Shorter school day means $870,000 savings for system

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Wednesday, May 19. 2010
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Cutting the school year will mean a savings of $870,000 for the Banks County School System.

The Banks County Board of Education agreed in a meeting on May 12 to cut the next school year from 180 days to 170 days for students and from 190 days to 180 days for teachers.

This will mean a pay cut for teachers but the move saved cutting some positions, according to superintendent Chris Erwin.

“It saved a lot of teaching positions,” Erwin said. “We are trying to absorb this (budget shortfall) as a group.”

The system still has a hiring freeze in place and Erwin said not filling some of the vacant positions will also keep the system from cutting other positions.

“We will move people around in positions,” Erwin said.

Erwin still anticipates that 10 positions will be cut for the next school year. Action has not been taken on this yet but the superintendent expects to have a recommendation for the BOE at next month’s meeting.

“There will be recommendations that we don’t fill positions,” he said. “But we will handle some of it through retirement and people moving on…We’re trying to take care of our employees. We know how difficult it is in these times to find a job. We are trying to handle this as much as possible with sharing of duties to cover the jobs that are vacant right now.”
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#1 Curious Parent on 05/20/10 at 08:53 AM [Reply]
So then, what is the $2,414,278.00 that was awarded to the Banks County School system by the Recovery Act being spent on???!!

$1,492,597.00 is to be used for "Education Fund for the support of elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education, as applicable,early childhood education program and services."
Don't take my word for it...check out recovery.gov and see for yourself.
Perhaps someone should be looking more closely at how these funds are going to be spent!
#2 Anonymous on 05/21/10 at 01:10 PM [Reply]
Why don;t we raise the tax milage and help the schools out.
#2.1 I'm with you - on 05/22/10 at 01:29 PM [Reply]
Oh, absolutly!! Just raise the damn (you can bleep that word) taxes! Just why do the schools need helping out? Have you seen the salaries of the teachers, assistant principals, principals, supers, secretarys? Have you seen the cars parked in the parking lots and being driven by these people? But let's raise taxes, because they don't make quite the same salaries as Hall, Jackson, Habersham. Do some research Anonomous, check the figures of the people driving OUTSIDE BANKS COUNTY to work!! Not everyone grows chickens!!! The country is on the verge of tax revolt now, just keep raising them until government pushes the populous over the edge.
#2.1.1 Seriously???? on 05/26/10 at 09:35 AM [Reply]
I'm sorry but perhaps you missed the part of the article that said, "this will mean a pay cut for teachers" Each and every teacher, bus driver, and lunchroom worker is taking a pay CUT in order to keep more teachers employed. This will insure that no matter how bad the economy is in the county, the students are still getting a great education. Talk about chipping in when times are hard. I'd say that is what is happening in the school system in Banks County. But I can't say the same for some of the citizens that I see posting here.
#2.1.1.1 RightOn on 05/27/10 at 05:24 AM [Reply]
If anonymous #2 wasn't being sarcastic, then he/she is a moron.
This is also a moronic statement..and I quote..
"this will mean a pay cut for teachers" Each and every teacher, bus driver, and lunchroom worker is taking a pay CUT in order to keep more teachers employed.
MORE TEACHERS EMPLOYED?? Shouldn't the concern be the quality of and not the quantity of teachers employed? God lord this person must be a union member or a liberal...or both.

If the employees (especially the teachers)of the Banks County School System can't handle a pay cut or furlough days, then go out and get a "real" job and see how the rest of us, who are paying their salaries, deal with these problems!
As the saying goes...those who can..do..those who can't..teach!
#2.1.1.1.1 Seriously???? on 05/27/10 at 04:39 PM [Reply]
No, it is not about keeping teachers employed. It is about keeping the fantastic teachers that we have in the school here. No matter how great the teacher is, if the classroom is overcrowded, it is near impossible for the students to learn effectively. However, there was really no need to respond to a comment that was as idiotic as this.

