TGA - GREAT GREAT POST............the mothers in my neighborhood that are waitresses, secretaries, etc., had NO IDEA THAT TEACHERS GOT THAT MUCH MONEY AND PAID FOR LIFE...........THESE NEIGHBORHOOD MOMS ARE FORCED TO BRING IN ALL THE SUPPLIES........THOSE SALARIES ARE HUGE COMPARED TO WHAT THE PARENTS ARE MAKING.....................THEY HAD NO IDEA....THEY WERE BUSY WORKING AND GOT SUCKERED BY THE UNION TEACHERS...................NO LONGER, POSTS LIKE YOURS SHOW WHO THE REAL THIEVES AND CROOKS ARE............LOOK AT THOSE SALARIES..............SHAME ON THEM

MY MOTHER WAS A TEACHER AND SHE SAID EVERYTIME A MILLAGE PASSED, THE PRINCIPAL GOT NEW FURNITURE......UNIONS GAVE 5 BILLION (WITH A B) TO BARACK HUSSEIN AND DEMOCRATS.............WE ARE STOPPING THE SLUSH FUND BOYS, FACE UP, YOU WILL LOSE BEFORE YOUR UNION LEADER DOES, WE HAVE TO DESTROY THE HORRIBLE PUBLIC EDUCATION JUST TO DESTROY THE UNION..............YOU BOYS SHOULD HAVE FIRED THEM YEARS AGO............NOW YOU GO DOWN WITH THEM BECAUSE WE CAN'T SEPARATE YOU TWO AND YOU SQUEEZED OUR KIDS OUT.........

ONE WHOLE WEEK FOR NARC ON THEIR PARENTS FOR CAFFEINE AND TOBACCO???

INSTEAD OF A ONE WEEK MATH CAMP ALL THEIR LIVES

NO YOU STARTED GETTING INTO AREAS THAT COMMIES GET INTO, NOT TEACHERS................OUR PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE DOING JUST FINE, THEY WILL GROW AND YOU UNION HACKS ARE DONE.......the unions killed it..............not the poor voter..........look in the mirror boys.........

THEY ARE THE MOST arrogant people IN Florida's education terrorist union THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN...................

AFTER BEATING US FOR ASKING THEM TO PAY A SMALL 3% OF THEIR 'OWN' RETIREMENT, THEY SUED US WITH 'OUR OWN MONEY' AND THEN WON..........

HEY BOYS WELCOME TO BARRY HUSSEIN'S PARTY. THE RICH ARE LEAVING....THEY ARE CASHING OUT AND GETTING OUT OF DODGE.........

YOU BOYS GOT REAL ENVIOUS AND JEALOUS OF THE PRODUCERS........NOT REALIZING THEY PAID 'YOUR CHECKS FOR LIFE'.................

YOU IGNORED 400,000 AMERICANS FILING FIRST TIME UNEMPLOYMENT EVERY THURSDAY MORNING - THOSE WERE TAXPAYERS GUYS!!!!!

YOU IGNORED 60 MINUTES TELLING YOU THAT OUR KIDS WERE LIVING IN CARS.......................

YOU IGNORED BREVARD, SEMINOLE AND FLAGLER ALL SHUTTING DOWN SCHOOLS................YOU WERE GOING TO STEAL MORE OF 'OUR MONEY'.....................

NO MO MONEY GUYS...........FACE IT............

YOU ARE NOW IN THE JOB BLEEDOUT THAT AMERICA HAS BEEN GOING THRU FOR 4 YEARS...........THAT YOU IGNORED..........

THERE ARE 400,000 AMERICANS QUALIFIED TO WORK 180 DAYS A YEAR, FOR 6 HOURS A DAY--READY TO WORK EVERY SINGLE THURSDAY

.AND THEY WILL DO THAT WORK FOR 25,000 AND 'NO RETIREMENT' LIKE IT IS DONE IN THE 'REAL WORLD'................

AND TEACHERS, YOU DON'T THINK YOU WERE GOING TO WIN OVER THE COPS AND FIREMEN, DO YOU?????

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THE WORD SOCIALIST MEANS - THANK A UNION TEACHER..............

