 states total that are involved in this specific lawsuit that could ban 504s.

12/11/2024

The board is looking for input on 4 different categories. This is short notice but the first meeting is tomorrow if you can make it. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HCHtipBSN/?mibextid=WC7FNe

A special Board of Education meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, 12/11, 5:30pm, at Jefferson West High School.

Agenda: https://usd340.diligent.community/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=125

09/29/2024

I’d never want to be an echo chamber and unfortunately, sometimes speaking out on one side of the fence or the other based on your beliefs, gets you shunned, talked down to, etc.

There are both extremely valid points on both sides of this fence. Just because you don’t agree with someone, doesn’t mean they are passing misinformation, it just means their opinion is different. What everyone can agree on, is that we want to do what is best for our families, and children. Here are both pages of information to make sure that echo chamber doesn’t exist here.

I still encourage you to check out the town hall meetings and ask questions. There are alternative options circling and community members willing to help.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566787611987&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.facebook.com/jeffwestvoteyescommittee?mibextid=LQQJ4d

The citizens of Jefferson County, KS that reside within the USD 340 district have not been fully informed on this $21 million dollar bond issue. Everything was rushed to get the question on the ballot. Voters deserve to know what is going on without having to attend meetings where you get yelled at for raising questions.

The idea of a upgraded schools and brand new facilities is great, but at what expense? OURS!

30.98% - 31.03% of our 2024 taxes will go towards USD 340. If the bond issue passes, that rate will go to 39.81% if it is based off of the 2024 assessments. Our taxes have been consistently on the rise over the past few years, so it safe to assume that estimate is on the low side.

There needs to be a middle ground, where the items that are truly needed can be addressed. With proper maintenance, many of the "essential" items on the list wouldn't be needed. Instead, the committee and all associated with it are asking all of us to once again pay more taxes to supply their extravagant wants.

08/20/2024

For those not able to attend last night I hope that you were able to watch online. There is a facilities committee that has reviewed a document that Mammoth created for us last year talking about all the “needs” our district has. If you want to see the full document, it is currently on the board minutes on August 14, 2023.

The board voted last night to put a bond on the November 5th ballot to let the public decide. While our district is in desperate need for classroom space and building maintenance, my biggest concern is that in the proposal was a “multipurpose room” which includes a new gym that would connect the middle and high school, as well as upgrades to other sports facilities, even though the public that took the survey voted to say athletics was last on the list of needs, it magically moved up to a top concern.

The School board will be building a Bond Committee to speak directly and decide on what should be included in the bond. If you’re interested on being on that committee, I’d reach out to your Board rep.

08/17/2024

It would be extremely important for community members to show up to this meeting. They are discussing a bond. I will be at the meeting but if you have specific questions let me know. I’m still working for the community!!

Special meeting of the Board of Education is Monday, August 19, 6:30pm at Jefferson West High School in the Commons. The meeting is regarding District facility needs and the consideration of a bond issue. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend to be more informed.

Agenda Information may be found here: https://usd340.diligent.community/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=112

Livestream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85600355085?pwd=LV9AH3aZDZUMftDP0oXkbzT26ali2R.1

11/22/2023

I took this off of a page I follow. This is so true. Teaching is difficult. Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you.

This morning, I pulled up to the school to drop our son off at early morning wrestling practice. It was 6am the day before Thanksgiving break.

As I sat in the parking lot, I noticed another car pull up. I watched as a teacher got out of their car, gathered their things and entered the dark building two hours before their contracted time. Lights came on and work began to prepare for the day.

Too often, we focus on what teachers are not doing for our children.

Too often, we lose sight of the countless hours donated by our educators without pay.

Too often, we place blame instead of offering encouragement and a helping hand.

On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all of the educators out there that are doing their best with the resources they have to meet the ever increasing needs of our students and our communities!

I encourage you to reach out to an educator today and thank them for the impact they have made on you or your student’s life! A kind word can go a long way! I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without countless individuals who were willing to sacrifice some of their life to invest in mine!

11/08/2023

One hour left! Make sure you get to your voting location!! Make it a family affair. My kids love going to vote.

11/07/2023

Tomorrow is Election Day! If you’re still on the fence, reach out to me. I’m privileged and happy to answer any of your questions. My job is literally to listen to all sides of a situation, evaluate, and make sure EVERYONE’s voice is heard. Especially, our community members, students, staff, and stakeholders which is you! Serving people is what I do!

Our board is currently filled with small business owners that are a huge asset to our community. Schools are not a business, they are people and our future leaders at that. What we don’t have, is a true voice of public education. Let me fill that role.

Make sure you get out to vote and let your voice be heard! Write-in, “Donelle Sage” for Position 2.

11/02/2023

Exercise your right!

Don’t forget, Election Day this coming Tuesday, 11/7. Can’t make it on Tuesday? You can vote early at the Oskaloosa election office on Friday, 11/3 or Monday, 11/6. Vote for change, but above all else, make sure your voice is heard!

11/02/2023

Don’t forget, Election Day this coming Tuesday, 11/7. Can’t make it on Tuesday? You can vote early at the Oskaloosa election office on Friday, 11/3 or Monday, 11/6. Vote for change, but above all else, make sure your voice is heard!