The simple fact is that, over the past year, the teachers and staff at all of the local schools have taken pay cuts, furlough days, insurance increases etc. and we are all still here doing a fabulous job of educating the children of this community. If you fail to see this, then I am sorry for the negative outlook that you have on the world. Life must be quite difficult when you see the world through a slant such as that.
#2.1.1.1.1.1 RightOn on 05/29/10 at 11:15 AM [Reply]
From your last posting, I gather that you are a teacher. However, I hope you are not one of the "excellent" teachers.
Obviously you didn't see the stupidity in the first two sentences of your last posting...
"No, it is not about keeping teachers employed. It is about keeping the fantastic teachers that we have in the school here."
What??? What's the difference between "keeping teachers employed" & "keeping the fantastic teachers here"?
This is what government education leads to..a teacher who isn't too bright (or qualified?) complaining about their lot in life instead of acting like an adult, making a career change and joining the "big boy" real world.
Government schools, like almost all other government enterprises, are poorly run failures because they have no competition. Let's privatize the schools & see if these "excelent" teachers can stand the scrutiny of performance evalutions, real competition & merit-based increases.
I suggest that, if you are so upset about the hardships you endure in the teaching profession, you quit and find a job in the private sector. Chances are you'd last less than one day.
#2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Curious on 05/29/10 at 09:37 PM [Reply]
I do not normally post but I can't believe some of the things that I have read. What type of "real job" is it that you work in every day RightOn? You don't sound too happy where you are at in life. Maybe you are the one needing a change. I would also like to know if you have children and do you personally deal with the Banks County School System? If you are not a teacher, and I am assuming from your very rude comments that you are not, you have not walked in the same situation as those currently employeed by school system. I have found from life experience that is easy to say what you think and feel and quiet another to look at things from a differnt perspective. In this case, that would be the perspective of our school employees. Have you taught or worked with children before? You seem to think it is not a real job. You are truly misinformed. Teaching and molding the minds of future generations is a calling and a great responsibility.

I know that many people reading this are frustrated. We can discuss salary and budget all day. Please remember that the education of our children is really the heart of the matter.
#2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 RightOn on 06/01/10 at 05:27 AM [Reply]
"Teaching and molding the minds of future generations is a calling and a great responsibility."...why not leave the molding of the minds to the parents..


"the education of our children is really the heart of the matter"...is this another version of "It takes a village?
#2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Curious on 06/04/10 at 09:27 AM [Reply]
Nice response and THANKS for answering my questions.

I don't know why you are knocking teachers. Have you read any posts where teachers are complaining about budgets problems here?
#2.1.1.1.1.1.2 Seriously??? on 05/31/10 at 05:42 PM [Reply]
I'm sorry to disappoint you but I am not a teacher. Kinda makes your point null and void, huh?

I am just a parent who is regularly in the local school. I see the quality of the teachers we have in this community and I am thrilled with the education that my daughters are getting in the system.

