Student First?
When it comes to equal opportunity, we have the best hearts,” said former Education Secretary William Bennett. “ The problem is our education system doesn’t produce the best minds.”
Take for example the recent budget proposed by SAD 46 for next year. When he was hired for his current position, DRHS principal Stephen Bell claimed he adheres to the “student first” philosophy. Superintendent Kevin Jordan professes the same sort of priority when he asks, “ How does this decision impact the students of our schools”?
So, you should be baffled by the budget priorities established by the recently adopted budget.
While there is almost consensus that administrative costs are too high statewide, your administration (Superintendent, Board, Principals) has decided to increase the cost of administration at double the rate of increase to the other items in the budget.
And who will ultimately pay for the change?
Students first!
Take a look at the proposed budget cuts from last year. Ed Tech positions are being eliminated in Special Education and the Middle School Library. Furthermore, while feigning concern over the high school drop-out rate at DRHS, the administration is eliminating an Ed Tech instructional (math, science) position at the high school alternative Options program, for at-risk (of dropping-out) students. Many of these students have been attending the high school for three years while accumulating few if any credits.
Students first?
For whatever the real reasons, this district has priorities inconsistent with the “student first” claims. There seems to be more emphasis and excitement about buildings and administration, while programs directly related to students are being pared.
Offering free breakfast on SAT day, or giving students the day off after the testing doesn’t prove you’re putting “students first”.
Actions speak louder than words. As you review the budget that is proposed, consider the source.
Take for example the recent budget proposed by SAD 46 for next year. When he was hired for his current position, DRHS principal Stephen Bell claimed he adheres to the “student first” philosophy. Superintendent Kevin Jordan professes the same sort of priority when he asks, “ How does this decision impact the students of our schools”?
So, you should be baffled by the budget priorities established by the recently adopted budget.
While there is almost consensus that administrative costs are too high statewide, your administration (Superintendent, Board, Principals) has decided to increase the cost of administration at double the rate of increase to the other items in the budget.
And who will ultimately pay for the change?
Students first!
Take a look at the proposed budget cuts from last year. Ed Tech positions are being eliminated in Special Education and the Middle School Library. Furthermore, while feigning concern over the high school drop-out rate at DRHS, the administration is eliminating an Ed Tech instructional (math, science) position at the high school alternative Options program, for at-risk (of dropping-out) students. Many of these students have been attending the high school for three years while accumulating few if any credits.
Students first?
For whatever the real reasons, this district has priorities inconsistent with the “student first” claims. There seems to be more emphasis and excitement about buildings and administration, while programs directly related to students are being pared.
Offering free breakfast on SAT day, or giving students the day off after the testing doesn’t prove you’re putting “students first”.
Actions speak louder than words. As you review the budget that is proposed, consider the source.
posted by Art | 5/04/2007 07:26:00 AM
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