The Wicomico County Council just completed thier meeting on Bennett Middle School.
The Wicomico County Council has decided to vote YES on going forward with the letter of intent.
Joe Holloway-NO
Stevie Prettyman- YES
Gail Bartkovich-NO
John Hall-YES
Matt Holloway-YES
Sheree Sample Hughes-YES
Bob Culver-NO
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
96 comments:
Thank goodness!
I want to thank the council for working through the numbers. Projections are included in any government or business, and are usually correct within reason. Wicomico County can afford it, as long as the plans follow suit. Saying we can't move forward because we can't afford it is a broad statement. If we did not go based on projections, we would never make a decision on anything. It's part of fiscal and long range planning. Thanks to council members who see this, and plan to the future!
Hope they have some idea how they're going to pay for it!
Fantastic!!!!
Does this mean that we, as citizens of Wicomico County, are committed to this, or is this just a way to stop Omalley from giving the money to his western shore buddies?
Does this mean that we, as citizens of Wicomico County, are committed to this, or is this just a way to stop Omalley from giving the money to his western shore buddies?
That was a bone headed move! Now Rick will use this as a blank check to raise taxes. Be carefull what you wised for people. WE will get a new school and slick rick will get year after year tax increases to pay for it and his other pet projects. We all just got played and the kids well being was used to bring emotions into the discussion.
I'm so tired of hearing about bms.
Prettyman = RINO flipper!
I'm so tired of hearing about "slick" Rick. Thank you, Mr. Pollitt, for seeing this through.
That is what you get for endorsing John Hall a few months ago. You reap what you sow.
This is bullsh!t!!! Are they going to magically pull the money out of their a$$es?? It is absolutely ridiculous. When my taxes go up and I have to pay extra to build this new school, I'm going to remember this. Slick Ricky and the BOE got what they wanted. I think that they need to have a referendum vote on the ballot in November so that voters can vote on whether this project should go forward. I'm so pissed.
What a vain person Prettyman is.
ive heard that each of them will forfeit their entire paychecks for the next 5 years to help put a dent in the price!
wait...i dont think ive ever heard a politician giving back.
I am happy to see this--there is a reason the Chmaber of Commerce endorsed the plan. We cannot attract businesses to this region with lousy schools. We will reap much more benefit from this than the intitial cost.
Look out now, You can bet that taxes are going to up as much as the tax cap will allow. Sure hope I get to vote against Stevie Prettyman in the next election.
Teachers have taken it on the chin for the past four years. Working at a school that is a death trap as it deteriorates, making the sacrifices everyone has been making in these times. And still producing a quality product. This tax payer project will put a lot of money in our local economy and return the tax dollars to the ones who paid them in the first place. I know I financed my car, and my house, my college education even my washer and dryer on loans so borrowing money for this project is pretty normal. Why were you all not screaming as the county bought the civic center, or as Wor Wic uses tax payer money to expand, or Salisbury University all tax consumers why just public education? Teachers work for the public at get paid by the public and teach all members of the public, Many are just doing the job you hired them to do for the wages and benefits you agreed to pay them. Many people here are not happy with their station in life I think and blame their teachers for it, and this is a way to express their grudge
2:44 PM
When a school system does everything it can to hold back top students so they can't get too far ahead of the others, you don't attract businesses either.
I think this is right, the condition of the school is criminal to have our future go to school and LEARN.
2:44 We have lousy schools - and the buildings have absolutely nothing to do with it. BHS actually dropped in performance with a new building; which is older, BMS or WMS.
It's long past time to stop this nonsense about facilities & get administrators & faculty who are willing to focus on education.
I will who not to vote for next time..and stevie you are one of them. where are you when we need you? Up ricks but thats where.
great news
Thank you, Stevie Prettyman, for your vote to send the letter of intent. You are maybe the most level-headed person on the Council, and your vote is apprciated.
2:44 you are an idiot a new school will not attract any new business. Wicomico county school systems will continue producing low level students regardless of any school building improvements.
2:44 lousy schools (facilities) or lousy educators?
