Angst of Back To School

The kiddos head back to school in a few weeks. Tyler will be in 1st grade and Lauren in 3rd - our first year at full time school for all! That is exciting for us and I know some are looking forward to it more than others, yes Chuck, I'm talking about you. The supplies are purchased and awaiting names, the clothes, glasses and haircuts will be happening within the next week. So progress is being made.

Now to the angst ~ I'm sure others are feeling the bite in budget cuts at their local schools too. I can't tell you how much it bothers me to see it at ours. And since this is my blog, I'm going to complain about it. If you don't want to hear it, please stop reading and come back another day, you've now been warned.

Last June was painful to watch our teachers and admin shuffle out of a building without a safety net. Many knew they weren't returning, some were facing a future without certainity. Tears were shed from children to adults, budget meetings were held. It was sad on so many levels. We've come to learn that class sizes will be larger, pe and music will be shorter and that Wednesday won't start until 10AM.

But what we haven't learned is why the cuts weren't made as deeply at the administrative level as they were with teachers and staffers. I implore you Jeff Rose, who probably doesn't read this blog, to answer the questions I asked in June. Where did the money come from to retain your administrative staff and what are the qualifications to use those "special" funds. Please explain how you can continue to keep the 20 some odd people in the district office - and quit telling me that there is only 7 administrative employees - principals are not the only ones employed at the district office. I will give you kudos for your approach to balance the district's budget; it's always better to add then to continue to whittle away. But you've lost a little respect from me as a parent, community member, and most importantly as a tax payer, when you refuse to address ALL the issues.

Whew, I feel better having said that. Not better about the situation, just in my venting. Ted G., you Mr. Governor, are next on my list. This situation starts at the top and you Sir are the beginning on the snow ball ~ being orphaned is an awful thing to happen to a child, but thank goodness you received that free education from those nuns. Too bad you couldn't provide that same quality service to the children of those that you serve.