Budgeting for the Budget

Here we are again.

Our Agenda for tomorrow's meeting shows that we are asked by staff to finalize the WCPSS 2010/2011 Budget.

Where are the answers to the questions that I have been asking since January? Where are the details to the spending that I have requested ad nauseam since early this year? Where are the lists of who has the almost 3600 cell phones/blackberries with plans that the taxpayers are paying for? Why were new contracts signed when I specifically asked for the information BEFORE this would occur? Why are we making cuts that directly impact our students in the classroom, and through Project Enlightenment, while at the same time, committing to spend over a quarter of a million dollars for cell phones for bus drivers? Why can't we use good old fashioned radios (with free airtime)? Why do we put this mechanism in the hands of drivers, so they can talk and text while driving our children around? Who has the other 2500 phones that WE are all paying for? Why do they "need" them?

Additonally, why are we paying another quarter of a million dollars this year for Blue Diamond testing when we have a huge Evaluation and Research Department? Why do we pay a staff member to act as a lobbyist? Why aren't we budgeting for the Budget???

We have had many instances of late, where information has been brought to the Board of Education in a last minute "you MUST approve this tonight" methodology. I do not agree with this tactic. I will not rubber stamp items that directly impact our children, our teachers and our community. I am asking a lot of questions. Tomorrow's meeting could be a long one...

I remain true to our children, our families, our faculty, our local businesses, and all of the stakeholders of the Wake County Public School System.

Superintendent Search

I'm back to blogging! How else will anyone know what I am working on?

Today, I'd like to talk about the search for our new Superintendent. During our Committee meetings, I feel that it is very important to give everyone the opportunity to express their opinions and to be heard. We are having some great discussions, working together and reaching consensus as to how to proceed. This will all ultimately benefit the children of Wake County. Last week's meeting covered a lot of ground and gave us a great opportunity to analyze the different search firms that are vying for the job to help us select our new Superintendent.

The new Superintendent will be the leader of our school system. Quite an important role! As the Board makes policy, the Superintendent will be responsible for implementing it. This new leader will be directing the Administration, Faculty and Staff towards a higher level of academic achievement for ALL of our students. It's vital that we give our stakeholders an opportunity to share what you feel are important characteristics for this new leader.

To date, we have reached consensus with the Board, voting to hire a professional search firm, and to allocate dollars from the Fund Balance to cover the costs associated with the search. The process must be transparent and open. I am enjoying the process and thank all of those that have chosen to participate:)