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We need to be a community that supports children. The budget is worth it.

This is ridiculous. This budget would not need these excess funds were it not for the stupidity of the High Point high school plan that has run afoul.

Look at the transportation costs. Offering all of these magnet programs is costing the taxpayer too much. Offering magnet programs is not the issue, it the quanity of them that provides the excess cost.

The real problem is the School Board and the Stupidentiendent. Resolve this mess and the scholl budget will not be as excessive as it currently is. Inflation will cause increases, however, stupid increases should never be allowed!

The only thing ridiculous about the budget is people who aren't willing to support it! Everyone complains about how "awful" public education is--but they won't put their money where there mouth is!!!! Then they turn around and pay a LOT of money many times for a "private" school education which often does not offer nearly as many opportunities as GCS does!!

Support the programs needed for education, support pay raises for teachers, and support a variety of programs!

Support the budget!! Your future is in these children's hands!!!!

The only thing ridiculous about the budget is people who aren't willing to support it! Everyone complains about how "awful" public education is--but they won't put their money where there mouth is!!!! Then they turn around and pay a LOT of money many times for a "private" school education which often does not offer nearly as many opportunities as GCS does!!

Support the programs needed for education, support pay raises for teachers, and support a variety of programs!

Support the budget!! Your future is in these children's hands!!!!

How about we cut Dr. Grier's salary, let serving on the school board be a non-remunerative opportunity, get rid of a bunch of programs designed to get slackers through the schools, and make sure we don't cut educators' and support staff's salaries. Then I will support the budget.

I respecfully disagree, Jobob. While I can't speak on Grier's salary, the "bunch of programs designed to get slackers through the schools," have won much acclaim because they make graduates out of students who would normally have dropped out of school. Deal with these kids now, or spend even more money dealing with them later when they go into society with no diploma and end up costing taxpayers.

Deb,

You must be joking.

I did put my money where my mouth is. My oldest will be attending Greensboro Day School next year. Perhaps you've never heard of it - it is the very best school in Greensboro.

I tried the public school system - believe me - it offers nothing compared to what GDS offers.

I believe we should support the school budget but there needs to be reality somewhere. We should not just take their word for this budget we need to look at it and make cuts. This is what I will have to do when my taxes goes up more than it already has. I do think Mr Grier is way over paid and he should take a cut if this is so important to him. I know it is not so he will not. The school board is using the plan ask for the most you can so you will get as much as you can. The poeople who support this budget is some of the same people who helped put some of these board members back in office. People please get informed first then vote

Hm....Hearing first hand about how many teacher assistants that are going to be cut because of a budget shortage is awful! They want smaller class size, but there are to many children, especially in the northwest. The whole budget needs to be approved, can you imagine close to thirty children to one teacher? Especially if anyone in the class has a learning disability? And as for the comment by luvgds, not all of us are lucky enough to have that much money spilling out of our pockets to afford private school, so I, for one, will fight for whatever I can to make these schools continue to prosper!!! To anyone who has a child in public school, PLEASE support this budget!!!

When economic times get tough, most companies look to cut back on excess spending.

At GCS, when times get tough, our superintendent continues to spend like a drunk salesman at his first Vegas convention.

I cannot believe that Grier still has his cult following after all the turmoil and conflict of interest that has occurred during his reign of terror.

Do I support his new budget?????

HELL NO !!!!!!!!

Get your head out of the sand people, or not only will our schools be destroyed by Grier, but the county will go broke in the process.

good point deb (ironic isnt it)

anyways, there can be budget cuts done in the county school system to make the total education better, but the schoolboard doesnt have the backbone to tell certain departments (like the technology department, for example) that gobble money up like nothing, and dont produce, that is just one example of somewhere budget cuts can be made, but they wont be made

its too bad that education gets such a bad name in guilford county when it is the citizens who wont support the schools

dont complain about schools unless you're willing to do something about it

--adam

Private school is expensive, that's why my family has chosen for me to go back to work next fall.

Isn't all of this nonsense the perfect reason to support school vouchers?

If we could all be given vouchers to use as we, the parents, see fit, then we would actually choose the best school for our children. The public school system would have no choice but than to improve the educational process, the school facilities, and the communication with parents.

If there were any real competition, the GCS School Board would have to do a better job altogether or find themselves bankrupt.