Wanna try again?
#2.2 Banks County Tax Payer on 05/23/10 at 08:23 PM [Reply]
Are you out of your mind? The schools are getting the biggest share of my money now. Any more tax increases and I will have to sell out and move and take my kids with me and find a bread line somewhere. You have to be employed by the school system to say something like that. This recession is going to get worse before it recovers and that may be several years down the road.
#3 ANON on 05/23/10 at 05:11 PM [Reply]
Why don't we cut the Mr. Erwin's salary, teachers and worker's need a raise. They are the one's that take care of kids. Stop the bus drivers driving buses home, tire wear is essential for buses plus fuel waste. Get back to electing a Superintendent instead of the board choosing one.
#3.1 BC Bus Driver on 05/26/10 at 09:21 AM [Reply]
Just wanted to make one point about buses being driven home. Stopping this will not save one penny in either tire wear or gas. Let me explain. Most drivers have the route which is closest to their house and begin the route from that point in the morning. If the driver is made to leave the bus at the shop, that will add to the amount of gas used in the mornings. Most drivers have the route turned in a way so that it ends closest to their house. If they are made to drive the bus back to the shop in the afternoon, they are using the same amount of gas as driving it home in the morning. While I am all for saving money, this just simply won't save a dime and will only frustrate drivers who already leave before the sun comes up for very little pay.
#4 Come on guys......... on 05/23/10 at 10:53 PM [Reply]
I'm pretty sure Anonymous #2 was being sarcastic. It's a little term known as "humor". As for "I'm with you"- I'm glad you have nothing better to do than be nosy and obsess about what other people are making. If you're not content with your salary, do what these hard-working people did: earn a college education, build a professional resume, and put in hours of extra work for the children of the community. Maybe then you won't worry about what kinds of cars people are driving.
#5 Concerned citizen!!!! Yes of Banks County!!! on 05/24/10 at 01:47 PM [Reply]
Yes Mr. Erwin has a lot of nerve. His salary is ridiculous for a small town. I agree with going back to electing a superintendent, instead of relying on people that just wants to look better than the next county. Crazy!!!!
#5.1 CONCERNED on 05/26/10 at 10:23 AM [Reply]
I fully agree. Erwin needs to be replaced.Election is the only way to go with the Board of education.
#6 Sharon on 05/25/10 at 11:08 AM [Reply]
Mr. Erwin is a great superintendent. I have worked under many in different school systems and he is the very best I have ever worked for. He is genuinely concerned about the students,faculty and staff of this school system. The prospect of layoffs has really weighed heavily on his shoulders. If you ever spent andy time with him you would know how much he cares about our system and its people. I feel privilaged to work under his administration.
#7 A teacher on 05/26/10 at 01:38 PM [Reply]
I think the Banks County News should publish all citizens who still owe back property taxes. It is public record. The back taxes play a HUGE part in the school systems financial disaster right now. The funny thing is the teachers, bus drivers, custodians, lunchroom workers, Mr. Erwin, and all the central office staff are constantly cutting our pay (10 MORE furlough days, 3% of our supplement, dental insurance, etc) to make up some of the difference. Some of the citizens who walk around griping and complaining about the employees being paid too much are the ones who still owe taxes from last year or the year before that. Pay your taxes then complain. Please publish the names of all those who still owe taxes. Some people would be SHOCKED.I would like to see a little gratitude. Mr. Erwin, the teachers, and all of the staff at Banks County School System spend 190 plus days taking care of the children in this county. Educating them, buying them supplies, shoes, Christmas presents, and giving them so much more love and attention. Mr. Erwin is one of those people who makes sacrifices for these children who are not even his. Also, some of you act like Mr. Erwin is making a million dollars a year. Please take note...alot of college graduates with his level of education and experience are making 150,000.00 $ per year. Outside of Banks COunty there is a whole world of people who make 100,000 dollars. That is why they devote 6-8 years in college and taking out student loans.... so they can educate themselves and make a better living. It is very simple, go to college, earn a degree, work hard, and make a great living. That is what Mr. Erwin had done. Don't knock him for going about his career and success the right way.
#7.1 facts on 05/27/10 at 12:43 PM [Reply]
Where else can the county get paid 12% interest on the money owed to them. It would be good business to borrow money as needed at about 2% to 2.5% and collect the 12% as set by law when the back taxes are paid (which, in almost all cases, they are collected).
#7.2 RightOn on 05/29/10 at 01:57 PM [Reply]
To all the teachers who are posting to this thread:
1 - If your typical school year is ~190 days, get a second job or get a different job that employs you for an entire year or stop whining about how much $$ you make. Most people with real jobs work ~260 days a year.
2 - I hope it's not in your job description to give the children "love & attention".
3 - If the school system had been better managed during the "good" times, perhaps a surplus from those days would buffer the tough choices now. But NO..like most government enterprises, the school system was & is bloated.
4 - This is a quote from the official Banks County School System website..."Check out our new student ran BCHS newsletter"...student RAN newsletter?? OMG...this is excellence?
I found too many gramatical & spelling errors on that website to copy & paste all of them here.
#7.2.1 Your name should be "Right Off" on 05/29/10 at 08:38 PM [Reply]
First of all-it's "grammatical", not "gramatical". It's hilarious that you make fun of other people's grammar when yours leaves much to be desired. Also, in regard to your other statement, I have had four jobs: three "real" jobs and a teaching job. It was for my teaching job that I worked the hardest, felt the greatest amount of accomplishment, and was the proudest to have had. I'm certainly not knocking any of my hard-working neighbors that have other jobs, but I'm proud of what I do and I know that this country is a better place due to the efforts of our teachers that have shaped the lives of many.
#7.2.1.1 RightOn on 06/01/10 at 05:36 AM [Reply]
First of all, it was a spelling error, not a grammatical error. It's hilarious that you critique my spelling and think that it's my grammar.
#7.2.2 anon on 06/02/10 at 02:33 AM [Reply]
You have alot of sour grapes...you don't think teaching is a REAL job?? You are too ignorant for words. I bet you are one of those individuals who expect the government schools to do in 9 months of school what you can't do with a child in a life time. You are probably one of "those" who want a teacher to do everything to straighten out all learning disabilities with a child while you sit on your duff and do nothing. That way, you have someone else to blame when the child can't read. After all, teachers don't have REAL jobs, right?

You know, I have never put my children in government schools, but it certainly wasn't because I thought the teachers weren't qualified! There are MANY dedicated, qualified teachers who have given over and above to do something that most wouldn't do for a week! And someone like you, RightOn, acts like you wouldn't wipe your feet on them. How about do everyone a favor... Save your money and put your children, grandchidren, etc. in private schools. Or, better yet, homeschool them. If you are that disgusted with the public schools, why bother. You are much too good to subject your loved ones to those unqualified bobble heads, aren't you? Pfffttt!!!!!!!!!!!
#7.2.2.1 RightOn on 06/02/10 at 11:52 AM [Reply]
anon..
I don't have grapes, sour or otherwise. However, I would like to grow some.
I don't expect anything from the government schools other than they be run as a successful business so that my money is not wasted.
I believe that school should be in session for the entire year.
I expect teachers to teach..instruct..no more..no less.
I never said that teachers don't have real jobs. I have said, however, that if they had to work in the real world, most would find it difficult to succeed. Private companies don't offer tenure.

I just have to comment on this particularly dumb statement...
"Save your money and put your children, grandchidren, etc. in private schools".

I have my child in a private school. Contrary to your ignorant assertion, this doesn't save me money. I pay his tuition/fees/books PLUS I pay taxes to support the (your) children attending the government schools.