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES AND YOU BOYS HAVE LOVED ILLEGAL ALIENS IN EVERY CLASS BECAUSE IT WAS 'TEACHER JOB SECURITY'......................

FOR ALL THESE DECADES YOU LOVED THE DESTRUCTION.....................YOU DIDN'T CARE THAT WE WERE ALL PAYING THEIR 'FREE FREIGHT'..............

IT USED TO BE ABOUT THE KIDS BUT YOUR UNIONS DUES TOOK PREFERENCE OVER OUR BUSSES,

AND 'OUR KIDS ARE GETTING KILLED WALKING HOME' AND YOU BOYS DIDN'T CARE.................NOW WE DON'T CARE.............

BESIDES YOU ARE GRADUATING IDIOTS AND DUMBING DOWN THE SCORES?????

YOU GUYS HAVE TO JOIN THE EMPLOYEE DESTRUCTION THAT BARRY HAS BEEN FORCING ON THE REST OF AMERICA FOR 4 YEARS..........

WELCOME TO THE PARTY, BRING SOME SNACKS, THERE ARE ABOUT 40 MILLION OF US OUT HERE................AND IT WAS SO ARROGANT AND IGNORANT TO THINK YOU WOULD CONTINUE TO STEAL FROM US FOR YOUR 'CHECKS FOR LIFE'..............

I'll summarize Parkinson's Law to save you time:

In his great first essay, Parkinson displayed his fundamental method: He reasoned from the behavior of individuals--the different times a busy man and "an elderly lady of leisure" might take to write a postcard--to the behavior of organizations, in this instance their inexorable tendency to grow regardless of the amount of work to be done. Two axioms governed the process, he noted: "(1) an official wants to multiply subordinates, not rivals; and (2) officials make work for each other"--supervising each other's efforts, holding meetings and so on.

He noted that:

Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.

Expenditure rises to meet income.

Expansion means complexity, and complexity decay.

THE LAW OF DELAY: Delay is the deadliest form of denial.

THE LAW OF TRIVIALITY: The time spent on any item of a committee's agenda will be in inverse proportion to the sum of money involved.

In a story from the Deland Beacon three years ago: http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/2079

School Board Member Candace Lankford defended Dr. Smith’s compensation package, noting she is doing more. “The superintendent’s staff has been reduced from 18 to 13,” Lankford said.

Let's take a look now, shall we?

http://myvolusiaschools.org/superintendent/Pages/Superintendents-Staff.aspx

There are 16 on her staff now. Using Lankford's own reasoning, we should expect that Margaret Smith's pay has went down accordingly.. correct?

Let's look at the wages from the staff members that were listed in 2009 in the DeLand Beacon news story, and who also show up in the 2010 public salary database.

Robert Moll, financial and business services, $126,711 per year 2009.

Robert Moll, financial and business services, $128,608 per year 2010.

Peromnia Grant, assistant superintendent for personnel services, $117,205 per year 2009.

Peromnia Grant, assistant superintendent for personnel services, $117,955 per year 2010.

Nancy Wait, director of community information, $67,561 per year 2009.

Nancy Wait, director of community information, $70,264 per year 2010.

Allene Dupont, director of K-12 curriculum and SIP services, $92,520 per year 2009.

Allene Dupont, director of K-12 curriculum and SIP services, $93,907 per year 2010.

Barbara Bush, director of exceptional student education, $96,048 per year 2009.

Barbara Bush, director of exceptional student education, $110,897 per year 2010.

And finally:

Margaret Smith, Superintendent $172,607 per year 2009

Margaret Smith, Superintendent $179,465 per year 2010.

Now let's look at some of the titles and salaries of the people in the School Board's "Technology Services" department. These salaries are from the 2010 salary database. The 2012 salaries are surely higher.

