May 23, 2005
Bridgewater
Raynham
Easton
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Massachusetts
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Bridgewater-Raynham Schools
Massachusetts
USA
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Opinion/Analysis
Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
Over the past several days, much has been written about B-R having the highest ratio for students to teachers. So, I downloaded the two key spreadsheets from the DOE that detail amount of money spent on all expenses, dollars for teachers, number of teachers and number of students.
Bridgewater-Raynham is ranked 7th highest in ratio of students to teachers for FY04 (last available complete data set). What was also very interesting was that B-R was ranked 18th with 53.5% of all expenses related to teacher salaries. Also, that B-R was ranked 21st with an average salary of $60,277.
{Important to note that these numbers may differ slighlty from other published reports since these reports are supposed to include activity for all funds and not just the General Appropriation Fund.}
The current thinking put forth by some of the "pro-spending" individuals is that the solution to the current situation is to hire more teachers. As this is done, B-R would quickly move into the top 3 for percentage of dollars dedicated to teacher salaries; and we already have some of the highest paid teachers!
Keep in mind the recent contract negotiated by the School Committee and the teachers. The School Committee did not have to justify their financial offer, nor did those in favor of the extravagant contract have to point to a revenue source to financially sustain the contract. When Selectmen negotiate a contract with the Fire or Police, they have to KNOW the funds can be provided. But, for the School Committee, all it has to do is agree and then demand the money or complain that people do not care about children.
Follow the money, and who is pushing for the increased funding. Remember that there was just a presentation in Bridgewater on Ethics and 'Conflict of Interest'. Who makes out on the Teacher contract and more funding?
Where is the Accountability for the tax dollars - your dollars?