One final thought for all those who have been thoughful enough to post replies to my posts:
In the future, try to debate the facts, the substance, of my posts.
I know that is difficult when you don't have the facts on your side, but at least try. Don't stoop to the "tried & true" liberal debate tactic...when you can't win on the facts, attack the messenger.
And try very hard to use critical thinking. Try to be logical. Don't let your emotions direct your postings like they control the rest of your life.
#7.2.2.1.1 Anonymous on 06/04/10 at 09:58 AM [Reply]
The budget problems at Banks County can be seen at pretty much every other county in the state. Georgia counties have had major budget cuts the past few years which have been handed in down from the state. The BOE has worked hard to amend and change the budget so that the school system can still run properly. This is happening across the state. The problem is not that our county has handled the budget unwisely in the past. You seem to have the notion that teachers are complaining about taking pay cuts (based on your earlier posts) but I don't think that is the case. I have not seen any postings to that effect. I'm not sure how many teachers you have spoken with, but not every teacher has tenure, a lot of teachers do work through the summer teaching summer school and tutoring, and teachers have to continuously educate themselves learning new strategies for presenting material to students with different needs and learning styles. This is not based on "emotion" but on fact.
#7.2.2.1.2 Anon on 06/04/10 at 06:17 PM [Reply]
When I say "save your money", I am referring to saving it up in order to PAY for a different educational system other than the one you are complaining about. Anyone with any sense knows that private school and homeschooling arent cheap alternatives. Our tax dollars pay for it, and we have a right to complain. But for someone as unhappy with it as you are, I think your money would be best spent elsewhere.

And FYI...you DID say that "most people with REAL jobs"...alluding to your opinion that teachers don't. Keep your story straight.
#7.2.2.1.3 Anon on 06/04/10 at 10:05 PM [Reply]
Oh, but you HAVE said that teachers don't have "real" jobs.

"If your typical school year is ~190 days, get a second job or get a different job that employs you for an entire year or stop whining about how much $$ you make. Most people with real jobs work ~260 days a year."

And here... "If the employees (especially the teachers)of the Banks County School System can't handle a pay cut or furlough days, then go out and get a "real" job and see how the rest of us, who are paying their salaries, deal with these problems!"

Talk about liberal tactics. Say it then deny it. Sheeesh....

You might also want to have your reading comprehension tested. You are NOT paying for my children to go to public school. I addressed that in paragraph two, sentence one. Yes, you and I both are paying for the public schools, but mine don't go there. I went the alternate route and am fully satisfied.
#7.3 RightOn on 06/01/10 at 11:22 AM [Reply]
As long as we're publishing the names of delinquent tax payers, I think the Banks County News should post the salaries of all the teachers & administartors working for the taxpayers of the county. I think we'd all be shocked at how much some teachers earn for working less than 200 days/yr.
#7.3.1 anon on 06/02/10 at 07:48 PM [Reply]
Mr. or Mrs. Right On.....They published all the teachers salaries a couple of years ago. The teachers have nothing to hide and we work alot more than 190 days. We work alot of Saturday's, Sunday's, days in June and July. I spend alot of Saturday's during the year working at the school with my fellow co-workers. I also spend alot of money on Mother's Day, Christmas, and Valentine's Day gifts because I know the students enjoy giving gifts to the people they love. Last but not least, most of the teachers I know usually take on one or two students each Christmas and buy their entire Christmas, wrap the presents from Santa, buy presents for the students siblings, and deliver them to the house the night before Christmas Eve. I am not saying all teachers are saints, but they should be given a little more credit for what they do for alot of kids who have some of the best days of their lives at school with their teacher.
#7.3.2 Anonymous on 06/04/10 at 09:15 AM [Reply]
Salaries can also be found on the internet yearly. Try again.
#7.3.3 GIRLYGIRL on 07/12/10 at 01:46 PM [Reply]
If you havent noticed at the end of the year the school systems salary for every teacher, staff, etc is in the paper. If u even bother to read the paper that is.
#8 we need great education on 05/26/10 at 10:06 PM [Reply]
Some folks need to get out more. Habersham has the highest teen pregnancy rate and franklin has over a 50% drop out rate. The state cut its budget 20% and the state Cut banks couty schools budget 20%. 80% of the money we get comes with state and federal strings. So our local school board is between a rock and a hard place. The one Job in this county with the most responceability is the school superintendant. He earns every penny. We are lucky to have a good honest person running our schools.
#9 Anon on 05/26/10 at 11:43 PM [Reply]
The buses can be parked at the shop in the afternoon....because you are not starting your route from home....you are starting from the school and backtracking from the school to your home. BUT that Bus needs to be parked in the afternoon at the shop and you can get to the shop by personal vehicle. This is why taxpayers are angry. We don't have a company owned vehicle to drive back and to. A lot of you drivers can carpool, Have any of you heard of that?
#9.1 BC Bus Driver on 05/27/10 at 02:28 PM [Reply]
You are misinformed. My route starts at my house in the morning and ends at my house in the afternoon. If I had to use my personal vehicle, I would bring the bus back to the school in the afternoon in order to get my personal vehicle to have at my house. No gas saving! I would certainly not leave my personal vehicle at the school overnight in an unlocked area.

