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Fine, don't give the teachers the raise they deserve. I sincerely hope if that is the case that NO SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER accepts that hefty raise they voted for themselves several weeks ago.

I am confident that the high class bunch of individuals that make up the School Board could not accept a financial increase before any of the teachers (or bus drivers, janitors and cafeteria workers for that matter).

Not only that, but with all of Dr. Grier's extracurricular activities I am certain that he will refuse his raise as well. Please remind me of how is raise was to work again, wasn't it part magic act and part tied to teachers' salary increases?

What, the school board may not be able to finance a teachers' $1 million raise that was specifically awarded to it by the county commissioners budget? Is this another example of the old bait and switch being used by the school board, again?

I am sure as buck said above that the board members and Terry Grier will do the right thing and reject their own huge pay raises rather than profit at the expense of our teachers, who do the heavy lifting in education. Yeah, when pigs fly! How do these people expect teachers to stay motivated and deliver their best to the students of this county, when they see their "leaders" treating themselves lavishly, and teachers continue to get the short end of the stick, time after time. That's extremely motivating. With the way that teachers are mistreated and disrespected in this county, is it any wonder they are leaving in droves to other school systems or private enterprise? History shows that the board and Terry Grier can always find money in their budget each year to do the things that they want to do, but never have enough money to do the things that they "should" do. As you will recall, Terry Grier found some loose change laying around to fund his own $25,000 pay raise in his own budget. How ethical is that? And, the board members complain that their travel expenses cut into their salaries, well what about teachers who'll go without a raise who have to buy class room supplies out of their pocket or beg their students to have their parents buy it and send to school.

Does the madness ever end? I think not. Furthermore, I've been discouraged this summer while looking for a position. Twice now I've almost been hired and then the principal has called me to tell me that the Central Office has placed someone in that position and that they (the principal) had no control over it. I've called the Central Office and they have confirmed this. I understand that the Central Office is trying to help by placing teachers that need jobs (due to budget cuts at their schools and other situations). However, why should I get pushed out when I'm the one who spent time interviewing for the position and following up with the principal? I do not understand how this school system operates or how they ever retain teachers.

This whole debacle with the budget is like adding salt to the wound. Why does the BOE get a raise and teachers, subs, and others that are in the schools each day helping it function are left out in the cold. I'm tired of fighting for a job that few others want. I want to be treated like a professional and I don't see that happening anytime too soon. I've almost decided to just leave GCS, work a "regular" job, and tutor on the side (I love teaching too much to leave the job altogether).

Sorry for all the venting folks. I think it's important though that people realize what's going on in our school system and how it's causing us to lose good teachers.

This is site based management. Principals are out doing their thing without coordination with central office. Some schools are screwed up to such an extent that they waste your and everyone else's time. Don't give up. We need people like you. I hope someday the environment will change.

Thanks. I hope things will change too. . . soon.

The "environment" that Joe and Andi are talking about CAN be changed. And it needs changed sooner than "someday". It needs changed NOW.

Let's start with changing the make-up of the School Board.

We truly need to Save our Schools. (Now that phrase rings a bell with me?)

Let's not wait for "someday". Our kids are worth fixing things NOW.

Andi,

If you love teaching, and you are frustrated with the antics of this school district, why not take a short trip out west to Forsyth County, like all of the other unhappy GCS teachers? Forsyth County is a professionally run school district, they are growing, and I am sure that they would be interested in hiring somone with your passion for education. Stop beating your head with this bunch of clowns and try a real educational organization.

Andi,

I know exactly how you feel! I am a teacher also.
Coming from another state, I took an intermin position and could n't believe how they treat teacher's here! The state I came from always had budget problems but I enjoyed teaching because the administration backed the teachers which is the key. I could live without the pay but I couldn't live without the support. I am now working in the education capacity but not in public school. Good luck to you and I for one feel your pain!

Darn, everyone hates the school board! Well, did you think it might be true, that without knowing what the state funding is, they can't commit money to raises? Did you know that some teaching positions are fully funded from state money? Without that money, a teacher loses his/her job. I'd rather see a fully-staffed school if only one choice is possible.

Sue,

Yes, you are right, everyone hates this school board. And, the reason that they do is because they make lousy decisions, when they are ever able to make a decision. When the board mulled over their massive budget with a near $15 million increase, they couldn't find anything of substance to remove, even though it was packed with pork. When this porker was delivered to the county commisisoners the implication was that $1 million would be used for teachers' raises, and the county commissioners approved a budget increase with the understanding that it was sufficient to cover their fixed costs, fixed rising costs, and to fund the teachers' increases. Now, the board says it has to see what the state gives them. Well, as I see it, they made a moral commitment to teachers and the county comissioners to do just that. Perhaps, the board will have to forego some of their pet programs to find the funds. This board and administration can always find the funds to do the things that it "wants" to do, but it never has the funds to do that which it "should" do. And, that is why no one likes this board. Grant the teachers the raises that they deserve. Treat the people who deliver the product (teachers in this case)to the consumer (students in this case) well, and they will ensure that the organization's goals are met.

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. I've decided to interview at one more GC school and interview in Forsyth County. I'm also looking at "regular" jobs where my experience would be needed. I'm just waiting to see what happens next.

I agree with Dean Wormer about the school board. While I do not hate them, I do feel they have made bad decisions and have spent money on countless projects when basic needs in the schools (supplies, adequate classrooms, etc.) have not been met. If GCS were a true business, this board would be fired for running the company into the ground.

The BOE wants to be politicians not educators. How else can you explain their decision to "zero" any raises for substitute teachers. If I was Dr. Grier, I would refuse his personal increase unless all members of the team are given raises. If I was a member of the BOE, I would refuse my $500 per month untill all members of the team were taken care of.

Andi,

Amen to that. These people who sit on the school board could never get on the corporate board of a legit company. They don't have any requisitite skills for that responsibiity. In business, a board member must have sound analytical abilities, sound decision-making abilities, a good sense of the business that they help direct, be able to read and understand company financials (including operating budgets and capital budgets), and have a sound ideal of capital finance. Do you think that any of these members have any of those skills?