" let's get to the bottom of this dpw scandel "

" the state of north carolina has one school district which is run by the state. it works very well and by the way there are no school taxes in north caolina. "

" Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Tongue! Auburn School Board Asks for Input

The Auburn School Board has opened up to the public for input on the looming fiscal crisis. Yesterday, many members of the board assembled at West Middle School to hear from the public. How many members of the public showed up? Less than a dozen.
There may have been more district employees and officials than public to provide input. Fewer still stood up to speak. Three district employees provided suggestions on cost savings and program needs, but I think I was the only member of the general public that offered an idea on how to save money. You can probably guess my suggestion was: County-wide District Consolidation
This silence from the public comes on the heels of two budget defeats and everyone calling for tax caps and recriminations against the board for their “wanton” spending. Yet, when it comes time to offer suggested solutions everyone is silent. At the same time when a school program is cut or an extracurricular activity is furloughed the voices will be raised in droves.
If you are not willing to work on or offer solutions, some would question your right to complain when you program is targeted for elimination.
Clearly this board faces difficult economic choices in the days to come. They are asking for input and this is your chance to give it. Don’t be one of those folks grousing after the fact when you ignored the opportunity for your voice to be heard. At that point you have become part of the problem, rather than part of the solution.
The next session is at East Middle School library on Monday 1/26 at 6pm to 8pm. "

" The State of Maryland has been ranked #1 in the nation for education. Read all about it at the following link:

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=214060&format=html

Incidentally, Maryland has county-wide school districts.
Perhaps it's time to start copying cost-effective systems that are proving successful in these challenging times. "

" The Time is NOW to Consolidate

The Auburn School Board met on Tuesday to discuss the looming budgetary crisis it faces this year and in the years to come.
I would imagine most districts in this county are having similar discussions.
Many board members pledge they do not want education of children to be affected at all. That is a laudable goal, but how do we get there from here?

Now is the time to fall on your sword and propose the elimination of your board for the good of the children. We can eliminate millions of dollars of bureaucracy from our county by consolidating all Cayuga County school districts into one. Clearly this is a solution that can work immediately and long term. No need to affect children’s education simply cut tons of the pork from the administrative budget!

Call on your county legislature and/or the county manager to organize a workshop for all school boards in our county. Get all these leaders in a room with the goal in mind of coming up with a consolidation plan. Put away the fears and reasons not to do it, and focus on the procedure of getting it done.

The state offers incentives for entities moving toward consolidation. So you’ll not only get a big pat on the back, but also additional money to help make it happen.

The Auburn School Board has scheduled meetings for community feedback. Attend one of these meetings and feed them a heaping helping of the concept called consolidation. What a delicious dish!
Tuesday, January 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Middle School auditorium
Monday, January 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Middle School library "