And it really shows your level of intelligence to talk about bus drivers car pooling to the school. I get up at 5am in order to get my children out the door by 6:15 am. In order to drive to the bus shop to get the bus, I would have to leave my house by 6:00am and then drive the bus right back to my house to start picking up students.

I am glad people like you are not in charge of this because if you were, Banks County would not have any bus drivers.
#9.1.1 Anon on 05/28/10 at 10:53 PM [Reply]
You are still missing the point. My point is that when get the kids to school in the mornings you leave the bus at the school and dive you POV HOME...then drive your POV back to the school in the afternoon to get your bus and take the kids home. It used to be that way... Do you think you can replace tires with your pay on that school bus at 300.00 per tire or more..
#9.2 busdriver1 on 05/30/10 at 12:40 AM [Reply]
I am sure if you would like a job driving a school bus, I can assure they are taking applications.If you do not know for a fact what you are talking about, then you need to spend some of your extra time to find out, before you write some crazy statement,as you did today. Its apparent you are clueless.Spend your time finding you another job , maybe you can stay out of the bus drivers business, since you do not have a clue as to what you are talking about, and NOTHING TO back it up with either!
#9.2.1 Anon on 05/30/10 at 09:37 PM [Reply]
Have you ever defined the cost of diesel? Do you know how much more it costs than actual car gas? I KNOW THAT POV WERE USED BEFORE BUSES WERE BROUGHT HOME because of several that did it....
#10 anon.grandma on 05/27/10 at 11:55 AM [Reply]
I dont know alot about Mr. Erwin or his salary or education , but I do know that some [maybe not all] but some of the teachers are doing a fabulous job with the children. One in particular thati can name at the primary school is Mrs.krumnowshe gives 100% and then some to not only her students but others as well.She has done this for many years and will continue to do so for many more Im sure,regardless of her salary.She was as good to my children as she is to my grandchild now and I know that Im not the only person that feels this way. I also know that she isnt the only teacher that that does well in her job. There are alot of kids that the only attention and praise that they receive is at school. I have saw the way that childrens eyes light up when these teachers show them love and praise. This isnt in the requirements for being a teacher they do it for the benefit of the children who might otherwise not receive a smile at all that day.
#11 Banks Countian on 05/27/10 at 12:40 PM [Reply]
Do you people fuss this much when you go to walmart? You pay their salaries. And you also pay the salaries of those at Quality Foods, the Georgia Lottery, Budweiser, Marlboro, etc... Are you getting my point? Do you go into Walmart and ask to see the manager and gripe about the cost of something? No, you don't! You go in there and pay whatever the price may be. When you pull up to the Golden Pantry to buy your beer, cigarettes and lottery, do you fuss and complain and let them know you're paying their salary?
You are paying to educate your child and to read some of these comments on here totally blows my mind. YOU are complaining about educating your child.
If the school system did some of the things that you people are suggesting, the school system would be bankrupt in no time flat. I would suggest before some of you get on your "I'm a taxpayer" soap boxes, get the chip off your shoulder and get invovled in the school system. A lot of the parents in Banks County need to get involved in their childs education.
There are a heck of alot of other places in the state and county besides the school (DFACS, DOT, etc..) that your "tax dollars" are going! Why don't you all start calling and complaining to them about where your "tax dollars" are going?
#11.1 RightOn on 06/02/10 at 05:20 AM [Reply]
The DIFFERENCE between shopping at WalMart, Golden Pantry, etc. & the Banks county schools comes down to ONE thing...The schools are a virtual MONOPOLY..duh!
We HAVE no choice but to pay for the government run schools. We have a choice when we shop. There is competition amongst retailers and we get VALUE for our money. With government schools, you have no competition hence we get no value.

