- Cutting teachers and increasing class size.
- Closing schools and consolidating.
- Moving to a four (4) day school week.
- Ending extra-curricular activities.
Former Wicomico councilman Bill McCain argued that the county could fully fund education if it chose to do so. In theory this is true. To accomplish this, funding for the Sheriff’s office, county fire and ambulance service, public works, and public health would have to bear brunt. Is McCain arguing that we eviscerate public safety?
Fredericksen and the board should be commended for being proactive in beginning this discussion early. It was gratifying to see such a large crowd come out to a public meeting. However, it appeared that 50% – 70% of those in attendance were board employees and their families.
Some in attendance questioned the board’s motives for the meeting. One parent of school aged children, who asked not to be named, noted that the taxpayers and all areas of local government were taking a hit and the WCBOE should not be an exception. He felt that Fredericksen was attempting to demonize the Wicomico County Council for making tough choices and was playing politics with threats to move to a four day school week (which would disrupt the lives of working families). “This sounds like a call to end the revenue cap. Do we really want to tax families and businesses more? Wicomico is already in economic decline. What will happen if more jobs leave the county because of higher taxes?”
The solution to this is simple. Turn the WCBOE over to Sheriff Lewis. Sheriff Lewis has done wonders for WCSD and he would whip the BOE in shape as well.
ReplyDeleteCall me simple but we are too close to Delaware to raise any more taxes. Businesses and taxpayers will not endure the beating of Wicomico County much longer. So long as the school system is run by the govt it will be corrupt. The only answer is school choice. The 4 day a week crap is just that. Who's going to open a one day a week daycare and what tax money is going to provide it to those who can't afford it? These dumb threats are infuriating. Just what happens when politicians Ru. Things!
ReplyDeleteWhat if more jobs leave the County due to inadequate education? You can't attract or keep talented, productive people in this area without a decent school system for their kids to attend.
ReplyDeleteonce again cry wolf. try this look at the union benefit package do what they did in wisconsin make the teachers contribute a little to their pension and health care and see what happens. this is simply more union scare tactics
ReplyDeleteHow much money is being spent on discipline and controlling the hoodlums in the schools? How much is spent on alternative schools, summer school, sheriffs in the schools? Start making them pay their way if they refuse to be in the school system that we are already paying for. These additioanl costs are probably huge. When it starts to affect their pocket, there will be a change in behavior. I know I'll hear that these are the people who have no money in the first place, how can we charge them for alternative school? Behavior changes have to start somewhere, as we are out of money and being bled dry.
ReplyDeleteIt’s amazing to me that nearly every bullet point listed above has a direct negative effect on the students and teachers. We as parents, should not have to listen to these scare tactics every time there is a budget shortfall. I for one, understand that there has to be a willingness to “give and take” to resolve some tough issues so why don’t any of the bullet points have cutback offers from the superintendent or the board of ED workers?
ReplyDeleteThe most important part of our public school system is our teachers, so their salaries, class sizes, schedules and retirement should never be part of any budget cuts. Instead, I would like to see the superintendent take a 25% pay cut for two school years AND furlough the entire board of ED office building for 3 days a week. Have that office only open on Mondays and Fridays. I’ve never once seen these ideas on bullet points.
It’s all about value for my tax dollars so just ask yourself this one question, does the superintendent or any board of education employee teach any kindergarten students about sight words or how to write their name correctly? No.
If you think about the value of my child’s education, it should be easy to see where the cuts should be made…..
Kids who don't behave in school or at Choices (the alternative school) are provided an education at Connections (another expensive option). Yes, the system is being bled dry to pay for those students who won't work and won't behave. Well, maybe our expulsion rate will have to rise, and the police budgets will have to take care of what expelled students do when they're loose. Also, ask how many central office positions were cut. Most of the ones we were told were being eliminated are being replaced.
ReplyDeleteLets face it, it's a tough job to do the same job with less money,but it can be done.The governor has said that times are tough and it's time for people to sacrifice. Let's start here with a mirror of the Wisconsin plan.I'm quite sure the unions will go along with a plan of a little sacrifice from BOE employees to keep as many teachers employed as possible.
