Posted by Simple Mind talks on September 11, 2003 at 11:35:17:
In Reply to: Reply to my earlier critics posted by M. Wright on September 10, 2003 at 22:36:30:
> Just for clarification for the simple-minded people who think they can out-debate me; the school budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year is $70million dollars spread out over roughly 4 schools(Kittanning,Ford City,Elderton, and West Shamokin). I, unlike those of you who think you know more than me about the situation, have met with Dr. Kerr and discussed with him the reasons why we should close down Elderton and redraw the attendance lines. We are trying to spread 70 million dollars over 4 buildings; that, people, is insane. Dr. Kerr agreed with me that we should close Elderton entirely; but he said, quote, " the alumni of Elderton are the only people keeping that building from closing. "They say that they went there, so they want there children to go there and so on."
> For example, proportionally, the people of Pine Richland are not that much richer than us; trust me I know, I've done research on the issue, and they can afford a very elaborate football field, school building, etc. Why you might ask, well, because they are their own school district. There budget, which is just about as big as ours, is used to support only one building. So it would only make sense that if we down-sized the number of buildings that ASD supports, that the facilities will be better and the schools could afford more.
> Solution: Send the pathetic 40 graduates a year of Elderton High to West Shamokin (which is only holding a little over 400 students, but can support over 800) and close down Ford City and join them with Kittanning.
> See, I know consolidation has been tried before, and I'll explain why it failed long before it ever happened. You see, we have these shallow adult figures who live among the commonwealth of the Kittanning/Ford City area who have always had this grudge (ever since the 1960s,70s,and into the late 80s) spurred from a football rivalry. And these shallow adults are stuck in the past and don't want to let go of there high school days. I'm sure we have all heard of it, it's called "the fear of getting older". Ultimately the "fear of death"...but that's an entirely different issue which I could talk about another time.
> The kids of Ford City and Kittanning get along relatively fine. In fact, according to Virgil Flick (vice principal at KHS) when consolidation was in affect, the rise in violence was not all that noticeable between Kittanning and Ford City kids. I must blame deconsolidation on the shallow adults of the area. But I'm sure some "full of pride" adult will most certainly try to prove me wrong. So go ahead and pretent that this isn't why; give me some bullshit reason. Invite your refutes. So to the lady that tried to debate me earlier; I'm way out of your league, so don't bother.
You are pretty brash to call me simple minded, be very careful of what you say to people. you will learn as you grow older and wiser. Hopefully.
First of all- know it all, don't show up at a gunfight with a pocket knife. ASD has thirteen schools to operate, not four as you say. They also have the administration building a secondary administration building used mainly for storage. They have 68 custodial staff They have a maintenance team consisting of; 2 carpenters, 1 elecrtrician,1 plumber,1 boiler technician, 1 HVAC, 1 warehouse mgr, 1 electronic tech, and 2 LAN tech's. They have Numerous administrators making six figure salaries, they have numerous teachers and food service at all thirteen buildings and on and on. THAT IS WHERE THE MONEY GOES. Ya, they buy books too- so you can be a lawyer not a buss driver.
Almost forgot about Bussing. We also make a few families in this community into millionares with bussing contracts. THAT... IS WHERE THE TAX MONEY GOES.
As far as Pine Richland is concerned. You mean comparatively speaking, not proportonally don't you? Pine Richland has a beautiful School and ball field. Compared to us. They also have outrageous taxes! Comparitavely speaking. Try about three times what we pay.
I know people who live in that school district and they hate what it does to their family budget. Bigger isn't always better. More efficent is however.
I agree with alot of what you say, I just don't like how you say it. Drop the eliteist attitude and you will go farther in life -with a lot less negative feedback. I would not have replied had you not called me out by saying I am simple minded. Carry on young man.