The concept of school vouchers is interesting and worthy of further research. I just read something that the Locke Foundation released that spoke to that very subject.

But until that happens, Guilford County Schools has a budget request on the table. And even with TWO salaries, not everyone is fortunate enough to have their kids attend private school. So, I'm with Eric--we have to support the budget, but there needs to be reality somewhere. I'm not convinced that $14.9 million is realistic.

The collective group that comprises the Guilford County School Board has demonstrated that they are very poor stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.

There is not one word that comes out of the mouths of Grier (and his overpaid staff), Duncan, Kearns, Mendenhall, Sykes, and Cooke that I believe.

I encourage the County Commissioners to cut the budget deep and cut often. If that group of clowns on the School Board doesn't have the money to begin with, at least I know they are unable to waste it.

Luvgds,

I'm guessing that means "Love Greensboro Day School?"

Good for you. I'd be there too if it were possible for my family.

For all the budget-lovers who say "support the budget, blah, blah, blah,"...I say to YOU to please READ the budget, LINE BY LINE before you advocate it.

I agree, the schools need funding, but I don't agree that they should just be handed a blank check.

They know how to save MILLIONS and they refuse to do it. Until the High Point Choice Plan and the insane cross-county busing stops, I will NOT support a SINGLE PENNY INCREASE for either the budget OR the SELF-CENTERED school board's salaries.

I watched Terry Grier grovel and whine last year and paint such a sorry, pitiful picture of his poor, poor system. Then, this year I see him WASTE MILLIONS in High Point!

I'm not falling for it. They are crying wolf and as intelligent, taxpaying citizens, we should just ignore the cries.

They could fix their poor little crisis with ONE MOTION and SEVEN votes to abolish the RACIST, EXPENSIVE, UNETHICAL, and RIDICULOUS plan, formerly called the "Choice" plan.

It would take just ONE responsible school board member to bring it up, and SHE knows who SHE is.

I hope the Commissioners take the budget and make paper airplanes out of it.

I've sent this link to the Commissioners:

http://members.cox.net/crandall11/money/

It's a much wiser use of our tax dollars than handing it over to "Grier and Company".

This is directed to Deb, sand the other posters here whi insinuate that we parents do not support the public schools. Hogwash!!! You have no idea what you are talking about. I personally have been engaged and disgusted by the administration's actions, and lack or regard for the public's opinion over the past two years. Of course we need to support the school system. however, this does not mean that we need to blindly support budget requests when does not use the funds wisely. Fiscal responsibility should be the watchword, not frilly programs that have no substance and do not produce well rounded, educated children!!

MikeG,

Something tells me that you operate your own business and have an understanding of being efficient with money.

At Dr. Griers Neverland Ranch Fantasy School System, he seems to think he can go out side and pick dollar bills off the trees and spend to his little hearts desire.

Dr. Grier and Commissioners, PLEASE LISTEN CAREFULLY!!!

The Taxpayers are sick and tired of being taxed to death.

We are tired of having no voice and no representation on school decisions.

We are tired of our so-called leaders being unaccountable for any decisions they make.

We are tired of Crazy, Hair-brained programs that have no educational value.

The list could go on and on, But I must go back to work so I may pay more taxes to help support our out of control school board.

Still, the one question that has been asked many times on the Chalkboard remains unanswered. What is the one academic achievement of the High Point Reassignment Plan that justifies what will become millions of dollars of taxpayers funds spent on this misguided program? There hasn't been an answer to this question, because there doesn't appear to be one. Still, GCS continues to waste millions on this program with no positive results. Why don't the taxpayers of the county demand an accounting from the school board? Are they apathetic or just don't care (Is that redundant?)? The beat goes on, and reasonable people ask the question, but no one dares answer. What will the tally be when the board finds a way out of this decision that allows them to cover their rears? Millions that could have been used for things that actually can make a difference like highly qualified teachers? And, how many wasted lives of high school students will have gone by the way until that happens? This is a truly disgusting state of affairs that Guilford County should be ashamed to allow to continue. Where's the outrage of good, honest citizens and taxpayers in this county whose silence has allowed this trasvesity to continue unchecked?