ReplyDeleteSheriff Lewis? really? Crime didn't start dropping until the city got their new police chief.
ReplyDeleteTaxes have steadily declined for a decade in this county so the speaker who spoke of businesses leaving over higher taxes apparently has no idea why those businesses actually left.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 1:02...weed out several employees at the top level. If the people in the central office think we need to cut the students activities and cut back on education...YOU take a reductiion in salary...pay your part of your insurance and retirement..WE DO.
ReplyDeleteMr Frankenstein should start with his salary, his automobile, his insurance and HIS expense acount. Cut out the trips to Las Vegas, expensive restaurants...we can't afford your expensive tastes.
The School system is going to have to make cuts, the teachers need to pay into their Benefit Package----It is worth thousands & I for one am sick of contributing to them . Unless they want to contribute to the $5,000 I am now paying out for my husbands & my Secondary Ins. plus almost another $1,000 for the RX plan through Medicare!!!!
ReplyDeletePeople working for the County, State & Gov. have no idea what the heck the working class is dishing out for Ins coverage , & I for one am sick of giving them such lavish benefits!!!! Tighten your belts along with the rest of the human race!!
How about the BOE gets rid of their "press secretary." She doesn't do anything anyway.
ReplyDeleteCut art,music,sports,health education,gym and school breakfasts to start. If parents want these activities they can be easily found in the private sector. Then you need to look at cutting pensions for county employees and taking away Sheriffs department and county government vehicles when not on duty that would in itself a huge savings in fuel costs. Just my opinion for whatever thats worth.
ReplyDeleteMaybe zoning should come into play as well. Not one sector of government around here planned for the extensive growth they allowed to happen without infrastructure in place to accomadate it. Over crowding has come about from bending over to developers. Sure, more people paying taxes but more people using outdated and inferior services such as our schools. As a State employee, we have been furloughed for several years, no raises, just take backs. I have school aged children and God love their overworked teachers but I am an overworked and underpayed state employee. No one should be exempt from this economic crunch but to suggest less educationally quality for Americas future. Thats absurd.
ReplyDelete3:32... should we also cut lunches, math, history, english, and science?
ReplyDelete3:32 is obviously a BoE employee or union member. Notice, not one mention of any cuts to staffing or any cuts to BoE employees. Take from everyone else but them. Completely selfish...sounds like Fredericksen all over again.
ReplyDelete3:32..... it isn't worth much
ReplyDeleteHey, we're still going to build the new Bennett Middle, aren't we?
ReplyDeleteHow about cutting those "teachers" who hardly spend any time in a classroom, if at all. I know of one person in particular who basically just teaches kids, and teachers, how to pass the mandated math exams. They have even said that they are surprised that they haven't been targeted for cuts.
ReplyDeleteYou people who keep thinking that teachers don't pay into their pensions and health benefits are ignorant of the facts. Yes, Wisconsin teachers didn't pay into those things, but in MD we do. Teachers now pay 7% of their salary into the pension system. I bet most people out there don't put 7% into their 401K's. Since the pension isn't guaranteed to be around as the State raids the fund, most teachers also contribute to 403B plan. We also pay close to $200 a paycheck for health benefits, as well as all the other taxes everyone else pays. Like others, we haven't had a raise in several years. Combine that with our own money we constantly spend for our rooms and students, and we are losing money. Not to mention all the work we do out of the classroom at home. Yet, we are to be burdened with larger classes, higher expectations, and a public that thinks we getting all kinds of free benefits.
ReplyDeleteYeah 5:22 and I bet you'd like a four day work week too. I feel for the teachers HOWEVER didn't you know what was involved when you became one? I have no desire to teach therefore I didn't do it - instead I went to school for a job where I KNEW I'd have a four day work week. I disagree with bigger class sizes and consolidating schools but quit whining and do your jobs. You knew what it would entail! Also, I love how last night Fredericksen went on and on about the loss of money and then went on to introduce his TWO assistant superintendents! Why two?? I agree start the cutting at the top!
