Comments on: Defining Insanity

By: StupidShouldHurtMore (SSHM)

StupidShouldHurtMore (SSHM) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:02:36 +0000

It’s time to look at the “why” of the funds – an issue for which Will, et al, have chosen to gloss over. Honestly, for as much as you opt to hold the General Assembly to the fire over anything and everything, where is the outrage over Act 388?

Simply put, Act 388 realigned how schools receive funding. In the past, schools would receive their funding, roughly 70% of it, from PROPERTY TAX REVENUE. Post Act 388, that 70% or so came from SALES TAX REVENUE.

Good job lawmakers. Take the easy way out. With the economic downturn compounded by a decline in consumer spending and confidence, it’s no wonder schools are screaming for $$$.

If you go back and do some more homework Willy, you’ll see where many schools are or have used their “hoarded reserve funds” to combat the general stupidity of the General Assembly.

Those schools that have provided more than a “minimally adequate” education are the ones that are the hardest hit. They are the schools asking for more money. They are also the school districts that churn out the best and brightest in the state.

Go figure. A direct correlation exists between investing in students/classrooms and performance.

- SSHM

By: Workin' Tommy C

Workin' Tommy C — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:46:58 +0000

More money for the education pit?

It’s strange that some teachers think that they need, for some reason, a “ladder” to climb with plenty of non-productive, wasteful, bureaucratic positions to aspire to.

If we could cut out the non-productive, non-teaching positions in this state, we’d we awash in money that would have nowhere else to go but into the classrooms. We could actually pay teachers what they’re worth for a change. Admittedly there is a need for a few secretaries and principals here and there but not nearly to the degree we have in this state.

By: Nope

Nope — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:32:49 +0000

Chris: You count up the hours YOU have spent in the Rutledge building, district offices, and schools. I don’t care what it comes out to, mine would outnumber yours 10,000 to one. I’m not clueless, I’m just not blinded by ideology like the author of this post.

By: baker

baker — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:10:12 +0000

Will — I would agree that saying simply more money is simply going to fix things is not realistic. So….I would say we need a rational discussion of how we spend money, where more (or less) money could make a difference, what works and doesn’t work, what real choice — taking into account admission policies, transportation, total costs, etc. — would look like, and so forth. But this business of suggesting that librarians and counselors required by law don’t count as legitimate spending is just bogus. I think you know that.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:08:44 +0000

Reading the story (which I mostly agree with) and then reading the comments I have to wonder how people that left comments have actually ever stepped foot in a district office or the Rutledge Building. I have said it before and will say it again – most of you truely are clueless as the realities of our educational system – and that state is entirely intentional on behalf of those that keep you there.

By: fitsnews

fitsnews — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:25:14 +0000

Baker-

“Saying things over and over and over, whether it’s truthful or not …”

Hmmmm … you mean like saying more money’s going to fix the problem?

-FITS

By: BIN News Editorial Staff

BIN News Editorial Staff — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:23:51 +0000

sic(k) willie,

You are avoiding the real issue. When are you going to give us details and facts about your claim of a SLED “beat down squad”? We are waiting.

BIN News Editorial Staff

By: ethel krabitz

ethel krabitz — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:23:32 +0000

Don’t you see, as long as the students underachieve and continue to fail, the educrats maintain the status quo, and thus keep all of their made-up, ludicrously overpaid jobs. The state and district level bureaucrats are not the least bit interested in student achievment, if they were they might pick one or two acdemic ideas/programs and STICK WITH THEM long enough for results to show improvement. No, they are interested only in keeping their jobs, and making teachers look shitty to divert attention from themselves.

By: baker

baker — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:19:06 +0000

Nope is right on target with that sketchy claim about how much money does or does not reach the classroom. But I guess people who make their living propaganda figure that if you say something over and over and over, whether it’s truthful or not, it seems to stick.

By: Good Bye Minimally Adequate

Good Bye Minimally Adequate — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:11:28 +0000

Districts that can afford reserve funds are using them responsibly to educate children. They are not wasting taxpayer money.

They are using those funds to keep essential programs operating, to keep teachers teaching and to keep kids learning.

sic(k) willie’s allegations to the contrary betray the fact that he is bought and paid for by SCRG and Howie’s other carpet-buggers.