Friday, December 20, 2013

Our School Committee has let us down ... Submitted by a member


Our School Committee has let us down, is a major part of the problems in our district, and has lead us into this mess.

For years we have been asking for books, materials, new computers and other technology for our classrooms. The answer we keep hearing is "there is no money in the budget." This year's FY14 budget they laid-off teachers, paras, and staff to reduce the Salary and Wages account; however, they (SC) found money to hire top level administrators. Guess they are more interest in having this ship being top heavy than having teachers in the classroom. 

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

While the supetintendent lives in the penthouse at the Regency plotting our holocaust

Anonymous said...

I agree. Why is there always money for superintendents, supervisors, and a "special" subculture while the majority of educators and students "Make do". We also need to look at the relationships that put some of these new and very special people into supervisory positions....

Anonymous said...

Fire 50% of the teachers. How about 50% of the people at the top!

Anonymous said...

Honestly, while I will continue to support New Bedford educators, who are the hardest working, most caring individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working beside, I am so sick of and worn out from this mess, I just need to find the EXIT sign. I am done. My vacation will be spent, looking for how to retire early and find another way to make a living without it consuming my life in such a negative way.

Anonymous said...

I can only wish, each and every administrator, school committee member and their supporters will have the opportunity to substitute as a teacher, for at least a week, at New Bedford High School. Once they have walked in teacher's shoes, perhaps they would have a slight clue, as to what they have mandated on a daily, weekly and yearly basis be accomplished. They won't survive! Nor can anyone under these conditions.
There is an unspoken intent behind the constant abuse educators have endured for quite a few years. Dr. Durkin has just accelerated the process. I believe, the emotional stress educators are enduring is intended to push out the teachers close to the end of their careers. The fresh new recruits will only stay for a short tour of duty. The city saves on salaries and the state pays less retirement benefits or none, for the new teachers who will quickly realize, they can have no life beyond their chosen career. It is a Win/Win for the city. Becoming an educator in public schools will be akin to a Peace Corp. volunteer’s job. Intense, rewarding, very little monetary gains but never intended as a long term career.
Mayor Mitchell and Dr. Durkin, along with all supporting politicians will be long gone once the smoke has cleared. Only then, will those watching this battle, see the aftermath of the calculated strategies, deployed against public education. There will definitely be a lot of casualties. While, teachers are on the front lines, the bi-standers seem unaware, that our children are standing right behind each and every educator. After all, isn't that a part of the fiber of those who chose this once noble career? Educators have protected and served the children for years. It is who we are and what we do. Unfortunately, we have become the Vietnam Veterans in this war. Years from now, society will look back on the history of education and shake their heads, knowing only then, the injustice of it all. Right now, however, educators are the sacrificial lambs!

Anonymous said...

I'm just tired of the teachers being blamed for the poor choices that the New Bedford School Committee has made for us along with the mismanagement of funds by the "powers that be" in the school department. We (the TEACHERS and STUDENTS) are suffering now for the years ands years of poor decision making that was really out of our control. We are really not the bad guys here. We'd just like as Aretha Franklin would put it a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Anonymous said...

What ever happened to the statement: "Integrity of the classroom first and foremost"? We certainly heard that quite often during Mayor Lang's term; however, under Mayor Mitchell's so called leadership, it went bye-bye--now it is administration first and foremost.

Anonymous said...

You can question Mitchell's leadership all you want. He's fair game but please do not toot Lang's horn. He's just as responsible for this mess as Mitchell is.

Anonymous said...

We must stay strong, united, and NEVER give up the fight. Support one another throughout this ordeal and we'll make it through.

Anonymous said...

And what a mess it is!