If the school board cared about education, they would start by funding the classrooms first - including adequate pay for STEM teachers, then work out from there. Whatever there wasn't enough money for would get cut. I suggest athletics. Not necessary, and when the school athletic director can get a teacher dismissed, that's a sign athletic programs must go.

The school board is nothing more than a jobs program for friends and relatives.

From WFTV news, University High janitor resigns after being accused of having sex with a minor. Who in the heck does the hiring? Then again, as ethically challenged as some of these posts have proven maybe he fit right in. Remember, he falls under Tysinger's regime since they decentralized the custodial staff.

Mr. Ted "I like you in those shoes" Doran? The attorney that used another attorney to plea for an admonishment before the Florida Bar? Ethics complaits in 2002, 2008? Yup the whole crew is based on ethical behavior, they should be, it's your tax money.

It's all legal when you have "TOP BILLING" Ted Doran backing your plan, to the tune of 2 million dollars of our tax money, gee wonder why he lost the County Chair elction?

If Dr. Smith approves it it is legal and ethical, DON'T question Dr. Smith (pretend you are the elected school board, they never question her). When she was awarded the no bid contract Dr. Smith stated something like, "we've known her a long time, she's done a lot of good for the school". I would too, if I knew it would result in a contract worth thousands (and if you read the profit sharing contract, overtime the majority of the money goes to Ms. Holman, not the schools). Remember...it's all for the children.

"getting no bid contracts"

is that ethical and/or and legal?

I'm suprised Nancy Holman hasn't found a way to offer security at the schools. It would be huge money, and she knows the inside scoop on getting no bid contracts, just like she got from Dr. Smith and the School Board for advertising at the schools.

Porn shown to Atlantic High School students,via computer, the poor substitute thought he was going to be showing them "The crucible". With all of the pedofile teachers arrested in the past few years why am I not suprised that porn is making its way into our classrooms. Despite the fact that BIG BUCKS are spent on their IT department, you would think blocking porn would be pretty easy. Then again The school board were also the ones who allowed a coach who was arrested for solicitaion keep on coaching while under investigation (must have been having a good season)!

I don't know how large the Beacon's staff is, or if they have an investigative journalist. I do thank their staff for allowing people to put stuff out there in the comments section, as well as reporting on local events. Our other bastion of news, the NJ, has proven to only print puff pieces, and press releases. They can't upset the advertising dollars. Maybe Channel 9?

these kinds of comments and examples always come out when a story is printed about the school board. why doesn't the local press start snooping around that house of ill repute?

The admin buildings, and hubs all have special locks and better security, guess equipment, and the Hot Shots takes precedence over our children, and teacher's safety. Guess that's why there is a Sheriff's Deputy at Board Meetings, but we can't get enough campus advisors to secure our schools.

Mr. Hale's website brings up some great points, but a glaring example of the School Boards lack of concern for safety is an email (obtained legally, and all school board emails are subject to public review) written by Mr. Ron Young on August 6 which reads in part (talking about a school board employee)..."I will tell you in my opinion his behavior is becoming even more unpredictable and as a result he is starting to worry me, I don't want this to escalate to a point where he is acting out physically against his co-workers." The employee was allowed to continue working around teachers, children and parents with no special precautions, or even a discussion with him. Maybe he wasn't so concerned after all, or maybe his lack of judgement is endemic of the entire Maintenance division. These are the people overlooking your children safety and security folks, I can't make this stuff up. I have a bunch more emails which I hope to share with Mr. Hale in the near future.

In regards to your question "how may disgruntled ex employees, parents with grudges, or just plain old whackos have access to these keys?"

The answer is: ANYONE that wants one.

The School Board's Maintenance administration is out of control, and Margaret Smith is knowingly allowing it to happen. Margaret Smith is out of control.

As far as the School Board members go, whether newly elected or not.. we know that time is their enemy if they continue to ignore the wishes of tax paying citizens.

They should be using their time wisely, or they will be gone.