$56,674.48 Barnes, Patti Lynn – Acct Analyst,Telecommunication

$70,619.48 Bridges, Janna C – Manager, Computer Operations

$30,920.52 Brothers, Doada C – Assistant Shift Leader

$50,505.00 Dunn, Frankie M – Network Engineer II

$81,102.44 Engel, Judith A – Manager, Software Applications

$55,237.52 Finnegan, Thomas Patrick – Network Engineer II

$50,803.78 Hendrickson, Darlene E – Information Systems Analyst

$75,713.56 Kilpatrick, James G Senior Systems Engineer

$74,895.48 Marple, Stephen E Manager, Network Engineering

$58,670.13 Rushworth Jr., Robert J Senior Computer Oper Spec

$37,800.52 Brett, Brenda Admin Secretary, MIS

$74,220.52 Steele, William Burdette Senior Systems Engineer

$62,700.00 Sylvia, Alison Quimby Senior Information Sys Analyst

$51,153.46 O’Brien, Jan Turner Specialist, Budget

$67,862.08 Willis, Lynn Senior Network Security Engin

$78,825.56 Woodward, Daniel P Senior Information Sys Analyst

$38,165.56 Bennett, Barbara Ellen Specialist, Security Admin

$61,464.52 Testerman, Harold D Systems Engineer III

$36,189.72 Miller, Susan R Technician

$81,102.44 Bateman, Richard J Manager, Software Applications

$48,561.43 Erwin, Danny Wayne Network Engineer I

$45,269.08 Bray, Rosemary Computer Programmer III

$55,876.52 Lind, David E Systems Engineer II

$43,686.92 Hester, Elizabeth E Senior Security Adm Specialist

$26,660.10 Kennedy, Jennifer E Computer Technician

$68,573.56 Houde, Joseph E Systems Engineer III

$41,982.52 Cudlin, Robin Marie Senior Network Technician

$48,054.00 Holloway, Myrna A Computer Programmer III

$35,326.22 Horn, Douglas S Analyst, Forms And Reports

$30,654.23 Pla, Concepcion A Office Specialist II

$69,923.70 Delio, Audrey A Senior Information Sys Analyst

$38,169.44 Leon, James Specialist, Computer Operation

$37,773.94 Hinckley, Lianmei Computer Programmer

$38,149.93 Clayton, Michael Brian Computer Programmer

$36,939.06 Tsai, Mao-Chen Computer Programmer

$45,443.37 Donohue, Karen S Network Engineer I

$38,165.56 Rodenbaugh Jr, Hubert Earl User Support Analyst II

$41,138.68 Ayala, Carlos M Network Engineer I

$47,769.24 Erker, Jim W Computer Programmer

$65,128.25 Richmond, Kenneth D Manager, Systems Engineering

$64,573.50 Aten, Mitchell W Senior Information Sys Analyst

$54,646.72 Willingham, Pamela A Information Systems Analyst

$37,398.63 Williams, Lawanna C Computer Programmer

$21,750.86 Colon, Lisa M Office Specialist II

$28,886.96 Rodriguez, Priscilla E Office Specialist II

$44,373.58 Vaught, William R User Support Analyst II

$33,997.56 Turley, Tracy J Technician, Network

$36,244.10 Hilton, Matthew A Systems Engineer I

$29,570.23 Smith-Crawford, Aaron Technician, Network

$50,725.46 Venkataramani, Kalpana Senior Information Sys Analyst

$35,614.02 Risley, Jay Michael Specialist, Computer Operation

$34,696.48 Foley, Scott James Analyst, User Support

$88,937.37 Hoag, Jennifer J Assistant Director, Reptng Req

$76,125.10 Boulware, Donald P Executive Director, MIS

$67,004.73 Lacey, Bonnie D Analyst, FTE Data

$65,128.25 Leary, Mark Manager, Software Applications (promoted to Asst Director since published)

$84,931.42 Parsons, Keith T Asst Director, Application Sys

$71,641.06 Kennedy, Alex J Asst Dir, Operational Services

$42,383.87 Dykstra, Paula B User Support Analyst II

$41,155.56 Anastario, Carol Senior User Support Analyst

$37,757.45 Vanarsdall, Marianne D User Support Analyst II

$46,039.01 Kaloostian, Gina M Specialist, Student Accounting

$53,840.44 Whitaker, Mark C Senior Computer Technician

$48,240.49 Boudreau, Richard Allan Technician, Media Production

Wages unknown:

McDaniel, Emily - Web Developer

Levene, Jessica - Manager, Lrn Tech & Help Desk

Ackerman, Charles - Specialist, Learning Technology

Goodman, Chad - Technician, Media Production

Orzel, Jerry - Technician, Media Production

This list does not include everyone.

