Apparently Alison is going to be the final 8th grade class to get a graduation, errr, "completion" ceremony. While at Great America on her class trip one of her teachers told them that since we didn't pass our big, major school referendum that would have permanently allowed the school board to raise the tax levy over the state maximum limit annually, then there wouldn't be enough money in the budget to hold future ceremonies. Apparently, the ceremonies are expensive (I forget the amount that Alison said her teacher told her the number was. At any rate, that will be why they are no longer going to hold them.
This really hacks me off for a couple of reasons. First the teacher has no business whining to the children about it, and it is just another example of using the kids as tools, or pawns, for the teacher's union. And two, in the grand scheme of things, the amount (I want to say it was $6K?) is a pittance in the grand scheme of the district budget. Here is a suggestion, rather than having a "reward" and letting the kids go to Great America, use that money for the graduation ceremony and let them try and fund raise for the trip if they want it. But that is just one suggestion. I would be willing to bet I could look at the budget and find a way to trim out a few thousand dollars. The board needs to start focusing on why they are in existence. It is to make sure the education system works, and not to be an arm of the teacher's union.
So it is a good thing that Alison is part of the "last class" to get a ceremony. Because if I was one of the upcoming classes I would be raising holy hell that is for sure!
0 comments:
Post a Comment