Paul Hale @

http://OURvolusiaschools.org

While I do blame Dr. Smith, and her cabal of Maintenance goons (that is the correct word), for threats that are routinely made by maintenance supervisors, and if you try to complain up the chain of command you are written up, and/or forced out,...the nepotism, cronyism, etc. it is truly a horrible work enviroment, but most of the employees rely on the paycheck. The true blame lies with our elected school board, if you write to them, as a tax paying citizen, you get completely ignored. The newest member ran on a platform of listening to the taxpayers, and "implementing solutions" but you can't get a hold of her, well we got rid of "Rubber stamp" Conte, unfortunately we got the new and improved "rubber stamp" Costello. The school board are the ones who seem intimidated by Dr. Smith and her hired thugs, maybe they have something over them. The key issue is HUGE, how may disgruntled ex employees, parents with grudges, or just plain old whackos have access to these keys?

We are all concerned over safety, can we agree?

I was a witness one day.. to Russ Tysinger (Volusia Schools Director of Maintenance) and Ron Young (Asst. Director) parked outside of a locked gate into the teacher's parking lot at DeLand High School.

They were waving over one of the school's on-site maintenance guys and they were obviously miffed that they could not get into the gate with the key that they were trying in the lock They questioned why the gate had a "different" lock on it and demanded that it be taken off and replaced with the lock that they have decided should stay on the gate(s).

This Volusia County Schools Maintenance Department under the direction of Russell Tysinger and with the blessing of Superintendent Margaret Smith, has apparently been given carte blanche authority to come on to a school property and in many cases overrule decisions that are made by the Principal of the school, by the "Facilities" manager of the school.. and by the people who work at the school.

These are intelligent, hardworking, caring people that have the best interest of the school in mind at all times, yet Russ Tysinger is allowed to make decision FOR the school without input FROM the school.

Another case where we lose what is best for a school and therefore our children by Superintendent Margaret Smith encouraging and allowing the man "that answers only to Margaret Smith" (Russ Tysinger) this type of misappropriated power and over-the-top micro-management just because he "can", not because it is the right thing to do.

This trickle-down arrogance is embraced by others in charge of Maintenance. We have Ron Young, Dave Biletto (the man looking for an opportunity to take Ron Young's place), and Charlie Graves all using this license issued by Margaret Smith in this self-serving power grab.

Consider this..

It is the Volusia County Schools Maintenance Department that insists that all gates at a school be keyed alike. All gates at all schools at every location in the county. It is so common of a Master Lock key number that people that are in possession of this key are:

Maintenance employees, teachers, coaches, administration, custodians, campus advisors, guidance counselors, front office workers, ex-employees.. and:

STUDENTS. YES STUDENTS HAVE COPIES OF THIS KEY.

It is a key that can be easily copied at any local hardware store, Wal-mart, Lowes.. you name it. If you know where to go, you can go in and buy a lock with the same number and have two keys that come in the box.

The gate I mentioned above was locked with a "different" lock because the gate kept being opened and left open. It was decided at the school level that this was an obvious security and safety issue.

Didn't matter, if Russ Tysinger and Ron Young say to put the other lock back on it.. by GOD you better do it or face the wrath of becoming a marked man for daring to cross them.

There are thirteen sets of gates that line the perimeter of DeLand High School. Couple of examples.. one is a back gate that a person could drive into without being seen, and another comes in through a neighborhood that again, could be used withoout being seen.

Until it is too late, that is. Do you feel comfortable knowing that students.. kids could drive a vehicle into an area unseen? I don't.

Margaret Smith has cut the number of people used for security at a high school, and allows Maintenance to run wild under the directions of Russ Tysinger.

You have told our community, Margaret Smith, that you are doing everything possible to keep our children safe. Are you addressing the four largest security breaches that are sitting right beneath your nose?

Russ Tysinger, Ron Young, Dave Biletto, Charlie Graves.

