GilfordGrok

I didn’t want to disappoint those of you who are following the attempts to restore the budget and positions at the EMS. Please allow me to get a few disclaimers out of the way.

I’M NOT WRITING FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone. Furthermore, for those of you not familiar with what blogs are about. Think of this as kind of a “South Park” like atmosphere that’s just like the completely politically incorrect cartoon. On the Grok I do not discriminate. Everyone I believe to be ridiculous gets an equal opportunity spanking. Anyone is welcome to give it back to me directly in writing on this blog. That’s why there is a comment section. Feel free to give yourself a pen name if you need immunity. That’s perfectly fine with me. I enjoy the debate. I also want to make it perfectly clear that this blog is the only place that I share most blunt opinions. By the way, I can also use terrible grammar and sentence structure here too. (The owners of this blog site spank me for that all the time!)

Anything I say or write in the more public domain is generally more tempered, respectful and polite. Why not here you ask? The public domain is too fluffy and watered down. It’s also not necessarily real. People often engage in the “Brave New World” theory in the public domain. That theory states that if  a lie is stated enough times it becomes the truth. Point in case; last year’s Warrant Article on moving the SAU failed on the basis of a relatively false premise that was repeated and repeated. Here, in the blogosphere, we can strip away the rhetoric and get opinions from other perspectives that shine a truly accurate version of the situation. Yes people, this is were I seek the truth and learn. Your comments back to me mean more here than most anywhere.

The meeting that took place last night at the EMS library needs to be put into perspective. I’ve decided I’d attempt to not be my usual sarcastic self on this post. Call me a softy but I think the facts are going to speak for themselves without the sarcasm. I want you all to know that this is going to be less entertaining for my usual readers.

Let’s begin by stating that the news reports of last night’s event slightly exaggerated the size of the meeting. It doesn’t take many folks to fill the EMS library. I counted between 50 -60 people. After discounting the elected officials, administrators, teachers and media people, I believe there were maybe 20 concerned parents (that were not also teachers). Before anyone goes ballistic, I’m going to address the concerned teachers that are also parents in a minute. I knew one of the “parents” and asked what brought them to the meeting. The answer; (no surprise here) a teacher called to urge them to attend. Okay, back to the concerns of all. I get it; everyone present is passionately concerned for the students and their own children. What I don’t get is the fact that NO explanation seems to satisfy the concern. I’ve seen this material many times and have yet to hear a question that the School Board and SAU haven’t answered adequately.

Question 1 (a repeated question)

Our children today need more help than any time previous. How will we give them the help they need with discipline, guidance etc.. if we make these cuts? If what we’re doing is working so well then why cut?

Okay, even if you believe that our children today are somehow needier than ever before then the answer to this problem has been answered and answered again. I noticed many not hearing the answer when it was repeated several times. Here it is again; you are correct, things have been working great in the past. We had a guidance ratio of 330 students to 1 guidance person. No one in the room disputed that things worked well under that scenario. With these cuts we will still enjoy a ratio of 240 students to 1. How can this be bad? How is this going to be worse? This is still a massive improvement no matter how you phrase it.

Question #2

What if the population increases?

I was impressed from the very beginning that the SAU plan to move into the EMS included provisions to restore the class rooms if that need arises in the future. Once again, it didn’t seem like anyone was interested in the answer.

I would like to address the budgeting process. This too was largely ignored.

1)      There are at least three opportunities to shape a budget prior to public hearing. Gilford more than any other town, welcomes public input.

2)      The School Board crafts this budget in public session – Public welcome

3)      The Budget Committee is presented the budget and assigns to sub committee to review – Public welcome

4)      The Budget committee reviews EMS budget and subcommittee findings – Public welcome.

5)      Public Hearing – School board and BudCom review after public comment – Public welcome

There was not one word of public dissention until the very end of this process. NOT ONE!!!!

I’m sure the minutes would reveal that I did ask about the rumors of dissention. I also did ask about the petition. I was assured that there was minimal concern however the plan was acceptable to the majority of teachers and parents. Given the nature of the budgeting process, I’d agree with the School Boards assessment of that statement.

What occurred last night was no different than any other meeting I’ve attended. Be it the School Board, Select Board, BudCom or any other subcommittee, the attendees of the meeting were a confined group of individuals lobbying for their portion of the budget. I still believe that this group is motivated by a group of teachers. I’ve come to believe their concern is for the students and children but they are still pushing parents to share their concern. I also believe they are concerned about their working environment, it’s only natural. I also believe that few teachers who spoke believe that there should NEVER be reductions, not so much for the children but for job preservation. All these elements are in play.

There are roughly 1600 regular voters, slightly over 100 teachers and hundreds of concerned parents. One could conclude the absence of the majority speaking against these cuts is evidence that the proposed budget makes sense.

I think most people would like to see the staff work with the School board & SAU to continue the Life Sciences Program without staff or budget increases. If it’s that important, a solution can be found to accomplish that goal without adding staff or money to the budget.