[RP TownTalk] Schools: was: Opposing New Liquor Store

[Dwight Holmes]

Sarah, of course it isn't just about salaries. That's just one,
perhaps obvious indicator of the problems and challenges faced by our
schools.  All of the issues you raise are critically important. We
have a mixed system here -- resources, rules, requirements all come
from federal, state, and local governments.  Stir it all up, and this
is what we've got! It can be pretty ugly.

Personally, while I recognize the arguments in favor of the
cost-efficiencies of larger school districts, I think we lose a lot
when the districts are as large as they are here.  Smaller districts
allow for greater direct parental/constituent input in decisions made.
 (On the other hand it tends to exacerbate the resource inequities -
but there are good policy mechanisms for dealing with that.  As with
so many things, political will is key -- and too often, hard to come
by.)

On Feb 11, 2008 10:33 AM, Sarah Wayland and Alan Thompson
<twacks at his.com> wrote:
> Quoting Dwight Holmes <dwightrholmes at gmail.com>:
>
> > While more, smaller schools might in some ways bring improvements
> > (there's a huge literature on the optimal size of schools, and school
> > districts) how 'bout if the existing public schools were adequately
> > funded, so that they could have the capacity needed to do the job we
> > ask of them? For example, the average Montgomery County teacher gets
> > paid $65,400 -- our average PG County teacher gets paid $53,900.
>
> As a parent with a child in the local school system, I can say that it
> is not just about salaries. Issues I see my son's teachers struggling
> with include:
>
> (a) Paperwork.
>
> (b) A lack of flexibility in the curriculum that stifles any attempt
> at creativity or personalization of education (true across the state,
> not just in PG County.)
>
> (c) Hiring. There is currently a hiring freeze in PG County. When
> teachers leave for personal reasons, they are not replaced. Instead,
> non-certified substitute teachers are brought in to teach.
>
> At my son's school, there are substitute teachers for the entire 5th
> grade class, and for one of the two kindergarten classes. (I'm sure
> there are more, those are the only classes I'm personally aware of.
> (Also, please note that he is not at Riverdale Elementary.)) The
> principal has been trying to hire since August, and cannot get
> approval from the system.
>
> THIS is the BIGGEST reason, in my experience, for inadequate education
> in our school. With budget cuts coming from the state, this is not
> going to get better any time soon.
>
> (d) Related to (c) is class size. Bigger classes mean less
> personalized education. That means if your kid is struggling, the
> teacher cannot devote time to helping your child. Likewise, if your
> child needs more challenge, there is no way a teacher can provide that.
>
> We need to address these issues head-on if our public schools are to
> regain their reputation as excellent schools.