While driving down Eugene Street yesterday I noticed Guilford County Board of Education member Garth Hebert crossing the street en route to yesterday’s budget meeting. It reminded me of Hebert’s comment regarding the call to pay bus drivers, custodians and teacher assistants a ‘living wage’:
Hébert dismissed the proposal, saying he is more interested in trimming the budget.
“We do not have a mandate to improve the living conditions and economics of the community,” he said. “If it’s a byproduct, that’s wonderful.”
I basically agree with Hebert. But with that in mind, here are some of the requests in the 10 percent increase in county funds the board is requesting. I’ll let readers interpret for themselves, and perhaps they’ll wonder why hourly employees aren’t paid more:
A $74,800 arts coordinator position by eliminating one of two early college academy directors;
The expansion or implementation of high school reform programs for $709,000;
A new reading program at middle schools for $475,000;
The full-year operation of an evening high school currently at Smith High School for $533,067. This does not include costs associated with the board’s desire to expand to a second site.