ReplyDeleteI'm a teacher and I don't think 5:22 was whining. He/she is just saying that there are a bunch of people who don't know what they're talking about with respect to our pension. I'm not whining. I'm happy to have a job that I like that serves the community. It's embarrassing that this county ranks next to last in the state for funding of public education.
ReplyDeleteThe Board has tons of directors, too. Get rid of that.
ReplyDeleteHow about taking advantage of technology and telecommute to school.
ReplyDelete6:42 Somebody has to be last. I guess it might as well be us.
ReplyDelete6:42 I appreciate your comment. I suppose I am venting due to the fact that the first speaker last night was a Parkside teacher who said a four day work week would make him a better teacher. What a load of you know what! Get out of here with that crap. To all parents: start attending these meetings! Quit complaining while doing nothing! These meetings should be STANDING ROOM ONLY! I for one will be at all future board and county council meetings. Enough is Enough! For starters my coworkers husband is going to a seminar tomorrow he says he has no business going to. He says out of the six going only three NEED to be there. And of course the board is paying for hotel rooms because it is in Baltimore. Oh boo hoo! We need to DEMAND to know how OUR money is being spent!
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Freddy:
ReplyDeleteWhat salary cut do you propose -- for yourself????
nothing about cutting all the fat at BOE headquarters? How many positions are there that spend little to no time in the class room teaching? seem's to me that would be a good place to start!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever looked at the directory of Board employees, especially in facilities? Unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteHow much of our county school budget is funded with Federal money? I mean really, if it's an amount we can overome, then I say reject it. Allow the kids to learn and let the administrations administer our State's rules and established school curriculum. No more "No child left behind" or any other unfunded mandate from big brother. Become totally self sufficient with MD taxpayer money. Why does the Federal Goverment need to be in the education business? Something significant has got to change.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know. Teachers had a 2% increase this year towards their pension. It went from 5% to 7%. Now, this extra 2% that the teachers are paying into the "pension" is actually going into the general funds! This is simply a teacher tax.
ReplyDelete12:43 do your homework the boe employees do contribute to their pension and health care!
ReplyDeleteThey sent out robocalls, emails, flyers home with the kid and snail mail, all to turn parents out.
ReplyDeleteWhat they want is parents to storm the county council to overturn the revenue cap or do a referendum to reverse it or however it's done.
No matter how you feel about that cap, this was about politics.
If Fred the Super were honest with everyone, he would have come out and said that.
I love reading all these comments from armchair educational experts. For some actual facts, read today's Daily Times editorial. Many people write about cutting the fat at the top; in actuality, Wicomico spends less on administration than almost any other county. Funding the BOE is an extremely complex issus. It cannot be solved by any of us or by bringing in Sheriff Lewis to "clean house."
ReplyDeleteI love people who say, "When I went to school..." Well schools are a lot different than when you and I went to school. When I graduated from school 25 years ago there were not gangs in school, students were expelled who were bad, 90% of kids are ADHD, single parent homes or no parent, homeless families, special ed kids had there own classes, and on and on. Schools are vastly different today because of state ans federal laws. You just can't toss kids out of school these days because the state won't allow it to happen. Unless you are there, you don't really know what is going on in the schools and why they need all the positions they have.
ReplyDeleteDuh! Of course this was politics. The schools are funded by politicians on the County Council. So if parents want what is best for their kids, they need to pressure the politicians. Also, all you people who want an elected school board. What do you think will happen when we get an elected school board? You can bet it get even MORE political and then schools and educators will really ask parents to bring political pressure down on the Board and the Council.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who thinks this is "crying wolf," just needs to look around the country at what has already happened to schools. In Orange County, FL. they have closed several schools to save money. Hawaii has gone to a schedule where they don't have school on Fridays anymore, so they have a four day week. Some places in CA have also gone to a 4 day week. In western Ohio, they have eliminated high school sports and other extra activities. In Ohio high school football is huge. So, it is happening in other places, it can happen here as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure if they go to a 4 day week the teachers won't be paid the same. Instructional salaries are a huge part of the budget and just closing the school for a day won't really save much money. So, they would negotiate to not pay the teachers for those days off of work.