We cannot attract businesses to this region with lousy schools. We will reap much more benefit from this than the intitial cost.
January 24, 2012 2:44 PM
What?! lol. I doubt that has very little bearing on attracting business. Most are anti-come heres so that isn't too business friendly.
Neither is the crime in this area. Neither is the vindictiveness in this area. Neither are some of the asinine laws they chose to enforce in this area.
Neither is the negativity in this area. Back biting, insults, name calling, et al.
Air conditioning in schools is nice and modern and I'm all for it. But the QUALITY of educating youth is more important than lights for tennis court or shiny toys.
The money would have better spent, ( if it even had to be), on seeking better teachers and administrators.
But what do I know right?
I have been a big supporter of Stevie Prettyman for a long, long time. I am monumentally disappointed in her vote and if she were running again, this would have cost her my continued support. John Hall = disaster. He wasnt friends at BOE..please!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just curious if anyone knows when the county, state, and federal governments will say the taxpayers are being taxed enough. How much do they want? 50%,75% or do they just want it all? What are they going to do then? So sick of government at all levels, just keep spending and you'll doom us all dumb a$$es!
we will attract other buisnesses to the county on the backs of the existing business. Down with this project!
Here comes higher county taxes. No wonder so many people work in Salisbury but live in a different county or in DE. Not a good decision in today's economy. With higher sales taxes in the works more driving to DE to buy the things I use and need.
Stevie Prettyman, I'm in your district. I voted for you the last time but never again. You gave in to a few well-heeled influential people instead of representing ALL of the citizens/taxpayers of Wicomico County. You've done a very poor job this time. I'm sure I speak for a lot of folks when I say, We don't need you anymore and we don't want you anymore! Good riddance!
thank you PAC 14 for live streaming the meeting for those that could not attend- there were so many great comments- especially Cathy Keim - unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears
tax and spend, tax and spend - none of this will lead to better education
thanks for all the coverage Joe
This is absolutely the worst news you have delivered in a long time Joe. We do not need a new school with all the bells and whistles - what we do need are teachers who really know how to teach, and quit their complaining because its hot.
Flip floppers on the Council like Stevie Prettyman need to take their entire salary and yearly earnings and donate every bit, every year to this ridiculous project. Maybe in the future this is needed, but no, not now, not in this economy. What a mistake.
LMAO! The lack of mentality by many of the posters, shows just how ignorant so many around here are. A better scholl is NOT going to help children get better grades. Perhaps the TEACHERS should do their job and TEACH our children. What will their excuse be when the kids keep falling behind? Perhaps now, the BoE should clean house and FIRE ANY teacher whose kids are lower than the state average on the standardized tests! NO more excuses!
And to those who voted yes, I will actively lobby for you NOT to be re-elected. A total waste of tax payers' dollars!
Total BS....I don't want to hear one complaint from a teacher or school official about lack of pay raises, school supplies, etc...take your complaints to Rick or the Super. They seem to have plenty of revenue to spare. I've had it with this political BS. No more donations or time from me. And on another note, when your taxes sky rocket, take the wining elsewhere...
The teachers union should pay for it.
@ 3:37 You are so right! If they tax anymore I will have to leave this liberal state!
3:56 PM
Do you know what average means? How can it be the fault of the teachers if some kids are below average? Have you looked at the kids who come to our schools and concluded that all of them are average or above? Talk about an odd opinion.
This unbelievable! With Everything going up up up & gas suppose to climb upwards to $5.00 a gallon-----this is really unbelievable!!! Election time can't come to soon.
If working conditions are so bad, you won't attract good teachers. Why would anyone want to work in horrible conditions? It also doesn't help the moral of the students either. It's a give and take. If you really want Salisbury to get better, we have to do things that will help the overall community. This is a step in the right direction.
I guess Mardella Middle and High school will never get a new building now.
lovely. spend more we don't have. lay off deputies. none in the schools. call spd with the crimes that happen in schools in city limits. good luck with that! if i could, i'd move. worthless county. and i live in city limits. worthless too. f*** me twice. thanks.