Dear Me

I do care about the safety and welfare of children that is why I want our tax dollars used to educate them and I want their parents to step up to the plate and take care of their responsibilities. Open your eyes and you will see the reality of the situation.

Wow! You should take a hint from the Grinch and let your heart grow three sizes. While I agree with you that parents should share responsibility (and I do thank you!), your lack of concern for children's safety issues is astounding. While you have the right in this forum to remain anonymous, I really hope you are not a member of the community I live in. It is the school's responsibility to safely transport children to and from school, kinda the law you know, and one of the reasons we pay taxes. While most of us on here are asking for positive change (while critiquing our elected officials for fighting against positive change), you sir, take the cake. I am not religious sort, but I pary you are never responsible for a child's welfare. I'll end like I began, WoW!

Dear Me

I just happen to agree with the cutting of crossing guards. I am for parents being forced to be accountable for their childrens' transportation and safety. WE, ALL OF THE TAXPAYERS, ARE PAYING FOR THIER CHILRENS' EDUCATION THE LEAST THEY COULD DO IS GET THEIR CHILDREN SAFELY TO AND FROM SCHOOL. Everyone needs to be onboard and working together at some point, INCLUDING PARENTS. The School Board should be 100% focused on providing a quality education for our children and they should mostly focusing on Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. It should not be the responsibility of the School Board to get little Johnny to and from school, feed little Johnny, and clean little Johnny's read end for him. And if little Johnny is being a little A- Hole he should be sent home until he stops acting like a little A- Hole. As we are pointing fingers let us also point those fingers back at the parents who also need be held accountable.

It was also not responsible (don't know whether to blame the school board, or the Sheriff's office for this one) to reduce the number of crossing guards (many of them retirees working 2 hours a day at minimal costs), when I think it's been proven we have a very real problem of children being hit by cars around our schools. Also irresponsible to threaten layoffs and the removal of programs (as stated on the school's website, and let's face it they are threats to get taxpayers to pony up more), without a promise to look within administration first. I would like to start a grassroots petition, I will vote for any tax increase come next November if the School Board can promise a 30% reduction in Adminstrative costs.

Thank You Paul Hale...Keep up the fight...

Everyday that goes by, more and more eyes are being opened to the fact that this Superintendent needs to go, and it is the duty of our elected School Board members to begin the search for someone with executive oversight that can actually "see", as her replacement.

Someone who will be guided solely by what is in the best interest of our children.

Our children's safety, for instance.

It is NOT in the best interest of our children for Superintendent Margaret Smith to cut the number of people at the lower end of the pay scale that are used for security at a high school from 7 people down to 4 on a campus with the population the size of a small town.

It is NOT in the best interest of our children to then allow a department to assign the same number of "Project Managers" to the same high school.

These are men with not a whole lot to do that are hanging on to their projects as a way of extending their careers, paid for with our tax dollars to the tune of the $50,000 to $70,000 range, each.

Margaret Smith, this is UNACCEPTABLE.

Margaret Smith is NOT in the best interest of our children.

Need more examples? I will be documenting more and more at:

http://OURvolusiaschools.org

Paul Hale

Joe B just made me think of something, and he's absolutely right, why are we the Taxpayers being fined for the failure to meet the class size ammendment. We have no say over the bloated budget, teacher allocation, etc. etc. Shouldn't Peggy Smith and the school board be fined? All taxpayers are on the hook for 2 millions dollars and these jokers still get full pay, and medical (and in Piggy, oops, I meant Peg's case, bonuses). They are NOT CEO's of private company's with golden parachutes, in the school board's case, they have been elected to faithfully oversee the amount of money they are given, and to serve the public in a fiscally sound manner. Too bad there isn't a charge for gross mismanagement of public funds, at the very least Piggy's contract should be seriously renogiated.

Number 1: We are fined because of idiots who voted for a government mandate called the class size amendment.

Number 2: Ms. Smith needs to go. She mentioned that the recent rejection by volusia county voters of another tax increase makes things worse.