On a $500 million dollar budget, doesn't anyone think they can find 1.5% waste? Businesses are forced to do it daily! Plenty of waste there if anyone decides to take the time to look and question.

The board took Negotiations 101 (with the help of Mr Duncan's legal background).... Figure out what you want. Double that figure. Ask and plead passionately for that doubled figure. Look and act disappointed when you get half of the double (i.e. what you want) High 5 each other behind closed doors because they fell for it again!

What accountability measures are in place to be sure we are getting what we (the taxpayers of Guilford County) are paying for? Until a plan and accountability is in place, the teachers and parents will have to live by an old military mantra....The beatings will continue until morale improves!

I am a teacher for GCS and I am outraged by what is going on in our school system (the HP plan, lack of discipline in schools, budget cuts, etc.). Even so, I want the best for my students. They deserve to be given the best education possible taught by highly qualified teachers in a safe environment. What has happened to our public education system? How did our leaders forget that it's about the kids and not about financial gain or political status?

I bust my butt every day in the classroom for little more than just enough money to support my family and the joy of knowing I've made a difference in a child's life. Knowing that I've helped someone means the world to me. Teaching has become something else now. It's a fight for survival at some schools and a fight to do and say what's right while knowing that you can lose your job or be asked to resign. Why do you think so few teachers write to The Chalkboard?

It's time for change. There is no reason to support a budget that does not support the people it is intended for--our teachers, our schools, and most importantly, our young people. I do not want to have to explain to my kids again next year of why we don't have supplies and lab equipment, why they can't get the help they need in a class because there is only one teacher for so many students, or why their favorite teachers have decided to leave. Is this what we want for our kids?

Andi,

Thank you for speaking out. You are absolutely right that it's time for a change.

I hope all those who didn't listen last Novemeber can NOW see that more of the same is lethal to our school system.

For all those that voted in an incumbent school board member, I hope they now see the light and will advocate for a change this next election cycle.

Until elections, we can only hope that some of these board members will wake-up and realize that their sitting on the board is about CHILDREN, not about being on tv, being popular, or for other long-standing promises or agendas.

We need former educators, accountants, and parents on that school board. I WILL be putting my money towards any campaign that can bring these backgrounds.

For current board members: They need to keep any promises made. Hey Kris Cooke, remember when you so eloquently stated that the "High Point Choice Plan Lottery needs to be re-visited"?? Did you forget? The kids in High Point are waiting for your "re-visit".

And Walter Childs, I asked you PERSONALLY your opinion of busing kids. You told me that you would advocate for neighborhood schools. Have you ever thought of bringing up the High Point Lottery for discussion and re-vote? It sure would help the budget along.

What about you Mr. Quick? Would you want a lottery for you precious Dudley? Then we don't want one in High Point either.

And Susan, where the hell are you? Are you representing your constitutents or are you still doing whatever Alan tells to do--just like Dot does? How does it feel knowing that your constitutents call OTHER representatives when they have a question because it's common knowledge that your head is in Alan's lap.

And Dot, about those shelters at the bus hubs in High Point? You know, the ones that don't exist and the kids have to stand in the RAIN!!! Do YOU stand in the rain?

I'm sick of you hypocrites! Get OFF the school board if you are not there to advocate for students and families!!

Liz, the funny thing is that people have in their possession correspondence from Ms. Cooke where she claims that she would take action and revisit the High Point Plan.

KRIS YOU WOULD DO ANYTHING AND SAY ANYTHING LAST FALL TO GET A VOTE, WOULDN'T YOU? I don't know how you look at yourself in the mirror in morning when you paint your face on.

If you need Susan and Dot just try the String & Splinter or any other place a photo-op takes place.

If you really want to see what is obscene though, pick up a copy of this weeks Rhino and take a look at how top heavy with overpaid salaries this school administration is. Then take a look at the School Board as a reminder of who approved these salaries to begin with.

It gets pretty crowded under the table where the Dr. sits doesn't it?

Bruce,

Is there any way you could get these school board members to respond? They owe us an explanation.

Mrs Cooke told me personally that after the election " things will have to change". That was on election day when I was up in her district campaigning against her.
How can these people look at us straight in the eye..
They can't.

By the way. Wher do Dot Kearns grandchildren go to school? Anyone know?

I would just like to add the Duncan is the biggest slimeball I have ever met...