Even though there wasn't a vote at last night's meeting, the big news is that the Board listened to the students' presentations last week and will be moving the community service coordinator's position to "Below the Line." (BTL)
Eliminating one elementary school teaching position has been added to "Above the Line" (ATL)
Is anyone keeping track of the different line items mentioned BTL?
The District website states that an updated list will be posted this week.
An additional comment by Josephine Posti at last night's meeting: She remarked about the community input regarding this year's budget is greater than any other year. You don't suppose this blog had anything to do with that or the fact that people are trying to save their houses, do you?
If one is to complain then you must be ready to give credit when credit is due. Apparently the board heard the appeal from the students to keep the community service staffer.
ReplyDeleteThe students decided it was important, took the time to present their case and the board actually listened.
Well done, all, this is the way a community should get along.
Unfortunately, by keeping that "valued" staffer, the board is still left with the problem of looking for a cut or revenue to make up the difference.
I'd like to offer a suggestion. Mr. Cooper mentioned that the student parking fee equated to an expense of about $0.27 a day. And he's right, hardly seems like a hardship.
So, here's an idea. Why should students that drive to school make this sacrifice alone? Why not collect 20, 25, or 30 cents from everyone that uses the school lot during school hours. If it's a minscule sacrifice for students that may be driving to school so they can go directly to a minimum wage after school job, it's not even worth discussing for someone making $50,000.+ a year.
Furthermore, a few districts charge $1 or $2 for football game parking. About $10 or $20 a season. Hardly a burden and the income would probably just about cover the community service staffers retention.
Seems a fair sacrifice for everyone. Just a suggestion.
Giffen Good
Regarding Posti's comment that community input is greater thin ever. Might it just be possible that it's just dawned on Ms. Posti, that after years of ignoring warnings and predictions from Mr. Fraasch, Hart, Taylor, Rothschild and 4,000 Petitioners that her plans for the district were untenable, she now sees a need to listen rather than pontificate due to budget shortfalls?
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious there were warnings and solutions that could have staved off the predicament the board finds itself.
Hopefully, Ms. Posti will now "disagree or better yet - cooperate without being disagreeable."
Giffen Good
Giffen, I think I gave credit to the students for organizing the effort to save the community service coordinator's job. I also let the media know about Jennifer Kline's comment on this blog and asked them to follow up with her, which for the most part, they did. I commended them for taking part in the process. I hope you know that. I try to be mindful of giving people credit, when credit is due.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Most certainly Elaine, it wouldn't surprise me if your blog wasn't the catalyst that prompted the students to get involved.
ReplyDeleteMy previous comment was only to suggest the voices that Ms. Posti now seems to be hearing have always been there and specifically - here on Lebocitizens.
It would certainly be great if Ms. Posti has now become more receptive to input from residents other than those that - how'd she put it in her commencement speech - "think like you.
It remains to be seen if she is just paying lip service or is truly genuine in opening up lines of communications. She did after all seem to embrace Steven Jobs Apple philosophy of "think different"
Giffen Good
Elaine, on the point of giving credit when it's due, I was referring to myself, certainly a district critic.
ReplyDeleteGiffen Good
I just made the mistake of turning on the TV and heard Dr. Tim suggest shutting down the schools in the summer for a week as a BTL item. Since they operate on a four day work week, does that mean that Dr. Tim will be paid for four more vacation days? Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteElaine