Comments on: Why did I move to Oak Ridge again?

By: Mrs. Eaves

Mrs. Eaves — Wed, 10 May 2006 15:01:42 +0000

I’m glad that you brought this up. It has me pretty steamed, too. I think it’s safe to say that our primary motivation for staying in Oak Ridge is the school system. We’re certainly not here for the variety of housing options, job opportunities, or cultural events.

Who is the City catering to with this decision? The City is constantly trying to lure middle and upper class families to the area. It seems to me that many (not all, of course) of the folks who would support a tax increase for education are the same type of people who are educated themselves, earn a decent income, are responsible homeowners and most likely parents. Kids are expensive, so in theory these types of families will generate a good bit of sales tax revenue. You know what? As the schools in Oak Ridge begin to decline, these families will move elsewhere in search of a better education for their kids. Bye-bye, property tax income. Bye-bye, sales tax revenue.

Are there expenses that could and should be cut from the school system’s budget? Maybe. I don’t know. But one of the programs they’re threatening to cut is the 4th grade strings program. That would be a damn shame.

By: atomictumor

atomictumor — Wed, 10 May 2006 17:18:38 +0000

Man, that ‘d be a really big shame. This is apalling.

By: GoldenAppleCorp

GoldenAppleCorp — Wed, 10 May 2006 17:40:51 +0000

I’d be interested in seeing a breakdown of the school system’s budget, put in layman’s terms. Being on the policy committee for the preschool, I’m privy to seeing their budget, but much of it is put in such broad strokes that someone like myself, who has no experience in such things, has no idea what it means.
I find it interesting, not to mention somewhat scary, that an ability in sports is more desirable than academic prowess. Not to say that physicality is unimportant, but I’ve always felt that a fit mind is moreso.
A winning football team is great… for the team. The few select players on it might succeed and go on to play college and even professional sports. But good education benefits everyone in the school system, not just the 20-odd people on a select team.
That was a bit rambly. Sorry.

By: Netmom

Netmom — Thu, 11 May 2006 11:05:56 +0000

Welcome back, AT & company… I’ve missed you. Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Eaves, the 4th grade strings program is one that got hauled out three years ago, and was narrowly saved (by a one-vote margin). As a parent of three viola players, I addressed the board during the public comment period, with a stack of references to research showing that early music instruction helps young brains develop new neural pathways that increase performance in several other areas — including math.

I’ll fight cutting it again this year, only from the other side of the dais.

There is a copy of the school budget at the public library, and the highlights and summary has a good breakdown in layman’s terms, but nowhere in it will you find a breakdown by program — it’s all by classification (salary, benefits, materials, utilities, etc.). As I understand it from former Board member and accountant Tracy Larabee, the State requires us to keep the books that way.

GAC, drop me a line (you have my e-mail address, and I’ll send my phone number). I’d be more than happy to sit down with you and go over the whole thing, answering any questions I can. Sadly, after about five years of restricted funding, there’s not a lot left that doesn’t impact educational programs. Still, there’s always the possibility that a fresh pair of eyes can see something that the rest of us have missed… that’s why we govern OF the people, BY the people, FOR the people — or at least it’s supposed to work that way.

By: Atomictumor

Atomictumor — Thu, 11 May 2006 12:13:08 +0000

Thanks for finding your way back here, NM, and for keeping us informed during all this. I am in the process of rethinking my longstanding belief that the world can run without me getting up and bitching in front of civil servants.

By: Netmom

Netmom — Thu, 11 May 2006 17:05:20 +0000

Showing up at the meeting and bitching on TV makes a public statement, but the more effective route is to CALL your elected officials (or e-mail them) in advance of the meeting where a decision will be made. Then after you’ve made contact far enough in advance for them to consider your input and look for a way to accomodate your request, show up at the meeting so that they have to vote while looking at you.

I truly believe that we have a good City Council, made up of people who want to do what is best for Oak Ridge. I know that they do listen… but that they have to hear from you first.

By: Atomictumor

Atomictumor — Thu, 11 May 2006 17:41:30 +0000

Seems to me tho, that the discussion here is pretty one sided in favor of the schools. The reporting slant by both local newspapers seem to be favoring the schools. The people who showed up at the meeting are overwhelmingly favoring the school. The discussion on the oakridger.com forum seems to be favoring the schools.

What interests are they looking out for, if that is the case? Is this a gilded cage kinda thing?