Number 3: Why does Tallahassee play these games also. Instead of fining us the taxpayer who is struggling, FIRE some people who get paid too much and do little. Let's start with the school board.

Number 4: Time to think outside the box. Why not encourage more students in taking their core classes on line at home. This silly class size law is based on those numbers anyway.

I'm with the poster named "me" below who said that the principals and assistant etc. aren't to blame. They aren't. I wouldn't put any blame on the instructional or support staff either.

It is Superintendent Margaret Smith foremost, her staff of 16.. and at least 3 School Board members who need to be held accountable.

Go out in the ultimate noble act "for the children" Superintendent Margaret Smith, and resign.

I agree with Kevin about the charter schools, they too need to go along with Mrs. Smith and a few more members of the school board. The dream was that charter schools would be better and that there would be a savings. It did not and it is not going to happen. Charter schools are just another way of individuals from the private sector to legally suck our tax dollars from the government's tits.

The schools are being fined due to class size ammendment. According to Dr. Moll's figures the school needs 125 teachers to meet that objective. My question would be, exactly how many "teachers on assignment", a program instituted by Dr. Margaret Smith, and endorsed by the School Board, do we have (and are not federally mandated positions), and can't they be put back into the classroom to meet that objective, (or at least get a good head start) and I don't know, actually teach children? Wouldn't that help out more for our children, than having pairs of teachers driving from school to school teaching other teachers? Remember they are always going on about, "It's for the children". Well for the children's sake let's get teachers back into the classroom, and meet the class size ammendment that the school's had 10 years to prepare for. Another idea, that may be out of the box, and will tick off the teacher's union. Do away with the "early release day", which causes scheduling juggling, cafeteria juggling, bus rescheduling, etc. Teachers, I know you are WAY overworked, but here's a solution (which could be written into your contract) you will never go for...instead of an early release day on Wednesday, stay one hour after school that day for planning (most teachers I've seen already do this with no compensation, bless them) then the school board can provide you with 2 hours leave (sick, personal...sorry not overtime, remember we are trying to save money)...to use when you really need it. Like I said, trying to think outside the box, but it makes sense rather than the mess we have now...just a common sense solution that some of us "stupid voters" could provide if we were actually listened to.

to Kevin; I am not blaming Principals, or Assistant principals, as part of "bloated administration", note what I said earlier about anyone who is two steps away from our children and the classroom. You have 1) the Teacher, and 2) the schools administrative staff (principal, AP, Guidance, secretary staff etc.). Now, I understand that the school board needs some administrative staff, but if they are more than 2 steps away from the actually teaching our children than their job should be looked at to see if it can be trimmed down, and these are usually the positions that make more money than the teachers, or the $20k a year maintenance worker who swings a hammer, custodian, paraprofessional,or campus advisor (yet those are the positions cut first). Review any title that starts with Deputy, Assistant, Executive, and see if it's warranted before threatening to remove programs from children. Look at the numerous supervisor positions for the "Hub" program Tysinger instituted (which wound up costing the district more, and with two supervisors at each location), or the fact that once they moved away from site based management for custodians (you know, instead of the principal at a local school running his or her own custodial staff, as it always was, and factored into the school's operating budget) it created "Custodial Supervisor" positions (in reality those positions went to supervisors whose jobs were possibly on the chopping block as they were no longer any need for them, or places to hide them). Let's look at the fact that supervisors(the guys making 50k) are given cars and gas to drive to and from work, (they get to park them at the school's nearest their homes), while the front line employees are sometimes arbitrarily moved causing a 45 minute commute, and being told they are lucky they have a job. Here's a hint to taxpayers who have to much free time, when you go to your local school, note how many maintenance trucks are there, then look around and see how many people are working on one job, also look at the photos the school board publishes in it's maintenance newsletter whenever there is a birthday, retirement etc. you will notice it's always the same people in the photos, time to eat cake? We don't need you, here's a simple solution, have the celebration after work. Dig deep into the FMT program (and of course they have, have you guessed yet?, supervisors) and audit their time records, is the school getting their monies worth, or would it be more economical to send someone as needed? (I did overhear a story how one FMT submitted a work order of 45 minutes for replacing a light switch cover!) These are the instances of a bloated administration that caused taxpayers to vote down the tax increase, we are tired of Dr. Smith, and by extension, our elected school board, threatening to removed school based programs, when they absolutely refuse to clean their own house first. I truly hope Mrs. Costello, and Mrs. (Ms.?) Wright follow the voter wishes, rather than what the veteran school board members seem to do in my opinion, rubber stamp whatever Dr. Smith wants, and that is to cut the fat, and waste before touching any programs that affect our children.