And perhaps you should stop buying beer, cigs & lottery tickets and put that money towards and education.
#12 c.barrett on 05/27/10 at 06:55 PM [Reply]
we need to start with DFACS,do you people know how many folk's get food stamp's,that have small children,that only see a part of the foodstamps, if that much,,their parents,sell for cash,beer,cigarettes,pot ,ice(meth) coke,pill'sell them 50 cents on the dollar,,this has got to stop,somewhere,sometime!!,.the next time you see kids in the store,take a good look and stop and pray for the children, if there's food stamps in mom or dads hands that it;sgoing to feed them and not some crackhead pill pushin freak,or deadbeat mom,dad or their shackup;s,.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!sick of it,!!
#12.1 cutedoggylover on 05/29/10 at 12:41 PM [Reply]
i agree with c barrett amen glad some one said it and the people that really need them cant get them but the people that domnt need them have the higest amount
#13 Anonymous on 05/29/10 at 08:38 AM [Reply]
Please post Mr. Erwin's salary over the the last 3 years in next weeks paper. Let's see if we see the same steady decrease that all of the teachers and school employees have experienced over the last couple of years. If he is truly committed to Banks County, the he should at the very minimum taken the same pay cuts as everyone else and if he is a true leader he would have taken substantially more than everyone else. He says he has done this so please print this information in next week's paper.
#13.1 Anonymous #3 on 05/30/10 at 04:02 PM [Reply]
The posting of Mr.Erwin's salary is something I to want to see.He is superintendent of the schools but he runs the BOE. Does he sign his own paycheck??
#14 eyeswideopen on 06/03/10 at 06:14 AM [Reply]
Could you please post the current state teacher salary schedule which is based on level of education and experience? Choose a profession, work hard, refine your skills, live the American dream... or NOT. We all make choices about what we want to do with our lives regarding work. I am an educator and a Banks County tax PAYER. Kudos to my peers who listened to the calling and were intelligent enough to make the right choice. God gave you the ambition, desire, and heart to do what most can not. If anyone could teach, everyone would, including those that complain about our "excessive salaries and summers off".
#14.1 RightOn on 06/03/10 at 10:27 AM [Reply]
Thank you!
Your first sentence..."state teacher salary schedule which is based on level of education and experience:... makes my point.
We should pay teachers based not on their number of years on the job or level of education but, rather, on how well they teach.

This would turn on its head Georgia's long-held teacher compensation system, one that rewards educators for staying in the system with nary a glance at test scores nor individual performance: Teachers earn more with seniority and qualify for additional pay depending on whether they acquire advanced degrees.
We should adopt a performance-based pay option, which would force teachers to perform & compete like their counter parts in the private sector.

You have obviously never worked in the private sector. I (we) teach everyday when I mentor my peers on process, safety, operations, technical upgrades, fluid dynamics, etc. I don't have the luxury of a repetitive ritual where, for the most part, I regurgitate the same lesson plan semester after semester, year after year. That must be very difficult. Instead, I work in a dynamic environment where my job security depends upon my ability to learn, adapt & perform without the luxury of a job guarentee based upon how long I've been hanging around.
#14.1.1 Thank a teacher on 06/04/10 at 06:28 AM [Reply]
And who prepared you to work in a private sector and "I (we) teach everyday when I mentor my peers on process, safety, operations, technical upgrades, fluid dynamics, etc." "I work in a dynamic environment where my job security depends upon my ability to learn, adapt & perform without the luxury of a job guarentee based upon how long I've been hanging around."

Yes, thank a teacher.
#14.1.2 Anon on 06/04/10 at 09:45 PM [Reply]
From RightOn..."I don't have the luxury of a repetitive ritual where, for the most part, I regurgitate the same lesson plan semester after semester, year after year. That must be very difficult."

Now that's rich...richer than fudge. You don't think a classroom is dynamic? Every student is different, and each student's capabilities can represent a huge range in one classroom. It is up to that teacher to pull them all together, get them on the same page (so to speak). Teachers are expected to bring 30 children to the same finish line when they all didn't start at the same place. That's dynamic.

Like I've arleady said, those who complain about the public schools, save up your money and go with the private school/homeschool option. I have done so and have never been sorry. There will always be taxes...but a child's education is ultimately in the hands of the parents. RightOn likes to complain and so do many others. Do more than complain: take action. If you aren't satisfied, DO SOMETHING ELSE.
#15 Slateman on 06/04/10 at 01:33 PM [Reply]
I am curious? There was a certain elementary school asst. principal who was removed from that post & was going to resign.
Mr Erwin assured the parents if they were gracious enough not to have her immediatley fired as they (the parents) required! She would resign with dignity at the end of the next school year (2 years ago).
The reason for my curiousity will answer the question of Mr. Erwins' ethics & honesty along with his position of wanting the best for the children of Banks County.
I know they put her in the bus depot away from direct contact with elementary children.
He & the school board assured the parents she would never again hold a teaching position in Banks County.
The parents kept their word! Has the school board & the board of Education along with the Superintendent kept up their end of the agreement?
It is nice to see Mr. Erwin hold the Supt. positon as long as he has. Before it was a revolving door on almost an annual basis. However with that being said... being here and being accountable are two different things.
We all in the corporate world have guidelines we must live by. The Banks County school system seems to still be run by the good ole boys network. I have personally caught administrators as well as teachers backpedaling when you confront them on issues or interactions with Parents & children when getting involved in my childrens education. Some one earlier posted about Banks County educators loving our children. We as parents love our children. As educators it is their job to EDUCATE our children. Compassion & understanding for our children yes. Love NO thats a parents job.
#15.1 Annon on 06/05/10 at 09:20 AM [Reply]
I would just like to make a quick comment about this statement that you made.