This is Parkinson's Law exemplified: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinsons_law

Please show us some data that shows that any of the public schools in Volusia County can be considered "best", other than being better than other Volusia Schools.

Do you know that the teachers in private schools do not have to be certified by the state of Florida to teach? Would you go to a doctor or dentist without the credentials to do their job? Would you allow your neighbor to invest for you or would you be smart enough to see a certified financial planner. Public schools have better qualified teachers who are certified and are paid more than private school teachers. Give us some data that shows the best private schools are better than the best public schools...

PS: My kid is in second grade (after dark at his last school in Deland, we were actually afraid to park outside of school grounds!!).

I grew up in Seminole County and although some of the best government schools in the state, they are still inferior to a quality private school education. The people of Seminole chose to invest in schools that are performing well not throwing money into the school system with zero return. I shudder at the thought of having to send my child to Deland High School.

My property tax bill is criminal, the school board get's enough money, so do the "unfortunate poor" via the Hospital Authority (let's abolish this, nobody is paying for my healthcare!).

This county is mired in liberal, government employee largesse with poor results, bloated government and unfair taxation.

Elementary school is like daycare for my kid. I have to teach him so he actually learns something...there is zero challenge as they teach to the lowest common denominator. My kid reads at a near 4th grade level and 3rd grade in math because of his and my hardwork OUTSIDE of school.

Let the School Board eat cake!

There is but one solution for the Volusia County School Board.

FIRE MARGARET SMITH.

I would have no problem paying a little bit extra for the schools, if it were actually being used to improve education. Volusia County schools are so top heavy in administrators it's ridiculous. We have deans of deans, counselors counseling counselors, more sports coaches than a pro team, more vehicles sitting around and a fleet of tractor trailers emblazoned with the " School Way Cafe " logo delivering food. Start cutting right at the top, and work down the ladder. Enrollment is down, yet University High "HAD" to be built. A Taj Majal for the school board to show off, inflate their egos, and tout the " excellence " of Volusia County Schools. To Mrs. Smith and Co., live within your means, cut your budget, get rid of the fat, then come back to the voters. Put the money where it needs to go, in the classroom, not into more bloated salaries and things that twinkle.

This quote is from and article in the July 27th DeLand Beacon about the new school board budget:

The new budget is based on a proposed property-tax rate of 7.888 mills, or about $7.89 per $1,000 of taxable value. The tentative rate for 2012-13 is less than last year’s 8.06 mills, and also below the rollback rate of 8.2131 mills. The rollback rate is the rate that would generate property-tax revenues equal to those of the year before.

If adopted at the School Board’s final budget meeting Sept. 11, the 7.888-mill rate will cost the average Volusia County homeowner $619, less than last year’s $650 tax bite. The decrease in the tax rate and the anticipated revenue track the continuing decline of property values.

So why did the school board lower taxes and then ask then lobby for the referendum? This makes no sense.

Do you know that the teachers in your private schools do not have to be certified by the state of Florida to teach? Would you go to a doctor or dentist without the credentials to do their job? Would you allow your neighbor to invest for you or would you be smart enough to see a certified financial planner. Well you are sending your children to schools that don't have to use certified teachers. Public schools have better qualified teachers who are certified and are paid more than private school teachers.

Vastly inferior Volusia County schools? Check FCAT scores of public schools vs charters and VCS scores are way better. How are the FCAT scores at your private school? What? They don't take FCAT? If the teachers were any good, they'd welcome FCAT scores for comparison, wouldn't they? Think of what you could be doing with all of that money you are wasting!

Peg Smith's 2010 salary according to the NJ's Public Salary finder was $179,465. Since 2009, Vousia County has increased the number of their administrative people making over $150,000 by 29 employees. Go to FloridaOpenGov.org website and do some research. The School District is not interested in spending money in the classroom. That is why over 60% of the school budget is spent outside the classroom. Bloated administration. Spend taxpayer money wisely. That is all we want.

Oh Silence one more thing, keep in mind while you and I were out working for the "world largest" companies in their field we made pretty **** good money! (And don't worry nobody is going to try to "redistribute your wealth", I'm pretty sure that's a common catch phrase in your circles!)

