Okay, you have to see this.... We have the LAC platform detailed under "Special Reports", a Values presentation in "Teaching and Learning", Levy talk in "Operations" and a Top Level Admin Reorganization plan in "Consent agenda". I may have to find a way to get there for some of this !!! Remember the board mtg starts after the Truth in Taxation meeting.
RAS Board Agenda
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Hmmm. I only had time for a brief perusal of the "levy" piece, but it looks innocent enough-- normal business, to accompany the TIT hearing you posted on earlier. My complaint about my school district was that, regardless of anything under the sun, including the TIT hearing, the Board consistently, every time, time after time, levied the absolute maximum allowed by law. 281 may be different, and that's probably good, but it's a failing of the current education finance system that this is an issue.
I did look at the legislative agenda, too, and aside from the question of why a school district should even NEED, let alone fund, a legislative agenda, my only comment is that not everything on it is "more money, more money." Quel Surprise! Of course they are wrong on their plans for special ed and NCLB, and possibly other things, but it's a cut above the usual mercenary demands.
J. Ewing
The LAC does some good work by holding training forums for citizens. (ie Funding, AYP, etc) Yet I whole heartedly agree with you regarding the lobbying arm. I has me puzzled.
The only rationalization I keep in mind. If everyone else is lobbying, then I guess the education folks need to be there also. Politicians seem to reward squeaky wheels. No squeak, No funding ???
It is strange that the RAS Board is holding the TIT at 7:00 pm than in its regular meeting the same night has on its agenda to approve the already set Levy.
The question is; Are the Board Members really going to listen to what people say that speak at the TIT meeting or have they already decided to approve the Levy and are only going through the MOTIONS?
If you have questions or concerns with the Levy email, call and/or come speak in person Monday night.
If you notice the Proposed Levy is the maximum allowed in ALL CATEGORIES except the Alternative Facilities, which was plugged to match prior year. WHY WITH DECREASE IN STUDENTS OF OVER 570 DOES RAS NEED THE SAME FUNDS AS PRIOR YEAR?
Please provide an answer someone.
Just my thought: RAS needs as much local funding or more due to the State freeze, the reduced number of students and the demographic shift.....
Though the closure of 3 schools reduced their "fixed" costs some. The reality is that the ESC, support services, administration, etc can not adjust as quickly or as smoothly as head count.
Also, the growing percentage of "Unlucky" students raises the cost per kid disproportionately. Losing "Lucky" students and gaining "Unlucky" students means higher cost per student. (see link below) Therefore the same or higher taxes...
I hope more of those Lucky students come back sooner than later. Everyone worries about the bad influences... However someone needs to be the good role model.
Cost per Student by Type"
I knew about it well in advance but didn't want to spoil the fun of tonights meeting. About 150 teachers crowd into tonights meeting as a sign of unity over the contract negotiations. I couldn't be there for obvious reasons so I'm curious for those there what they thought.
DJ
Now I am really unhappy that the concert ran long and now I am helping my 6th grader with Adv Math... Just imagine the "just say NO to taxes crowd" and the "just raise our salaries crowd" in the same board room...
We'll have to rely on the video, Numbers Guy, Speed, etc. Unless of course the cops and news crews are called in !!!!
Not even sure the "just say no crowd" knew what was happening so most likely not much interaction. My understanding is the "just raise salary" crowd didn't say a thing all night. Came in as a group and left as a group. Also, heard there wasn't any video of the truth/taxation meeting so not sure we will ever see it.
DJ
I just got home and on the computer from the regular RAS Board meeting.
Yes, the TIT meeting was not on cable (live or taped). This needs to change next year. The 100+ employees marched in starting around 6:55 pm filling the board room and hall way. They listened to Gary's 15-20 minute presentation and the 5 minutes of board member discussion and questions. Then the public had an opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Only two citizens asked a series of questions and make comments. There was discussion with various board members and the citizens. The employees all left around 7:40 pm without saying anything. The TIT meeting ended around 7:50 pm.
I watched the board mtg via the web. That is the coolest thing!!! I can even skip or replay portions.
RAS Mtg Records
Looked like everything got passed with little or no discussion. The board is definitely made up of people with similar opinions, for better or worse.
It was kind of interesting that the Teachers didn't stay for the Board mtg...
Rumor has it the the teachers are up-set with the administration and Board for their contract offers.
Believe the teachers were trying to show a united front. In my opinion if the board gives more than a ZERO increase they should be FIRED!!!!!
Teachers already have their STEPS & LADDERS for increases. As fiscally responsible people the board should see that the next two years the state maybe taking 1+% away from schools based on current budget issues. RAS doesn't have much of a cash/fund reserve.
The next month of meetings should be interesting.
NumbersGuy - I think the issue is the board doesn't want to give the step/lane increase either. Do the teachers have a beef then in your opinion?
DJ
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