"We as parents love our children. As educators it is their job to EDUCATE our children. Compassion & understanding for our children yes. Love NO thats a parents job."

I do agree that it is a teachers job to educate my children but I also have a role in that process. As a parent, I love and support my children very much. However, I am do not oblivious enough to think that that is the case for all children. Some children may only receive compassion, understanding, support, and love from the adults at school. Frankly, a parent does need to take some role in their child's education at home as well- making sure that they have their homework complete, helping their child study, making sure that they have papers and agendas signed, and making sure that they have the supplies that they need. I take the education of my children very seriously and I am sure you do as well. I also know that not all parents do so. This can be a point where teachers have to step up to the plate.
#16 Here's a summary of all these comments......... on 06/05/10 at 08:29 AM [Reply]
1. There are good teachers and there are bad teachers like every profession. For the few that barely get by, buddy up with the right people,and fall back on tenure when they couldn't "make it in the real world", there are many many more that put in hours of extra time, go above and beyond the call of duty, and do the best they can for the children they teach.

2. Most every teacher has also had what one commentary has called a "real job". Teachers did just fine in their other jobs but are following their passion like many other professions.

3. Leave the Bus Drivers alone. If they want to take their buses home, let them take them home. The little bit of money saved shouldn't generate all of the fuss. They have precious cargo and should be thanked.

4. "Right On" just likes the attention. He or she is like a reporter- they like to make these controversial comments to stir people up. He or she seems to think they are a little smarter and more important than what they really are. If they think teachers make too much money, then maybe they should become a teacher.

5. Most every commentary on here is not qualified to accurately critique Mr. Erwin's performance. There are so many angles to his job that most people who simply read an occasional article from a newspaper aren't informed enough to say whether he makes too much money or not. I believe he has done a good job and works very hard at doing what's best for his students and teachers.

6. Bottom line- I see that there is very little waste in the school system. Most monies from the school system are received from the federal and state level, not your property taxes. Life's too short to set here and argue for the sake of arguing. Work hard, do the best you can, and let the Lord do the rest!
#17 StatsGuy on 06/08/10 at 10:58 AM [Reply]
Let's examine a few things.

Banks County schools record:
1) high drop-out/low graduation rate
2) low educational mileposts testing scores
3) high teen pregnancy rate
4) low post high school education attendance rate
5) low HOPE scholarship qualification rate
6) very low 4-year + college attendance rate
7) low college admission testing scores
8) high loss of HOPE scholarship rate in college
9) high remedial college course requirement rate
10) low college/tech completion to degree rate

Couple all of that with:
1) higher than typical salaries for both educators and supervisory personnel *
2) over-speculative building of educational facilities and amenities
3) poor workmanship/supervision of newer educational building construction
4) higher than typical education taxes *
5) continuing loss of public to private school enrollment

* based on Banks County's size

Now ask yourself these two questions. Why have there been so many new private and church schools open in Banks County? Why are citizens now moving to other counties based on the other county's school system ratings?

Based on what information is available, it appears that the private schools are serving as alternatives to an obviously failed public school system in Banks County. It's a trend that's being seen everywhere, so don't just think it's happening locally.

The private schools are serving as competition which should cause the public schools to realize the need for change and make those changes as well. Hopefully Banks County's educational personnel will make those changes before there are empty schools that become an even greater tax burdens due to an exodus of students.

Parents are now examining the 'credentials' of their local public school system closer. If their expectations aren't being satisfied with public schools locally, most are willing to relocate to satisfy those educational needs.

It all really boils down to change. If change doesn't come soon and based on the controversy obviously generated and seen here in just this thread, it seems that a citizen's grassroots effort to affect that change is not far down the road.
#17.1 Citation please! on 06/08/10 at 09:34 PM [Reply]
Please cite your sources for the "stats" you have provided. Are you comparing Banks County Public Schools to other GA schools or nationwide? And I would like to know where these private and church schools are that are opening in Banks County. I know that there are church preschools, but they are just that, preschools.
#17.1.1 StatsGuy on 06/11/10 at 02:04 PM [Reply]
Regarding citations- see below for reply.

Currently, there are several church school pre-school programs. Long term plans for most of these include expanding initially to K-2, then adding the higher grades as their enrollment progresses.

Some of these church school plans have been hindered by the economic situation of the last year or so. But none have been completely scrapped.

The private schools aspect is on hold for startup, again due to the economic climate of late. Funds are too tight at present. From the indicators though, they'll still open, it's just a matter of timing.