While we were making "bank" this teacher was making lousy money and then spending some of it paying for classroom supplies the school doesn't see fit to provide!

Silence dogood-so here's my point, I have no problem pointing it out for YOU since you needed to ask.

I guess that meeting YOU had yesterday was scheduled and run by YOU.

And I guess when YOU worked for the VP of a very large software company, the largest of its kind YOU were the one that set up the meetings and were responsible for its existance.

And I'm sure, since YOU were the boss of the 3rd largest food service in the world, YOU were the one that created best in class problem resolution team.

You can consider yourself very lucky to have been employed by so many "progressive" and foward thinking companies. However I don't think that Floridas school systems would fall into that category.

So my point is that she's one person in a really big "pond"! And I guess she may not be as impressive as you to run things her way!!

In the end you sound like so many disgruntled union hating unhappy voters out there this week.

BTW I work for the largest telecom company in the world, now who's impressive? or at least impressed with themselves

What school and what subject do you teach?

How long have you been teaching?

What does "at least we got something" mean?

You voted not to maintain funding for our children, because YOU think they only need to be taught reading, writing, and math? Your outlook on education is FRIGHTENING and I feel badly for the children that are entrusted to your care each day.

Clara,

I agree that an additional sales tax referendum would have been a good option to consider, but do you think that would have passed? I doubt it. For me it came down to this decision: Pay more out of my pocket to invest in educating the students in our county, or vote no and watch our schools and our childrev suffer the consequences.

As far as being "fair"...my property taxes were $6,000 5 years ago and now they are $4,000. Our property owners are paying LESS now and our school system is suffering. I don't mind paying a few hundred a year more, because I fel like investing in education should be a priority. Narrow minded voters did not realize that that it would have helped their property value in the long run! (Do you really think the Chamber of Commerce would have supported a tax increase without understanding the long term payoff?)

You want to talk about UNfair....For every dollar Volusia County sends to Tallahassee, when legislators return it for education funding we get back about 96 cents. They take 4% of it and give it to other counties.

Reading over these ignorant posts reinforces my belief that most of the voters in Seminole County are indeed smarter than our uniformed voters.

To Sensible Citizens: The voters of Seminole County are not 'smarter' than the voters of Volusia County. The FUNDAMENTAL issue with the referendum is NOT whether the schools need these additional funds or whether the schools could be better stewards of the monies they have today. The FUNDAMENTAL issue is WHY does the burden for this extra funding fall ONLY on the property owner. You stated 'the voters of Volusia County don't want to pay for it'. YOu see the referendum presented did not ask ALL Volusia County citizens to pay for it - it only asked property owners to fund it. I agree education is key to our future BUT the plate for the additional funds should be passed to EVERYONE - not just the property owners. Our new favorite word is 'FAIR' - requiring EVERYONE to pay their fair share to get good education would be the appropriate route to go. If an additional sales tax referendum, for example, had been presented it most likely would have passed.

My wife and I scrimp, sacrifice, do without and drive 10+ year old cars in order to send our children to private schools and avoid having to send them to these vastly inferior Volusia County Schools which, I might add, I am a product of so I know from whence I speak.

Thugs who don't want to be there but are required to be, prostitots running around in hootchy shorts, the hallways filled with language you wouldn't hear in most bars, too many administrators and sadly, yes, teachers who couldn't give a d@mn less.

It galls me to no end that I still have to fund the mostly **** education the other children in this county are subjected to and if there parents don't care then I sure as hel l don't either. I am SOOO glad it went down in flames.

Yep - that's what I said - at least we got something. I am a non union teacher in the schools and also voted NO! TONS of waste at the upper level! This school board needs to prioritize their funds and spend it where it belongs. Art, Music, sports - they are AWESOME - but NOT the school's responsibility. The only responsibility the schools have is to teach reading, writing, and math so that children may take those basic fundamental skills and discover what they want to learn, on their own. Anything beyond those basics - is a luxury. Make the CUTS - Private sector has to - EVERYONE has to live within their means! We cannot afford to be spoiled anymore!