Time to move to Delaware with Joe! These people have lost their minds. I'm struggling to make ends meet now if they raise taxes any higher I'd be better off living on food stamps. I wish someone could explain to me how this county is going to pay for this.
I guess Stevie dosn't want to represent us anymore.When we get choked on taxes,she is the name we will remember at the polls.We are barely hanging on. We don't have the security she has but will still have to pay out of our eating money.
WOW four liberals on the council. Hall, Prettyman, Hughes,Matt Holloway.
We will be forced to pay for Their dreams. Our homes will be held hostage. That's how it works!!
A shiny new school with children still failing in it. Insufficient books, but wow, look at those shiny lockers!
Every dept.in our county got a slap in the face today. Thanks
We prayed this would not happen at this bad time. What good is a new school if we lose our home and have to move on? This is just irresponsible.Mrs. Pretytman, you were not thinking of us....
4:16-the wcboe would never consider giving Mardela anything remotely close to BHS or the proposed BMS. When Gail mentioned something today about Mardela, Stevie pipes up and says "oh yeah, I was gonna ask about that". We have no voice on this council. How can the wcboe justify the money spent to provide the city schools with the lavish amenities they have while Mardela continues to do without. Seriously Stevie, please explain what it is you heard today that made you change your position. I watched the entire meeting on line and heard you explain how you were attacked for the "no" vote you cast last week. In my opinion, you flip flopped today so you would not have to endure the wrath of those poor BMS parents and supporters again. Didn't you hear what Gail said during council comments. Too many unanswered questions. For you to state that you are hopeful the wcboe will look at ways to cut costs for the new school is more than wishful thinking. Write this down, the wcboe will now get the BMS they have wanted all along. It is now full speed ahead and they are going to ram it right down the taxpayers throat.
Can you get food stamps and own your own home? That's the only way we will make it now if they raise our taxes any more.. They really will be taking food from our mouths. When I was young,our government leaders seemed like they were representing us.How did all that change? I voted every year, I will vote different next time if I can afford to stay here.
Allow the revenue cap to function the way it was VOTED. That means the rate can't just fall, sometimes it must go up. There are needs in the county, if you all are too stupid to realize it, I feel sorry for you.
5:05 Because Mardela only matters when its time for standardized test and graduation rates! Our kids have NEVER had the amenities that the 3 city schools have. But the attitude that prevails is that Mardela will "make do". We certainly will.
Hey what happened to that 7 million dollar short fall the Board Of Ed was crying about. According to the BOE We won't have enough money to run the Wicomico school system next year. Can someone explain this to me, a poor lowly taxpayer? Oh yeah does this mean the name will go from Bennett Middle to the Pollitt Fredricksen Prettyman Middle School? PFP Middle!!
2:54 Teachers have taken it on the chin????
Where were the teachers when Pollitt asked them to take furloughs so he wouldn't have to lay off other county employees. FredeDicksen said no, teachers union didn't come forward. A whole county department got laid off because the teachers (BOE) would not help out. I think the rest of the county has taken it on the chin a lot more than the teachers.
If Mardela is so bad, put them on a bus to the new schools. A lot of people drive an hour to work.
This county needs to focus and have a better vision. You want to attract business and people to move here. For what, a pretty school, ok check mark for that. Lets look at the rest of the check list, a city that offers a downtown life, nope. A city that has attractions on its waterway, nope, a city that has low crime, nope 4th worst in the nation, a city that offers business a friendly environment to grow, nope. A city that works together to solve the problems, hell no.
I agree that a better school might help influence people, however we have a long road to go.
We ALL need to work together to accomplish the rest to make this a place to come.
This is really going to hurt Wicomico Co.taxpayers and with the added pension costs and possible school bus fees,just wait and see!
