Posted by Billy on May 22, 2007 at 14:09:35 (EST):
In Reply to: Re: freeport getting a new high school posted by William on May 22, 2007 at 13:56:22 (EST):
: : : : The good news is there will be no tax increase. Of course this is just the preliminary budget and things could change within the next 30 days but there are some troubling aspects. The budget as of now is going up 3 million dollars. Revenues will not cover this increase so the fund balance will be used. The fund balance will be 4.36 million which is within the 5 percent recommended by the state so we can still be considered a healthy school district. Now the bad news. The business manager projects that next year the budget will rise another 3 million meaning that the fund balance will be totally used resulting in a negative 529,000 balance. Our fixed costs include 55.9 million for salaries, 7.2 for transportation, 7.4 to operate and maintain all buildings and 7 million for out of district costs including charter schools. I am not arguing consolidation or community schools here. This is where we are at this very moment. Any ideas on how these costs can be curtailed? It looks these new board members will be inheriting a real mess.
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: : : Have Teachers pay for health insurance like the rest of Corporate America. If you do the math ASD teachers seem to average $80K a year when the average teacher salary in the state is ~$54K. The 80K figure is obviously loaded with other benefits. The taxes are high because county officials and teachers get a free ride on health insurance. The unions drove the steel industry out of PA. The teacher's union will drive the education system into the dumper too.
: : : I know.. I know.. Ain't gonna happen. But that's what needs to happen.
: : From what I understand Freeport will be starting on construction of a new high school soon, is this true? Also ASD and teacher in general are all overpaid, their benefits are crazy and they get summers off, plus they don't work hard. Since when did we let the government educate are childern, it was not in any consitution, I say open up education, then you'll see some improvements.
: I agree with everything on these posts so far: Teachers salaries need looked at or held in check, Teachers health care needs looked at and/or they need to pay something towards it, but I do believe these people work hard. Whatever it takes, something needs to be done about these two problems.
Good for Freeport!! That area is not as stagnant (i.e. characterized by lack of development, advancement, or progressive movements) as Kittanning. Hat's off to Saxonburg for opting to improve the infrastructure to promote growth. Route 28 is finally providing benefits for that area