The approval would have made Volusia the highest taxed county in Florida. What business would want to move here if that's the case? Dr. Smith said she wasn't 'threatening but 'promising' cuts to our schools if this wasn't approved. She has already begun vocalizing her slashes to show us voters she means business. Instead of looking at the budget first, I think they should do an audit of VCS and see where the money should really be within the system and identify any waste or abuse.

I say,"More education for the money, not more money for education".

http://www.change.org/petitions/volusia-county-board-referendum-2012-save-our-academics-bands-athletics-arts-and-retain-teachers

Anyone who's ever seen the "spec book" on a new school project can easily tell you where the waste is; NOTHING used, even for a day goes into a new school, not books, TV's pencil sharpeners, NOTHING! Every building has to be built to hurricane shelter standards, though very few are used for that purpose. I worked on Deland high school remodeling project a few years ago, every teacher and probably their families too could walk through and add anything they wanted to, we wired and re-wired one building at least 8 times. One person should oversee that, no anyone who felt like it. Want to see where school money is squandered? Start with the "spec book"! Reign in the new school spending, the high school in Orange city cost more than 400 million dollars, what was that for, were we trying to launch it to the moon?

As a father of 3 children in Volusia County Schools I have a slightly different take. The ultimate responsibility of a child's education rests ultimately with the parents. I don't support the unions, not the bloated school bureaucracy, but I put most of the BLAME of lazy a$$ parents who have no interest in their children's education

Also, if the school system had all the money in the world, they would still gripe.

One more thing, I AM PRO CHOICD on alternative ways of teaching kids. If Florida Virtual works, great. If homeschooling works, I am fine with that. Many times I have had to teach my kids extra because the school system has dropped the ball.

Clara: You got it right. I used to be a substitute teacher and 90% of the students (elementary/middle) were Mexicans who couldn't even speak English. It was very difficult and these children did not come from home owners. Many people in Volusia County now rent homes and the tax wouldn't apply to them. I believe in giving everyone a chance but "everyone" should have to share in the educational process.

more taxes? for arts and atheletics? NO THANKS -- LET THE PRIVATAE SECTOR PAY FOR THOSE ( ISNT THIS WHAT I HEAR FROM THE GOP USUALLY"?

To Sensible Citizens: The voters of Seminole County are not 'smarter' than the voters of Volusia County. The FUNDAMENTAL issue with the referendum is NOT whether the schools need these additional funds or whether the schools could be better stewards of the monies they have today. The FUNDAMENTAL issue is WHY does the burden for this extra funding fall ONLY on the property owner. You stated 'the voters of Volusia County don't want to pay for it'. YOu see the referendum presented did not ask ALL Volusia County citizens to pay for it - it only asked property owners to fund it. I agree education is key to our future BUT the plate for the additional funds should be passed to EVERYONE - not just the property owners. Our new favorite word is 'FAIR' - requiring EVERYONE to pay their fair share to get good education would be the appropriate route to go. If an additional sales tax referendum, for example, had been presented it most likely would have passed.

They make these referendums sound like just a little more money, but all these different sources wanting just a little more money adds up. We're all tightening our belts and squeezing every last drop out of a dollar - they have to do the same thing!

Seminole County voters proved they are smarter than the people residing in Volusia County. They approved a school tax referendum identical to Volusia's proposal. They realized that an investment in education pays off in the long run. With great schools, more people wil want to move to Seminole County and those that own property in Seminole will benefit from their property value increasing over time.

The ignorant comments on here trying to blame the teacher's union, show how uninformed our voters were. The Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce and Daytona Speedway were in favor of the school board referendum, because they understand the value in have great schools.

In the end, our children and our community are the losers because of voter ignorance. Every one claims they want great schools, but the citizens of Volusia County don't want to pay for it.

Oh, I know what a union does. My father was in one of the first in the country. (Yes, he was that old and I still have kids in public schools.)

Once again I feel I must correct the teacher, it is RESEARCH not RE SEARCH.

Hopefully you are not one of my children's teachers.....

Terry - We just had a meeting yesterday. We had all members of our team on a conference call discussing things that work and things that don't work as well as ways to make the processes of our jobs go smoother.

Our union.... oh, wait we don't have a union so we can sit down with our bosses and discuss things like that. We do, on a regular basis. I'm sorry if you don't have a job like that, go find one.

