Dollars and Sense

Since the Falls News Press is not interested in publishing data, but would rather publish dueling letters, I have taken the liberty to answer through my blog, some letters from the last few weeks’ issues. When you are done reading take a few minutes to watch my very first YouTube video. This is the first of what I hope will become a regular thing. I have been looking for a way to simplify the confusing world of education funding and the mountains of paperwork that go with it. I hope you enjoy it!

From the Falls News Press of March 22, 2009, my comments in red:

Criticizes School Board Member for Exit

I don’t even know where to start with this one. The letter writer is upset that I didn’t excuse myself or ask for a recess to use the restroom. “she could have at least asked for a recess” He should have asked me why I didn’t ask when I returned from the restroom. In the past, I did ask for a recess and it was denied. Then another member spoke up and the board president graciously allowed 5 minutes. Do you really think I’m going to put up with that? Since my requests are ignored or denied, I will leave if necessary. Which has been twice in 3 ½ years.

“She was a big supporter of the survey that the board sent out…But on this night she seemed to care less what we had to say.” The survey and community input are important to me. But the letter writer wasn’t really there to do that. He wanted to insult and criticize me as he had at previous meetings. Can’t say I’m sorry I missed it. The other speaker that night knows that I oppose gas and oil drilling at Newberry/Bolich as much as she does and will oppose it alongside her.

I do not owe him an explanation as to my restroom visits. Nor do I owe one to the board. The last time I checked, I was a big girl now and don’t need a hall pass or permission to go. As for showing respect to him, well that’s a two way street. It’s nice that all of Cuyahoga Falls now knows that I took a potty break.

I also take note that he doesn’t mention at all if he is upset that open enrollment is so costly and that gifted programming is on the chopping block in lieu of open enrollment.

From the Falls News Press of March 15, 2009, my comments in red:

Asks if Silver Lake school is 'untouchable'

“but I'll ask the question: Is Silver Lake Elementary School untouchable and is any question of its future existence dead on arrival based on the current makeup of the School Board?” Yes and yes.

“can we afford any "sacred cows?"” No. “It's understood that students transferring from other districts bring a certain amount of state funding with them. Does that influx of money offset the savings that could possibly be gained in limiting enrollment to residents of the district and scaling back the number of school buildings, with their related expenses?” No. The so called “revenue” gained from inter-district open enrollment is $1,593,373. The cost of these children is $2,538,762. “Is it not inevitable that we will be closing additional school buildings sooner rather than later?” Unfortunately it’s not inevitable. What I think you meant to say is wouldn’t it be prudent to close additional school buildings sooner rather than later. And yes, it would be. “Isn't now the time to make the hard decisions and garner the savings they could generate rather than asking an already reeling electorate to pass additional levies, which is doubtful, or cutting the services offered to our children?” Yes it would be. But that would require cutting loose the sacred cow you mention above.

From the Falls News Press of March 8, 2009, my comments in red:

Disputes School Board member's claims

“Do your homework and learn your lesson before misleading parents and property owners.” Note to self: Forward your homework to letter writer. Apparently she is only checking the homework from Silver Lake. I wonder if she picked up the gold star stickers…

In a Feb. 15 letter, ("Defends reconfiguration proposal," Page 9) the writer (me!) said that 118 children attending Silver Lake Elementary are "from other cities outside our district." I believe that statement is false. Ooops. My bad. I should have said that 118 children attending Silver Lake do not belong in Silver Lake Elementary and cost us bunches of money.

“… and have made the choice to attend this school through intra-district open enrollment. (Thanks Curt Grimes for demonstrating that other Board members do understand enrollment terminology.)” I also have problems deciphering left from right and figuring out what acronyms stand for. You have discovered my flaw. I can’t keep inter-district and intra-district open enrollment terms straight. Luckily I’m really good with math.

“Open enrollment actually brings in significant dollars from a source other than my property tax bill and I appreciate that.” They also cost a significant portion of your tax bill. Open enrollment “revenue” is $1,593,373. But the cost of educating the very same inter district open enrolled children is $2,538,762. Do you appreciate that? Still feel like thanking “the four Board members who I believe are putting all of our children first.”

“I'm fed up of proposals to close Silver Lake, Price and Preston elementary schools. I'm tired of reading letters designed to pit one neighborhood or side of town against another.” “Proposals”? Is there another board member that did his or her homework and made a proposal I’m unaware of? My proposal made efficient use of our space AND retains current academic programming. My proposal brings the district together as one CFCSD. Not the current “my side of town” attitude.

“Two members of its (Silver Lake PTA) executive board are intra-district open enrollment parents who were warmly welcomed to this school as I'm sure all open enrollment families are in other schools.” I never implied that under the current structure, PTA groups were shutting people out. Where does this come from? When almost half of your schools population is comprised of open enrollment, it would stand to reason that your PTA would reflect the same percentages. Is 25% of the “executive board” from Akron? “District parents, whether through PTOs or PTAs, volunteer their time and energy to help support the education of district children.” I realize this as well. The thing is, I don’t want to support them with my tax dollars.

“My thanks to Barb Gunter, Curt Grimes, Dave Rump, and Therese Dunphy -- the four Board members who I believe are putting all of our children first.” They have put your children first. There is no doubt about that. On the other hand, my “neighborhood” school has been put last for over 20 years. Thanks.

“The letter writer”

“Cuyahoga Falls”, River Estates. Where they call Silver Lake Elementary their neighborhood school. The school they’d like to keep regardless of the cost to the taxpayers of Cuyahoga Falls. At least this lady didn’t lie about where she lives.

End of letter comments.

Enjoy spring break. Scrabble is always a blast in the cold spring break weather.