I am not a teacher but am really tired of people bashing teachers all of the time. Those that are not in the education field do not understand what teachers must do to prepare and ensure that the students receive the best education and support. I’m very happy with the education that my children receive. I am very involved and maintain open communication with all of their teachers. Many parents are not involved and that is a shame. Unfortunately, the teachers need to deal with the behavior problems and things that go along with kids growing up in a tough environment. On top of that, they must educate. It’s easy to criticize when you are not the one doing the job. Stop bashing all the teachers….there are plenty of great ones in our county. We as a community need to take responsibility as well for making education a priority….It is all of us…
This SUCKS! My vote will be against every single one of them who voted Yes to this. I won't pay my taxes until the very last minute. I'd suggest every county taxpayer do the same thing. Make those who made this decision, sweat! Make them pay by having to borrow money to keep the lights on because they were so foolish to do this! SUCKS!!
Haven't we spent enough money we don't already have? Geez Stevie did the name calling, etc bother you so much you had to make that nice little speech but in the end change your vote to make those same people like you again? Part of being a public servant is knowing you won't always make everyone happy. At least the others didn't get scared and change the way they felt about it. I guess if all of us were married to a doctor and have a place on the islands it wouldn't matter how much our taxes end up going up. Now Rickie is gloating like a proud jackass because he got what he wanted. When his budget comes out this summer how much will our taxes be raised to cover everything else he's so proud of? Rickie why don't you fire your public mouthpiece and use that money to put towards this crap? Wicomico taxpayers are now learning why Fruitland couldn't wait to get rid of him.
The students will pay for that school. They won't see another dime of donations for anything to do with the education system in this county. my no trespassing sign means that to students now. and they will need a hearing aid after i'm done shouting at them on any phone call i receive.
HA HA. You all lost. I thought that this letter wasn't going to happen. I said it from the beginning. Thank you teachers union, my dues is worth every penny. No furloughs AND a new school for me in 3 years. (two if the contractor wants the bonus)
to 3:56 PM. I am not a member of the BOE, but I have alot of friends who are. First a new school will not make better students. But you have no idea what goes on in our schools. The number of fights, the number of suspensions, students who do not care to learn, but have to be in school until they are 16. They prevent teachers from doing their job, and the BOE ties their hands because they do not want the public to know what really goes on. Don't blame the teachers, too many students will not allow them to do their job.
Now everyone is pissed at the vote, including me....don't forget about this as the next election comes. We have a habit of always re-electing the people who wronged us...
what I want to know is how many people will this new castle actually help versus the number of people who will not be benefited and have to pay additional taxes for decades to come.
Do you people not realize that our taxes not only will go up in the county, along with increased fees everywhere, but also on the state level. Everyone seems to think the State of Maryland will be paying for this...ha...what a bunch of short sighted people you are.... we are the State of Maryland. Our state taxes will increase on everything we do, buy or utilize as well as additional fees. So, we will be getting taxed from all directions
The state has been trying to push the teachers pensions on the counties for the last several years and it hasn't happened. Where have you all been? The counties will fight it tooth and nail, so it won't happen. Get over yourselves and quit crying because you don't like your job or life. Do something to make it better instead of complaining.
Do any of you anti-education folks realize how poorly our county funds
education? Educate yourself before you complain about the money going to the schools. If you think it's bad here, you have no idea how the other counties fund their schools. You are getting a bargain here. Again, educate yourself, look at the comparisons, then come back. But
you won't, and that only proves who the poorly educated ones are...and it's you.
6:38 - Thank God, Somebody else with a brain, Who understands about where the money is coming from!!!!!
Here is a suggestion: Let's privatize the schools!!!
Prettyman, Hughes, Matt Holloway and John Hall~~ You are all a disgrace to this county! You should be ashamed on this vote! THERE IS NO! MONEY! Like a true liberal, spend spend spend and expect someone else to pay your bill!
It would be nice to think that the Wicomico tax dollars to be spent on this project would benefit local contractors and businesses.
We need to demand an acceptable design that is effective and not just looks good. Now that this is done, can the council and
Board of Education work together as a team for the betterment of our community?
Remember all, Stevie's district IS Bennett Middle School.
just what we need another palace so the entitled mongrels can destroy it like they have done with every thing they have touched. maybe swing vote stevie can move a few of these at risk students into that big ole nithsdale mansion.good job joe holloway for keeping the conservative faith
7:55
Much of Stevie's district is Salisbury Middle and Mardela too, and some of the "No" votes represent BMS's district. Thanks...now THINK & EDUCATE YOURSELF on this county's poor education funding.
