Proof we have become a nation of softies who simply can’t fathom our lives without every single comfort our heart desires.
Cue the violins for this News & Observer story (emphasis is mine):
Life could get a lot worse for Wake County students, teachers and school employees this fall if the school superintendent’s budget is approved.
Schools could get hotter in summer and cooler in winter as thermostats are set to save energy. Teachers may be unable to brew coffee from a personal pot to stay warm or turn on a personal fan to keep cool. Classes will get larger as money for new teaching positions is slashed, and fewer courses may be offered.
This scenario is on top of the specter of layoffs. Wake school leaders say they’re envisioning all these measures to balance the budget during this recession.
“We’re almost spellbound by what we have to do,” said Rosa Gill, chairwoman of the school board. “We know we’re going to impact teaching and learning. But we have no choice.”
School board members met Thursday to go over the potential effects of a $1.2 billion budget for the coming fiscal year that Superintendent Del Burns introduced earlier this week. Burns said the school system staff had developed an austere budget in recognition of state and county budget gaps. This time, he said, they couldn’t shield teachers and classrooms.
Burns wants $316.9 million from the county, slightly more than the $316.2 million commissioners approved in June.
Being a sound steward of the taxpayers’ money leaves Ms. Gill “spellbound”? Ms. Gill, setting priorities and making choices is what you were elected to do.
Heaven help us.