$ 1 million in salaries to the top 10 positions at the B of E. is what you're paying for in Wicomico County.
ReplyDelete$1,000,000.
OK Bob, so we eliminate those positions. Where do we cut the other 3 million dollars this year? Also, who is going to do the jobs of the people you eliminate from the BOE when the feds and state virtually require those positions or your breaking the law? They have cut 4-5 million dollars each year over the last three years, there isn't much left. Obviously you have no children in the schools. Wicomico already is the lowest in the state in spending per pupil.
ReplyDeleteWhat an embarrassment this area is when it comes to children and education. I have spent time in classrooms in the county. The children are unruly and the teacher's hands are tied. There are people who got into teaching for all the right reasons, got their Master's degree, and have spent countless hours not being paid to help children. We should hold our teachers up, not cut them at the knees. There is a reason most people don't teach, it is cause it is hard, and not appreciated. It takes a certain person do what teachers do. I know my child's teacher has made a difference in my child's life. And yes, they chose this profession, but they didn't choose to make less and less than the year before, to have their pay lessened by state increase in pensions, and to have to buy supplies for kids so they have them cause parents won't. SHAME ON US for what we have let happen. It's an embarrassment!
ReplyDeleteFirst step is to change the revenue cap to something that will allow growth in the CO..
ReplyDeleteThen, cut the school budget per student to reflect the amount paid by the Catholic Schools in the area and in DE. These schools provide superior education, at about 1/2 the amount the BOE is spending per student. Money level doesn't = education level.
Then begin giving the BOE the same salary cuts that the other county employees have been receiving for years. Two years ago county employees got a pay cut, and BOE employees received a raise. The BOE employees have still not received a cut. Business as usually for them.
Here's a novel thought...Close all of the schools right now, refund all of the taxpayer money and/ or put it in to infrastructure, police, fire, EMS. And the like and tell all of the parents that they have to homeschool their children to the MSDE guidelines. Of course, I share this as an absurd thought, but the point is this: this whole thing is not about education salary...it's about politics. I used to teach in both Worcester and Wicomico counties and now teach in fairfax, VA. First, the revenue sources drawn from here are vastly superior due to, I hate to say it, TAXES. Nobody wants to pay more, and certainly not teachers, who pay all of the same taxes as everyone else, but you do indeed get what you pay for. This revenue tax cap is the death knell for the county, and for those who have children in a public school should be screaming at the top of their lungs at VOICE and the absolute ridiculous and absurd manner which this all took place under. What will indeed happen, and what is happening now is that teachers who can leave, are. It is why I left - NOT because of salary, but because of the fact that education is simply not valued on the lower shore to the extent that it is in many other areas. To the teachers reading this, quit whining and leave. This is an unwinnable battle, and If the powers that be won't reverse course for children and the community, you won't be able to stop them from returning things to the stone age. I really did love living in Salisbury for a time, and am saddened at what it has become. I am especially saddened at what will come in the next few years, and in my less than regarded opinion, there is no wat to turn this around without the tax cap being repealed. Of course, nobody is reading this, and it may not even be posted. To that end, Joe, I think you do great work, and I offer my sincere praise and thanks for trying desperately to get the local community to be informed and involved in this matter and so many others. Best of luck to you, your staff, and supporters, as well as your readership who, quite frankly, are so frustrated with this whole mess.
ReplyDelete8:52 - in response to your comments, they can't ignore NCLB - it is federal law, and further, you cite states rights vs. Federal oversight, something our forefathers worried about enough to spend countless hours hammering out in our constitution. I offer the following....do a little research with regard to the great state of Connecticut ...they are currently challenging the government in court over this very matter, but rather than hitting NCLB head on about unfunded mandates, they are instead challenging on a states right position. This is not well known, but to be sure, the rest of the northeast is watching this including New York....IF CT wins, a windfall will result, which is why we are alreading seeing a softening of the President's position on this...my guess is that if he relaxes enough of this ( and make NCLB essentially useless) he can avoid being the President that let states rights win out on this....if it comes before the supreme court on this before the election (something I am very sure the White House is trying to avoid), it would sink BA's chances to win the election.
ReplyDelete