If your a council member who once had a certain vote on this topic but have changed your mind you should not be allowed to be on the county council
Dam,
As a county employee, it's been 7 years since we had a pay raise at wcdc. I guess wcdc employees will forever, never, or ever see another pay raise in their lifetime. How about a cola increase. Or, do we have to put our VOTE up FOR SALE at the next election.
Buy
MY
VOTE
AND
I'll
VOTE
For
YOU
Council members who voted yes - thank you! Now the ball is in the BOE court. Please, be responsible with our $. Take care of our students, ensure the best staff are working with them, and promote the best of our community.
8:22 Yes, because one should never be able to learn and change one's mind as a result of that education. Say hi to the tooth fairy and santa for me on your way back la-la land.
"Allow the revenue cap to function the way it was VOTED. That means the rate can't just fall, sometimes it must go up. There are needs in the county, if you all are too stupid to realize it, I feel sorry for you." Well said, 5:31.
The Council will, I'm sure, raise taxes by seven cents per $100 of assessment. If you have a house assessed at $100,000, you will pay just $70 more a year in taxes. Surely that $6 a month is affordable! We need that new school!
Check out the Student Services Center at UMES. Same type of soil, It is sinking, the bowling lanes are in such bad shape that the NCAA Bowloing champs have to us lanes in Delaware to practice. Get ready for a lot of problems in the NEW BMS. We have ourselves to blame we put these people in office. Don't blame them, It's our fault.
7:33-it wont,just like other projects in the works!
Read this u elected morons..One less taxpayer her to fleece I will take all my bussinnes to VA and DEL anywhere but MD...We need to scream for SCHOOL VOUCHERS. I want my tax dollars going to schools who dont give a rats ass aboUt a nice buildng but more about education and learning this whole issue is totally misdirected....
HERE ME SCHOOL VOCHERS NOW GET IT ON THE BALLOT SO WE CAN AHAVE A VOICE ON WHERE ALL THIS MONEY GOES..CaUSE ITS OBVIOUS IT DOES NOT GET SPENT ON EDUCATING THE KIDS
I am not a teacher but am really tired of people bashing teachers all of the time. Those that are not in the education field do not understand what teachers must do to prepare and ensure that the students receive the best education and support. 6:06
I don't care if you're tired of people bashing teachers. If people didn't have ammunition they would have anything to bash, correct?
You admitted you are not a teacher but then go on to say that people not in the education field have no understanding of what teachers to to prepare, ensure, yada yada yada.
Aren't you in that same class of people or are you in the field but not as a teacher?
If nobody complains, nothing changes. And teachers bring it all on themselves.
They want to be treated special and like they are demi-gods enlightening the poor ignorant masses of children.
If they could deliver on what they want people to believe, they wouldn't be called out for the types of people they are.
It used to be a noble profession. What is it now? A mess. BUT, a unionized mess.
I'm glad you are happy with your children's education. Some are not.
Have a nice day.
In order to work effectively with the BOE, the County Council will have to ask very few questions, not expect answers for months and accept that the late answers they are grudgingly given will not be entirely truthful. If the Council members can do that, then the two groups will get along fine.
944- I work full time & own my home. I live in City limits. My property taxes are way to much for a 1200 sq ft cape cod built less then 10 years ago. There was a slight decrease in them this year but if they go up, sales tax, gas tax, flush tax, anything you name it I wont be able to afford to have children to even go to that school. I barley can make ends meet on my own. I have have not received a raise in almost 4 years. I have tried to sell my home w/ a realtor & at auction with very little offers that would make sense for me to leave. I made an investment by purchasing land in City limits..Im just thinking now it was a terrible investment. Were all not fortunate enough to be able to afford something like this at this time, not knowing what the next couple years will bring us. I truly do not disagree with the fact something needs to be done about BMS, but I dont think this is the time.
There are needs in the county, if you all are too stupid to realize it, I feel sorry for you.