Plain and simple Mrs. SMITH NEEDS TO GO!!! And get someone who actually knows what they are doing.

Have the expenditures of the Volusia County School District become so great that Superintendent Margaret Smith does not know or understand where our tax dollars are going? If so, she needs to be replaced.

Has Superintendent Margaret Smith deferred that responsibility to others in positions of power that are giving her a true accounting of where our tax dollars are going, but she fails to adapt fiscally? If so, she needs to be replaced.

If she does not know or understand and has deferred the responsibility to others, are people in positions of power failing to give Superintendent Margaret Smith the complete and accurate information that is required in order to make wise decisions? If so, she needs to be replaced.

Do you see where this is going? It starts at the top.

Let's see... "An amendment to the Florida Constitution approved by voters in 2002", and nearly 10 of those years under Margaret Smith to prepare for what has remained the law (like it or not).

According to the story above, these fines are a result of a census that was conducted in the fall of 2012, yet Superintendent Margaret Smith is now trying to find a way to blame their incompetence on the voter rejection of a tax hike in November of 2012? Sorry there Dr. Smith, but we don't buy the balderdash.

We have less students now in our school system and they have already been cutting teachers as well as the support staff, you know.. the people who have the greatest impact on our children and the people that are tasked with preserving and protecting the investments made by our tax dollars into buildings and equipment.

No talk of cutting the cost of administration, wherein lies most of the fat.

Nothing about the $92,118.52 paid per MONTH in a highly questionable contract to an outside contractor (with contract extensions) at the urging of their Director of Maintenance.

Nothing about curtailing the out of control spending within their Technology Services Department, a department that surrenders to vendor lock-in at every opportunity and uses no creativity in digging themselves out of the financial mess they have made.

No talk of reeling in a Maintenance Department (well actually that would be Russ Tysinger, Ron Young, Dave Biletto and hanging on close to their rears.. Charlie Graves) that oversteps their IQ in a bewildering quasi-attempt to manage educators in some areas by removing site based management from schools. No talk of ending their rule by intimidation. You have most of an entire Maintenance Department of good men that are afraid of being transfered to the opposite side of the county, shifted around onto other crews.. or worse yet fired because they dare question the logic behind a decision or make a suggestion about doing something more efficiently, thereby saving money. There is something seriously wrong there.

In other words, no talk of actually removing waste and addressing problems that are so obvious even the unenlightened little people like us can see it. No, we have a Superintendent in search of the Golden Excuse.

If that's not enough to make you feel all warm and secure, think about this..

Superintendent Margaret Smith is now telling our community that everything possible is being done to protect our children from harm after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. Let's look at some reality in contrast to that sentiment.

DeLand High School.

They have four "Campus Advisors" which is the Volusia County School's term for the modern day hall monitor/security that you will see on golf carts or manning gates at the school. This number is down from seven that I know of, going back a few years. They are part of the lower paid support staff that the bloated administration continues to cut. I believe they start out at about $10 per hour and they are as close to having security force at a school as you will get.. a couple of them are mobile and a couple are at gates all day at DHS.

