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Highlands Today

Teachers In Schools

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James E. (Jim) Smith

Published: March 19, 2009

We all know current economic times are stressful; there is a significant lack of funds coming into our state and local government. Our schools are suffering losses in income. I have read reports that Highlands County will need to operate with at least 30 less teachers next year. My basic question is, can we continue to offer quality education to our students with 30 fewer teachers?

I read in a newspaper in Vero Beach that 20 top administratiors in the Indian River School District have volunteered to work four days less next year. This will result in a 2.4 percent pay cut for them. I also read in the Tampa Tribune that one of the Plant City commissioners has recommended that each member of the city board take a 10 percent pay cut. Last week a well written letter to the editor indicated that school board members in many states receive little or no pay. I also have read that school districts are considering having teachers work two less days. This would save 1 percent per teacher.

If the Highlands County principals, top district administrators and school board members each took a $5,000 to $10,000 cut in salary and all teachers and other administrators took a 1 percent cut, it is my guess that the 30 teachers would be able to continue to work with students. This would be a sacrifice for these people. However, I hypothesize that these cuts in pay will not significantly change the lifestyles of those having their salaries lowered.

Most of our teachers, administrators and school board members work hard at their jobs, care about children and are good people. They earn the dollars that they are presently paid; however our children must come first. If all sacrifice a little there is much to be gained by our over 12,350 students.

James E. (Jim) Smith
Sebring

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