School Board Candidate Didn't Attend A Single Meeting on GES Budget!
Debra Zimmerman is running for School board in Gilford. She cites the personnel cuts in the Elementary School budget as her reason for seeking a position on the board. In this economy it’s hard to imagine a candidate proposing wasteful spending with little evidence to support it. Ms. Zimmerman’s reasoning is based on points that have very little to do with the proposed staffing cuts. Unfortunately, her emotional hysteria excludes the overwhelming supportive facts that drive the School Board to the most logical conclusion.
Fact; 329 students are projected to attend Gilford Elementary School for the 2009 -2010 year compared to slightly above 500 just a few years ago.
Fact; Guidance ratios at the GES were 308 students per counselor. With the proposed cuts they’ll be way below that level at just 240 students per counselor. (Guidance Council recommends 250 to 1)
Fact; the proposed staff will average 17 students per teacher in the classroom. (State recommends average of 15 – 18)
Fact; the School board has proposed 28.4 regular Ed teachers, 8 regular assistant teachers, 1 regular aid, 5 special Ed teachers and 1.8 guidance councilors. Basic math reveals 329 students divided by 44 adults will result in the GES enjoying slightly less than just 8 children for each professionally trained adult.
This number doesn’t include Administrative staff, volunteer parents, 16 special Ed aids, librarian, nurse, secretaries and numerous other adults that are working at the GES. Nowhere on the planet are your children’s needs better cared for and professionally supervised!
I hope the voting citizens of Gilford examine Ms. Zimmerman’s claims very carefully. Had Ms. Zimmerman attended any of the numerous budget meetings, she’d know the facts overwhelmingly support the proposed budget. The government process allows voters three or more opportunities to publically voice their opinions on any portion of a proposed budget. The town of Gilford, unlike most towns, has the distinct reputation of encouraging citizens to voice their opinions at these public meetings. Ms. Zimmerman did not attend a single meeting that involved the creation of the GES proposed budget. In fact, no other parent or teacher voiced opposition to the plan during any of the public meetings. NOT ONE!
I believe the Gilford School Board delayed making staff adjustments until a good opportunity presented itself to produce a painless outcome. Such a time and opportunity is here. Pick up any news paper across the country and read about layoffs in both the private and government sectors of our economy. In many cases, these layoffs are occurring due to budget short falls, regardless of student needs and ratios. Here in Gilford, we are fortunate to control both the budget and declining student enrollment in a less intrusive manner. There is no better time to make these adjustments than now.
There is no question that Ms. Zimmerman and her group will be heard from at the Gilford School District deliberative session on February 3rd. Without opposition the emotional hysteria could jeopardize all the hard work that has gone into a school budget that actually saves taxpayers money. Gilford residents that are concerned about their taxes should show up Feb. 3rd to support the proposed school budget.
