I realize I’ve criticized Guilford County school board member Garth Herbert in the past, wishing he had a more forceful demeanor at board meetings in order to better express his views. I still wish that. But I appreciate his comments in today’s N&R regarding the GCS budget. Guess what — GCS — like other school systems —– aren’t faring so bad now that the state has passed its budget:
“The school system will fare far better than we planned for,” said board member Garth Hebert. “As a taxpayer, I’m not happy about it.”
I’m not sneering, but let’s get real here: After months of complaining and doing battle with a county commission trying to make some real cuts during an economic downturn, but but the schools are going to do OK, thanks to more money coming out of taxpayers’ pockets. The N&R ‘highlights’ Superintendent Mo Green’s proposed “budget cuts” as they currently stand, but when you read closely you’ll note that the majority of those laid off have found new positions. And they’re ‘optimistically’ looking for positions for retired teachers working on an interim basis? And they’re hiring 96 new teachers? Other cuts don’t seem that extreme to me, like making a kid walk to a bus stop instead having the bus stop in front of his house? (Damn, maybe board member Sandra Alexander was right after all.)
It just all seems very anti-climatic after the all drama we endured from elected officials over the past several months. But why was I expect anything but the usual result —taxpayers sucking it up again.