January 24, 2012 5:31 PM
And I feel sorry for you and 9:44.
No Name-Calling Week
No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. No Name-Calling Week was inspired by a young adult novel entitled "The Misfits" by popular author, James Howe. The book tells the story of four best friends trying to survive the seventh grade in the face of all too frequent taunts based on their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. Motivated by the inequities they see around them, the "Gang of Five" (as they are known) creates a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. Though they lose the election, they win the support of the school's principal for their cause and their idea for a “No Name-Calling Day” at school. Motivated by this simple, yet powerful, idea, the No Name-Calling Week Coalition, created by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and consisting of over 40 national partner organizations, organized an actual No Name-Calling Week in schools across the nation during the week of March 1-5, 2004.
We will reap much more benefit from this than the intitial cost.
January 24, 2012 2:44 PM
I think I know what you mean but it's not written very well to be understood. Did you go to a shiny new school or one that taught education?
These folks are too funny, 100Mill for a middle school on swamp land. Kinda reminds me of the water treatment plant.
why doesnt stevie just pony up some of her husbands millions to fund this? if not she's lost my vote come next election!
Say goodbye stevie, you've overstayed your welcome! but not before sticking it to us!
Who owned the land purchased for BMS?
O'Malley will have his boys from over the bridge build this & the taxes will not come back to Wicomico County, but to the counties over the bridge where they live. You are deceived to believe otherwise.
A few ramblings:
A new school won’t help raise students test scores and neither will the teachers. Nothing against the teachers, I think they do the best job possible with the students they are given.
Yes, there are parents who care and send their children to public school but not enough and that’s why the schools are failing. Mardela succeeds because it is a community school where the parents feel a connection to the school and are involved with their children’s education. No amount of money thrown at the school system is going to solve the biggest problem with education, parents who have no business having children. I don’t have a solution for that other than removing and limiting public assistance based on the number of children, but there are other parents at other income levels who take no real part in their children’s education. They work all day and have little interaction with their children other than to feed them and get them ready for bed at night. Just as there’s no ‘one size fits all’ government solution to public education , there’s no one size fits all’ solution to parenting nor should there be. I think the best solution to the problem would be vouchers. My child goes to a private school so that he will be in a classroom with other children who have parents that care and most aren’t wealthy, they forgo the new car or other spending to pay for tuition.
So were stuck with building a new school, why does it have to be so fancy? Why can’t we use existing designs that are out there, as others have suggested, that could reduce the costs? We’ve lost this battle but isn’t there a way for us to pressure the council and school board to spend our money more wisely?
Unfortunately, like a lot of people in Wicomico county, I can’t sell my house and move to Delaware. I’m stuck in this county until the economy improves or a revolution comes : ).
I lived in Salisbury my entire life but decided to move to Delmar, DE a year and a half ago because of the school system in Wicomico County. This was the best move that I have ever made in my life. My daughter is now receiving the best education she has ever had at Delmar Middle School. I think that we will see alot more people moving accross state lines for a better education for their kids.
Wicomico County schools are horrible!!! Building a new BMS, this doesn't make any sense. It's not going to make their kids education any better becuase they have a nice new classroom to sit in.
Go Wildcats!!!!
you guys keep talking about "we will see next election" or "youve lost my vote!" no they havent. americans are lazy and youll most likely forget next time around.
if you are THAT passionate about it, GET A REFERENDUM!
Who owned the land and is getting rich from this?
To all of you who are angry because the Prettymans have money - go work for it and then complain. What a bunch of lowlifes!
11:07 AM
They aren't lowlifes, they're the middle class and the working poor. Those who are supported by government programs and those who are wealthy don't worry about whether their expenses will be taken of. The rest of us do. Maybe all of us should move into the I don't intend to work group and see how things go.
Perhaps the real estate millionaires behind the county council is trying to turn us all into renters by driving property taxes so high that only the 1% can afford to own their homes.
No, The 1 percenters are trying to turn their Wicomico County tax paying citizens into slave workers. WORK LONG and HARD WITH LESS WAGES.
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