Governor Guts State Services
But NO MONEY for SCHOOLS, huh?
"Boston schools face big job cuts; Budget slashes 900 positions, 403 teachers" by James Vaznis, Globe Staff | February 5, 2009
The Boston school district may have to eliminate at least 900 jobs, including 403 teaching positions, and explore the closure of additional schools as the system confronts its worst budget crisis in more than a decade, Superintendent Carol R. Johnson told the School Committee last night....
To achieve that deep of a reduction -while taking into account the rising costs of salaries, special education, and other services - the district must cut spending by $107 million....
I know where you could find that amount!
Johnson said in a memo to the School Committee that she remains committed to "achieving our core mission of providing every child with a first-rate public education." But the elimination of 403 of the district's approximately 6,500 teaching positions, a 6 percent cut, could make that a challenge, raising the specter of larger class sizes and fewer class offerings....
The drastic measures reflect what is happening in City Halls, town offices, and at school committee meetings across the state, as communities try to grapple with the ever-widening impact of the economic decline, which has led to steep decreases in state aid....
Oh, and while you ponder why you can't afford school, keep this in mind.
"I'm double dipping and I'm happy to be doing it," said Ralph Olsen, 62, who is finishing up his second year as principal of Durfee High School in Fall River and plans to return next school year. Olsen, who retired as Framingham High School principal in 2004, earns $87,311 a year in pension income and makes $140,000 a year in his new position....
Eugene Thayer... earns $192,000 a year as superintendent of Framingham schools.... His pension is worth an additional $85,000 a year"
This while teachers are being laid off and budgets cut.
Before the meeting, dozens of students marched from City Hall to the school department's headquarters on nearby Court Street, where they joined a parent rally. Both groups advocated for the preservation of the arts, music, and college-level courses, as well as a greater say in budget decisions.
Especially in light of this state shoveling money out the door in the most wasteful way.
"We recognize cuts are necessary because there is a financial crisis going on, but they need to consult students more," Maya Jonas-Silver, a student organizer from Boston Latin School, said in an interview before the event. "They really haven't asked us our opinion. We are concerned some favorite programs and teachers will be lost."
I DON'T -- and you are getting an education, aren't you, kiddo?!!!
--more--"
