Posted by Get Real on February 12, 2007 at 08:59:23 (EST):
In Reply to: Re: We're not made of money! posted by rwb on February 09, 2007 at 23:38:17 (EST):
First of all, if you were AT the meeting at KHS, you would know that Mrs. Contrael did say she was a teacher, but the paper didn't choose to print that part of her statement. Also, for all of you without a brain, the state reimburses school districts a larger percentage of money on new constructions than on renovations which are barely reimbursed at all, so in most cases, new buildings end up costing less than updating old ones. Additionally, it is cheaper to pay electric, gas, and other utilities for one building than on several as in the case of one school. Also, there would be less teachers needed, so we would save tax dollars on all of the extra salaries. I don't think Mrs. Contrael meant "upscale", I think she meant the Kittanning kids deserve more than the outdated facilities we have now. Kittanning plays baseball in a swamp at Community Park and have home games cancelled constantly. Ford City has a track...does Kittanning? Ford City is happy with its 100 year old plus building...but don't even those kids deserve better? Even poorer areas around us like Apollo and Karns City have much nicer facilities. Yes, the population is going down, so would a new school really be a "super" school? Get real, people! Get real!
: : I can't help notice that all but a few of these replies that are pro school board are from the same three posters, LJ, Got Out of Dodge or Bored.
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: : : Two comments were made that disturbed me.
: : : The first was about how somebody just killed some brain cells by reading a post. That sounds like a very closed minded reaction to what I thought were some fairly good points.
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: : : I thought the police analogy was a very good one. It was kind of off the wall, but I think the point was made.
: : : Why would we put so much weight on the opinion of those who would clearly advantage?
: : : The other was a post asking if the meeting was open to all and asking why Amazed wasn't speaking.
: : : Yes, the meetings are open to all, but not all of us are able to attend. Work, children and other commitments all effect a persons ability to attend these meetings. Not all of us are public speakers either. These teachers are not only used to speaking in public, they also have a lot more to gain than the average Joe has to loose.
: : : Personally I voice my opinions with the board via email to each member. I'm sure this is much less effective though, as it is not heard by those at the meeting, or printed up in a newspaper article.
: : : I feel a referendum is appropriate for either major renovations or consolodation. If it is for major renovation, the referendum should include the amount they are going to spend.
: : : Whatever the majority votes for is what should be done.
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: : The fact that the people who spoke were teachers, just goes to show that they are the ones who are stuck in the shitholes having to teach.
: : Yes, they would like a nicer, newer, up to date facility to teach in, but then again, we all would.
: : it's just funny that they are the only one speaking up and saying basically that they don't care where they teach, they would just like to do their job in a place that isn't falling down around them.
: : As for those people who claim they can't attend the meetings, that is a lame excuse.....there are still three meetings left. All the meetings are the same and they are all held on different nights of the week so that people can surly find a way to attend if the want.
: : I was at the meeting Wednesday and those who wish to make a comment, but not get up and actually speak into the microphone, can do so on the comment sheets provided.
: : The person moderating will simply read the question on the sheet and try to answer the question, if able.
: : Many of the comments will answered by the moderator saying, "that would be a school board decision," but at least they read the comment and make it a part of the official record.
: : I am so sick of people sitting in this forum and whining and crying that no one listens to them.....as someone else said, get off your ass and go to a meeting and say what you have to say.
: : Or at least write a letter or email to the school board and offer your opinions.
: : Whatever you do though, take a few minutes and go to one of the schools and look at the report, or read it online, or better yet, go to the meetings being held where the information is explained and ask questions and offer comments.
: : The three people who spoke at Kittanning were obviously not alone in their opinions as there was a large round of applause from the crowd after each one of them were finished.
: : People need to stop bitching.
: Why should we stop bitching? It is my taxes paying for this fiasco, should get something for my money. You know what is going to come out of these meetings- nothing.The school board has a mindset and it is not going to change.This makes it seem like they are listening to the taxpayer but they are just paying lip service.Let the tax payer vote on changes for the schools, teacher's salaries.... no, you will never see that. A few individuals are misusing their power.