Health & Fitness
Referendum 411: More for Money Pinellas County Schools
I'm getting tired of throwing money at a school system that simply seems not to work, and is administered by an elected board that just can't get its act together.
Looks like the School Board is going to come back and asked for another round of tax increases. Actually Referendum 411 , scheduled for the November election, asks for extension of an existing tax with details to come soon. Note slick web site paid for by you.
An audit by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents said " the district is top-heavy, slow-moving, tone deaf and disorganized".
I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little tired of throwing money at a system that simply seems to not work, administered by an elected board that just can't get its act together.
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I am all for teachers being adequately compensated. What I am not for is a school system top heavy with management, over extended on non educational programs, supporting athletic programs that look more like college operations and crying about funding.
Before we start raising or extending taxes that will never be reduced, let's think carefully.
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Oh, I know it will be difficult as the teacher's union trots out those poor under paid struggling teachers, and the school administration conjures up all kinds of charts and graphs to convince you the answer to good public education is to continue dipping into your wallet.
You'll hear a lot about those on the free lunch program, see pictures of struggling kids, I wouldn't be surprised if they hire a PR firm to run the campaign. You'll be paying for that too.
But think about this. What have they done with your money so far? They have built one of the least effective school districts in the state.
Do you really think throwing more money at this behemoth will make it better? I for one seriously doubt it. And, there is no history to back it up.
What the Superintendent needs to do is get off the soap box, get rid of some people he does not need,(none of them are teachers), shut down a few programs, reduce the emphasis on sports, focus on career centered education and figure out how to get the system turned around.
For that you don't need more money, you actually need less.
e-mail Doc at: dr.webb@verizon.net