To the Editor:

I am coming to the public for your advice on how I should proceed in the case against  Fayette R3 School Board over the 4 day school week, because it is harmful to the educational potential of students, and to the families of students, and to the health of the public at large. 

I took on this cause on behalf (I thought) of those who unsuccessfully resisted the implementation of the 4 day school week in the Fayette school district.  They used various established methods of resistance like writing letters to the editor, flooding the school board meetings with presentations against the plan including a petition with 289 signatures, electing new members to the school board who opposed the 4 day week plan, and passing a tax levy increase to eliminate the money argument and to preserve the 5 day week plan. 

My petition and case was dismissed by the Howard County Circuit Court for lack of standing to bring such a lawsuit, and again by the Western District Court of Appeals, in Kansas City, Mo. I have learned that there is no constitutional protection for “quality” education in existing interpretations of Missouri Constitution, Article IX, Section 1(a). The dissent to this misinterpretation has noted that such lack of a standard for quality education has caused havoc in the public education system in Missouri, especially in the unequal funding of education between poorer rural districts and the wealthier suburban districts.  I believe that the Fayette case can change that interpretation, from what I have learned so far.

The Appeals Court did rule in my favor on one item.  They changed the “with prejudice” of the local court ruling to “without prejudice”.  This is a green light for me to file a revamped petition that will correct the mistakes of my Amended Petition.  I am willing to pursue this only with moral support from the communities in Howard County.

So I am asking for input and advice and support from inside and outside of the Fayette school district.  Maybe someone(s) with children in the Fayette district would be willing to sign on as co-plaintiffs, with minimal financial investment, to clinch the standing issue.

For readers in the Glasgow and New Franklin 5 day school week districts, I urge you to keep vigilance to nip in the bud any talk about moving to the 4 day school week before it gets a strangle hold in the administration and the school board, as happened in Fayette. 

Here are the contact avenues:

Paul Lehmann, 165 CoRd 425, Fayette, MO 65248

Telephone:  660-248-1134

Cell Phone for Texting:  660-537-5018

Best to all.  Sincerely, Paul Lehmann