My job before that I worked for the VP of the company and we regularly sat down and discussed the good and bad of the job. (By the way, that was a $1.2 billion a year software company, the largest of it's kind in the world.)

My job before that one, I was the boss and I regularly sat down with my employees and discussed the good and bad of the job. (By the way, at the time, that was the 3rd largest food service organization in the world.)

Thirty-two years in the workforce and I have always been able to speak my mind, good or bad.

What exactly is your point????

To Silence Dogood:

I'm not sure you understand what a union does, or what a union member is. I have one word for you re search. LOL

Silence do good, she said she was a teacher and a union member, not the president of the union. She should be praised for her honesty and forthright assessment of the situation.

Let me ask you a question, ever see something at work that could be done better? Ever hear your boss make a bad decision?

What did you do?

Wasn't it "YOUR" job? Wasn't it "YOUR" boss?

See not so fun or sensible is it?

It just amazes me that the school board wants more money...Volusia County Schools have more vehicles (not counting school buses ) cars,trucks,trailers.. I just can't imagine they need all these vehicles and the people operating them...That doesn't include the waste seen everywhere, just a bunch of fat cats wanting more...My taxes went up over 10% this year and I've been in it 15yr..Go cry somewhere else,

Anyone in administration making above $50,000 should be given a 5% pay cut. As for Teachers On Assignment positions - please explain? Are they in a classroom or not? Also, why does the School District own their own trash Trucks instead of having an outside company handle it? Probably a half million in savings right there. The School Board used taxpayer money to try and ram this down the throats of voters, using our tax money and time to do it. Voters got it right.

It's ridiculous to think that not funding education can be positive in any manner. How about repealing those vouchers and putting that money back into the public schools? How about checking up on teachers in a valid way to award raises and get rid of those not doing their jobs? How about supporting initiatives to provide a rounded education like you received? I wonder how many of you have school age children and are actually active in the schools and see what these teachers and children are up against. When the day comes that your future is in the hands of those that received an underfunded education, I hope you remember the points you are making here and are still content with your logic.

Teacher said - "Because you should see the WASTE of money in the school system that I see first hand every day. They do not need more of our hard earned money. They need to do a MUCH better job of managing and cutting costs."

and

"I am a teacher, a union member"

So how come YOUR union keeps telling us that the schools need more money?

Doesn't YOUR union know what is going on in the schools?

Do you as teachers and dues paying union members not tell YOUR union that they should be getting the school system to stop wasting money rather than wasting YOUR union dues on things like advertising for more taxes????

What are YOU doing to get YOUR union to get the school system to stop wasting?

It is YOUR union, are there not enough people that think like you to do anything about it?

If there aren't then "John" isn't really stereotyping, is he?

Seems to me you should be looking at yourselves and your union.

Oh, and it is "firsthand" or "first-hand", not "first hand". Just saying, for a teacher you're not nearly as smart .....

Teacher-- I agree! I appreciate the teachers and to be honest agree that your job is difficult and some of you do deserve raises and some do not to be honest. I say restructure the school district cut salaries on the white collar -from the superintendent to the principles to the guidance counselors that misinform the students and parents. You can then support your system.

I know more and more parents using FLVS due to the sorry state of the school system here. I totally support it and have used it it is excellent and you can monitor your children's learning and progress. I was really amazed that my daughter could not form a decent paragraph until I had home schooled her. What a scary thought.

To "JOHN": Stereotype and assume much?

I am a teacher, a union member, and a democrat, and I voted no on this. You are not nearly as smart and well versed on this subject as you think you are.

I'm a teacher and I voted NO on this, just like I do every time it comes up. Why? Because you should see the WASTE of money in the school system that I see first hand every day. They do not need more of our hard earned money. They need to do a MUCH better job of managing and cutting costs.

Now all the kids will go without an education! (From the mouths of demacrats) It's about time people stood up to these Unions and said NO more money. I am just still suprised at how close it was. Probably because there are already enough teachers who would obviously want this to pass. Thats not including the fat cat board and administration jobs. Cut those and they would be able to hand out $100.00 bills to everyone in Volusia.

How about instead of cutting teachers, how about you cut those board members salaries in half!!

YESSSSSS! At least Tuesday wasn't a total bust.