I’m beginning to think the Republicans and Scott Walker should be thankful the full effects of their “tools” have not been realized yet. There will be hell to pay when our states education system begins its downward trajectory in the next few years. Hell, it’s happening already in a Republican district, where one of the better performing schools is getting deep sixed. Yes, even good schools are getting the axe. Check out the frustration and shock one parent had at the last school board meeting.CBS-58: NEW BERLIN -- Police were called in to calm down a man who made an obscene outburst at a controversial school closing meeting. He yelled out an obscene phrase as board members discussed shutting down Glen Park Elementary School.
Parents and students launched a Facebook campaign to garner support to keep the school open.
But the school district said its hands were tied as it faced budget cuts and tough decisions. The school district is facing a $25 million budget shortfall. Its decision to shut down the school was unanimous.
The only way to close that gap is to close one school according to the school board.
What, a $25 million budget shortfall? In Waukesha County of all places? But…but what about the “tools?”
For parents it's disappointing since Glen Park is one of the best peforming schools.
1. Seems to me if a city is growing in population and the majority is in their child bearing years, having to close a school is a sign of mismanaged funds by city officials. Maybe instead of closing schools, they should do some recalling and get people in office that care about the people.
2. Big crowds mean nothing to anybody holding office in New Berlin, so, support from the community is meaningless. Nobody will save this excellent school. Like one New Berlin Mom said, this was in the works and a long time coming. Enough said, and good luck selling your fine home in THAT school district.
CBS 58's reporting was factually incorrect. There is no 25 million dollar "budget shortfall". Glen Park is a 60 year old school with numerous structural issues. The building is loaded with asbestos. By closing the school and relocating the 300 students and their teachers to other elementaries in the district that have plenty of room to accept these students, the district saves about a half million dollars a year in operating costs, and avoids having to spend about 4-5 million in refurbishing an outdated building that has outlived its usefulness. Meanwhile, in a year the district actually lowered class sizes and the tax levy it takes from the community, New Berlin continues to grow its reputation for quality instruction and results in an excellent school system that also places a priority on responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. THIS CLOSING HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ACT 10 OR GOVERNOR WALKER.
ReplyDeleteIt has a great deal to do with Walker's cuts, and you know it. Nice advertisement, one I've seen and heard before. 300 students are a lot of students. Why not spend the money fixing the school up, lowering class sizes. Why not listen to the parents and supporters who oppose the closing.
ReplyDeleteAnd when those student are relocated, will class sizes increase at their new schools...? ya think? what about the home values in that losing district? How much more time is spent on bus rides? When will bus rides be cut? You people got your education, now you don't want to pay for someone else's kids. Freeloaders.
Penny wise pound foolish used to be the saying, now it's the Republicans platform. How can a districts rep and quality grow when we haven't even experience the Walker cuts fully yet?
Taxpayer savings is dog whistle stuff, not factual, and now a cliche after cutting school funding the last 15 years. It never ends.