So there you go. In the name of saving jobs at the top.. they have cut security at the school level. Who approves and/or directs this to happen? Superintendent Margaret Smith. Now lets look at the Volusia County Schools Construction Project Tracking Report dated January 7th, 2013. That crack team of efficiency experts sitting over on the Facilities/Maintenance side of the house has four (yes 4) "Project Managers" now assigned to Deland High School. This is right now, today.

DeLand High - Fancher, David 124343 Reroof & Gutter Repair 4 Const A/R/C Assoc. Southland Rowe

A job that's been going on since school let out last year. A Sr. Construction Proj. Manager, this employee costs at least $63,592.56 per year.

DeLand High - Hood, Larry PO Upgrade Chiller 1 Planning Luvata

Oh look, another Sr. Construction Proj. Manager and making a minimum of $62,446.87 per year.

DeLand High - McKinnon, Paul 114321 T12 to T8 Conversion 4 Const N/A

This is simply changing out light bulbs and/or light fixtures . A Construction Project Manager making at least $52,898.63 per year.

DeLand High - Nasbe, Tom 120001 Freezer Building 1 Planning Starmer / Renaldi

To lighten the load, we now have a THIRD.. YES A THIRD Sr. Construction Proj. Manager assigned to DHS and he's making $67,502.92 or more. He is overseeing an outside freezer that is being brought in for a cafeteria that somehow existed on what they had in the past when they had more students... but I digress. This "project" has been in the works since May of 2012 that I know of, and it is now classified as " In Planning". In planning for 8 months? In simple terms this amounts to a company dropping a freezer off and the School Board providing a spot with electricity.

STOP TALKING OUT OF YOUR REAR END, MARGARET SMITH... and stop politicizing our children's safety.

Paul Hale

http://OURvolusiaschools.org

If you think there is too much "fat" in the administration, consider that many principals and assistant principals are managing multiple schools and that overall administration has been cut steadily since the real estate market crash. Also, remember that some administration is both helpful and necessary to ensure that efforts are coordinated and effective - they are not the bad guys here. Finally, it is near impossible to meet the class size requirement given the pitiful level of funding that our schools receive. This is not a failure of our local school board and administration; this is a failure of our legislature in Tallahassee. (And, not coincidentally, the more that our legislators defund public education, the less effective our public schools are - and the more legislators divert public education funds to private/charter schools instead. Wouldn't it make more sense to take that private/charter funding and put it back in to making our public system successful again?)

First of all, I went to Catholic School. Second, I have no children. Third, MY tax bill for schools are $2,136 a year. Do you maybe think that I may be paying MY fair share and other people could possibly start paying THEIR fair share?----Just a thought.

hey kudatz, we tried to pay for it in this past election but unfortunetly there are too many retirees in this county who feel like they should not have to pay for children school, although somebody had to pay for yours.

I would have to agree with hugh and morton. Too much fat in the administration. Like in school leadership starts at the top and if the leader is failing so will the rest and that is what is seemin too happen.

I for one am leaning on private school more and more every day.

To hey, it might be cheaper to pay the fine...but the fact of the matter is Dr. Smith is not meeting the taxpayer voted class size ammendment. She is paid 170k to meet the wishes of the students and taxpayers, not to get an "A" district into a "C" district, and still get a good evaluation from our spineless school board.

All we ever hear is ,"Oh, we'll have to cut programs...", how about she start with, "Let's see what we can do to streamline our internal Administrative budget, operating costs, etc...then work her way to programs that affect our children. Some TOA's are paid with federal dollars and can't be moved, how many other TOA's can be put right back where they belong, in the classroom! Taxpayers voted down the budget increase because many of us are parents, and have seen up close the amount wasted on employees that are more than 2 steps away from actually teaching our children. Look at the bloated departments...the Maintenance, Computer programmers (but we outsource the School website to a company in North Carolina), the 90k+ a month on the Aramark contract, the number of Attorneys on the payroll, etc. before saying we have to take stuff away from the students. If you really want to get mad at the waste, google "ourvolusiaschools" wriiten by Mr. Paul Hale, then come back and comment.