There have also been surrounding counties with private schools that have entended their "working boundries" to include Banks County as well. Haven't seen the data on that yet.
#18 anon on 06/08/10 at 07:31 PM [Reply]
The ones that the lowest on the list that was cut in salary is the Lunchroom personal. They are lower than the bus drivers. TAKE A LOOK even para pro's are too. These people are not provided a way to work like bus drivers are. When the millage rate is set and goes up, that is what I pay for teacher's and workers salaries. The diesel is also taken out of property owners, also that is not state or federal. The only thing the state and federal money goes for is (education). Someone needs to get their facts together before posting.
#19 Cite your sources Statsguy on 06/08/10 at 09:17 PM [Reply]
Last I checked........
1. BCMS broke several records for high CRCT scores this spring.
2. BCHS was higher that the state average in EOCT's in six of seven categories last spring(this year's spring numbers aren't available)
3. BCHS made AYP in graduation last year
4. Faculty,administrators,board members, and the superintendent didn't get any teens pregnant last year(How is that their fault,because they didn't teach them sex ed, give me a break)
5. Current BCHS GHSGT numbers are higher than the state average in either 3 or all 4 areas.
6. Research has shown that the single best indicator of how well a student will do in school is the income of their PARENTS. Banks County is not an affluent county. This is not intended to be derogatory to any of the fine hard-working folks of Banks County, nor is it intended to say that a poor kid can't excel because many have, but it goes to show that Banks County is already at a disadvantage in comparison to a similar-size yet much more affluent county such as Dawson.

I'd like to see your sources there smart guy. Something seems a bit fishy to me. Perhaps a hidden agenda.......
#19.1 corndog on 06/10/10 at 10:19 AM [Reply]
it's even more interesting to me what this poster did not address from the original post
#19.2 StatsGuy on 06/11/10 at 01:49 PM [Reply]
Regarding your posting and using your number tags in response:

1) Haven't seen this spring's certified data yet, but good for BCMS for this year. Let's see if BCHS does similarly on EOCT.
2) Again based on certified data that still leaves Banks County in or just above the 50% to 51% percentile.
3) BCHS meeting AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) is a nice achievement to claim. However it's a progress indicator. So when the only way you have to move is up it's value here is negated somewhat.
4) Will disregard the sarcasm voiced here. Teen pregnancy will inevitably be a factor used to determine the educational viability of a school system. Granted though, parents have the ultimate and primary responsibility. But with students spending roughly 50% of their awake hours attending school, some responsibility has to fall on the schools for some type of cirriculum. This is one reason that Georgia ranks consistently in the top 10 states with the highest teen pregnancies.
5) Can't speak to current year data. Most show a mid-ranking between 50% to 51%. If you've got access to more current data, then agreed, it's a positive indicator. But that's keeping in mind that it's from the typical 65% passing and only 20% exceeding.
6) Clearly blame-shifting here and the tone leads one to believe that an average child of low income in Banks County is pre-destined for failure. Neither the educators nor those in education supervisory positions should shirk their responsibility of educating all youth of Banks County. Each accepted the position and is being paid by taxpayer monies. It should also be safe to say that the majority of low-income parents desire and work harder to provide their children with what they need for education so that they will have a better future.

As for citings of sources. Primarily, check the following:
http://reportcard.gppf.org
http://www.doe.k12.ga.us
http://www.schooldigger.com
There are several others, but those are in electronic print/data formats.

No hidden agenda. Simply providing information.
#20 PROUD RESIDENT on 06/13/10 at 08:00 PM [Reply]
i read this with a wow and than sad heart! None of this is doing any good Banks County is not perfect, but no where is right now. We are going to survive. We can't turn on teachers and administration..... So they are not perfect let me say "he who is without sin throw the first stone" hmmmmm do you remember who said that.... Thank God for TEACHERS Thank God for bus drivers (did that job for 5 years) it takes an incredible person to work a job. Teachers work at home and beyond for all those people who think they get paid well and want their saleries posted.... They work at home, parent teacher meetings, games and so much more. Do you really think their job ends in the CLASSROOM!!!!
#20.1 Mr. Teacher on 06/27/10 at 12:00 PM [Reply]
I am a teacher. Been doing it for 15 plus years. I have 3 college degrees. I make 58,000 dollars a year. All the people complaining on this site are just too pissed they weren't smart enough or willing to go to college and become a teacher. Hell yeah I work 180 days a year for pay, plus an extra 50 or so without, I love not doing a damn thing in the summer because I have done so much during the school year. Get the chicken sh*t out of your eyes and go get the non tax payers to do their job, or are you one of those? Post my salary, but if the people that don't pay their taxes in Banks County were charged we would not have a financial problem. Smile life is a whole lot funner that way.
#21 spiderman on 08/17/10 at 11:21 AM [Reply]
why not home school our kids ,by the time they finish. there will be no jobs anyway. do you people really things are going to better in this world. read the back of the book
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