Jay Kersting's Blog

With state budget cuts looming, how to keep the money in the classroom

Those of you who live and work in the state of Missouri, you already know the state budget problems.

Right now, Governor Nixon, begrudgingly submitted a budget with a two percent across-the-board cut to education funding.  Some districts will be minimally impacted.  Those are the districts that have good local tax collections.  Jefferson City is one of those districts, at least for now.  I say that based on my conversations with the JCPS Chief Financial Officer, Jason Hoffman.  But these things can ALWAYS change.

Many others around the state are not as fortunate as Jefferson City Public Schools.

This is where my employer can help. 

Back in August, I started with Midwest Computech as the Office Manager and Business Development Manager for the Jefferson City office.  To fit on a business card, we shortened that to Accounts Manager.  Any how, my point is to addrerss the heritage of this company.

Greg Miller, President of Midwest Computech, is a teacher.  Greg was the band teacher at Tipton Public Schools for several years before coming to work for the company that he later bought.  And the way he got to this company is interesting.

Back in the 1990′s, the use of technology in classrooms was growing at exponential rates.  Tipton needed a Technology Coordinator to help in that district.  Greg’s personal experience with computers made him a great candidate for that role.  Well, one thing led to another and Greg found himself working with this company at the schools, then went to work for them.

Since that time, Greg bought the company, along with David Nivens, Midwest Computech Vice President, and continued the work with several school districts.  Starting in Mid-Missouri, and spreading out across the state.  Currently, Midwest Computech is working with over 50 school districts and has technical staff On-SITE in over 20 districts each week.

Why?

Because with the background of Midwest Computech being firmly in education, we feel that we can best help school districts save money on their information technology budgets AND either improve services to faculty and staff OR improve the educational experiences for the students.  In many cases, BOTH.

Now, there are lawmakers who are wanting to cut in other areas to keep the money in the schools.  This is a good thing.  But what happens next year?  Or the year after?  Rumor is that the cuts could be TEN PERCENT in the 2011-2012 budget.  And fifteen percent or more in 2012-2013.

Midwest Computech can help.  Yes, this sounds like an advertisement.  Maybe it is.  But it is also from a taxpayer of the state of Missouri, the County of Cole, the City of Jefferson and, of course, the United States of America.  I bring this up in a way to help our company, obviously.  But if Midwest Computech can help schools with these budget crunches, isn’t that good for all of us.

If you have any influence with your school district here in Missouri, you may want to suggest that they meet with us at Midwest Computech.

It never hurts to sit down and have a conversation, does it?  Especially when it could be to the benefit of the students AND the taxpayers.

You know how to find me.