I am sick and tired of the bs that we get from the School Board and the administration. Stop playing the games and do your f---in jobs. And parents knock off your **** as well. You had them and if you want them to have the extra amenities in school YOU pay for it out of your own pockets.

why dont the overpayed council cut their pay to help with the budget cause what justifies the superintendent to be payed $175,000 dollars a year for pushing pencils behind a desk

Keep up the fight for us Morton...

This seems stupid ... the state charging penalties to the county? More of Tallahassee's left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.

I agree with Morton! what is this council thinking??Also KUDATZ

how about people should just do their jobs and run the district according to the way the PEOPLE want it ran,those who voted for class size that's what they wanted smaller classes how about less administration and BS positions they new this was coming!

Every time voters VOTE down this board there answer is always to blame the voters?? really they are running the company run it! we gave more money yrs ago on a tax where did that go oh yea 90 million dollar high school built on a SINK HOLE now Educated Engineers and Superintendent went along with that! Funny how people forget.

IF...and that is a big IF...the Vousia County Council would quit giving away money to non profit / non taxpaying businesses the School Board would have more money.

ONLY Council chair Jason Davis and Councilmember Pat Patterson voted against the $20,000 giveaway to a " Brawl at the Beach' baseball event. They were outnumbered and the $20k was given away.

There were $30,000 more in giveaways scheduled to be given to Non Profit/non Taxpaying bum groups on Jan 10th 2013 example

$5000 for Halifax Medical Foundation INC

They have $19.9 million in assets and took in $6.7 million last year according to their form 990

$3000 for a Crime Stoppers Dinner

Crimes Stoppers Inc list assets of $415,411 and took in $140,881

$1500 for Stewart Marchman Inc. they list Assets $8million and took in $736,087

Visit the website Guidestar.com and research these non profit gamers by zip code.

Visit TaxExemptWorld.com and MelissaData .com see is jumping through the tax loopholes and BEGGING for goverment money.

Consider asking Volusia County Councilmembers why they voted to give away $20,000 to a baseball game? Their numbers are on the County website.

You have a duty to ask those people why they give away taxpayers money to Fat non taxpaying businesses when so many are hurting from the recession and inflation.

See if you can find on Guidestar.com a non profit that works from a PO Box in Daytona and took in $20 million last year.

See if they paid taxes like poor people do?

Hey, I got a GREAT idea. Why don't all the people in this County that voted for the smaller classes pull their wallets out of their pockets and pay for what THEY voted for. It only seems fair and logical to me.

Shouldn't the Superintendent be held responsible for not doing her job?She is paid to run this district along with School Board members?? what is this leadership doing we have successfully went from an A district to a C and yet The board gave this Superintendent a great rating on her review?I say this fine would have hired many teachers to avoid fine! If we have no money how are they going to pay with our tax dollars a fine??

Time for New Leadership!!! Volusia County Schools need a new direction to take, 10 yrs with Ms.Smith is long enough! And Hugh are you looking for a new office?? wake up folks these are OUR children and their EDUCATION!Time to Clean House from TOP to Bottom

The budget cuts that can prevent fines are:

1. Cut the number and salaries of the huge number of administrators that administrate administrators. The fat in the school system is in the administration.

2. Unify the government public transportation systems so that all of Volusia County's needs are addressed by one system run by Votran. The school system can focus on teaching children.

3. Limit the salaries of administrators.

They don't or can't teach all they do is administrate administration.

4. Make each Principal responsible to the teachers at the each school. A successful principal will help the teachers achieve their goals, including doing well on standardized tests.

5. Decentralize the maintenance work force to limit the time and expense of driving all over the county to take care of the needs.

6. Terminate all personnel who are collecting a retirement and a pay check. As I understand it there is only one left on the pay roll.

It might be cheaper then hiring teachers but I hope the staff at your future nursing home are a product of our under staffed school.

Gov Scott cut all those teacher positions, and now he is fining them for class size?!? #Notright

cheaper to pay the fine than hire teachers.