I read with interest Gene Smith's letter to the editor ["It's important--and fair--to question the Stafford school budgets," April 5]. In it, we are told that our schools won't be in crisis if we have to cut yet another $8 million from the budget (this after already cutting $7.8 million).
We are to accept this premise because of two reasons:
First, the can-do spirit, dedication, and willingness to take action on the part of our principals and concerned parents.
Yes, our principals and teachers possess a can-do spirit and dedication. For years they have had
As far as our parents are concerned, they are truly dedicated. As a parent who has actively been involved in Stafford County schools for almost 14 years, I can certainly attest to the massive efforts on the part of our PTA/PTOs, booster clubs, after-prom committees, etc.
These people work tirelessly to raise funds to pay for things needed by our schools, but not covered in school funding.
The question becomes, how much more "can-do" is expected from our principals and teachers?
We must remember they "can do" a job change to a county that pays more and is happy to fund a quality school system. And how many more PTA/PTO fundraisers can any given group of parents be expected to sponsor?
Second, Mr. Smith indicates he simply does not believe the residents of Stafford County will allow the schools to become second- or third-rate.
Really, how will this happen? Will parents be dropping off bags of money, or buying maintenance supplies and repair parts to maintain our buildings, or purchasing many of the teaching materials that our teachers pay for?
Once the budget is set, that is the time the principals will have to make the difficult decisions, like how to pay for copies used for things like math worksheets and other materials needed to help our students pass their SOL tests. There is no do-over.
I invite Mr. Smith to spend some time really talking to our principals, teachers, and PTA/PTOs. He could start by visiting schools in the Griffis-Widewater District.
Mr. Smith could also ask our PTA/PTOs how many fundraisers they hold each year, and what is purchased for the schools with that fundraising money.
Parents could be asked if they are pleased about experienced teachers leaving our community for higher salaries. Parents could also be asked if they want larger class sizes.
Stafford County has a lean and efficient school system. The fact of the matter is, there is no pork-barrel spending in Stafford County schools.
Dana Reinboldt
Stafford
The writer represents the Griffis-Widewater District on the Stafford County School Board.